Yokohama Daze and the start of Golden Week

I left the house with Sho this morning (him on his way to school) to head out on the Shinkansen bullet train for a day's adventure in Yokohama. I Loveeee riding the Shinkansen and my 7 day purchased pass (about $350) has gotten its worth for sure!!!! It took about 90 minutes to ride to Yokohama and on a clear day you can apparently see Mt. Fuji when you got past the area. It was a gorrrrrgeous day out but I may have either slept past the sighting or it was not clear enough....since I didn't see it (Luckily, I'll have another chance to try and spot it on the way to Tokyo tomorrow!).

Yokohoma is only another 20 minutes on the bullet train to Tokyo but I was only doing a day's trip. I didn't realize the city is located right along the water. It is a huge port for economy, business and also an international ferry terminal (mainly for Korea). It is home of the world's largest ferris wheel and also the biggest Chinatown in Japan and all of Asia. I had a great time walking around and it is very easy to get around on foot. There is a big amusement park right along the water in the city (Cosmo World) and this is the home of the giant ferris wheel.

Chinatown has 10 main entry gates and was filled with people of all ages. There are literally hundreds of Chinese restaurants to eat in and side street vendors selling the popular Chinese steamed buns and treats. I got home around 5pm.

Today also marks the start of "Golden Week" in Japan. It is named this because of a string of marked special holidays on the Japanese calendar including the Emperor's Birthday (April 29), Constitutional Memorial Day (May 3), "Greenery Day"(May 4) and "Children's Day" (May 5). Sho has a whole week off school and this is the case for all schools. It is the busiest traveling time in the year with families celebrating in various places around the country.

I know it will be a different experience going to Tokyo at this time of tragedy for the country. I hear that things are slowly getting back to "normal" with the blackouts reduced and train lines getting back on schedule. I am still excited however to experience this well known city with lots to do. One last stop on this Australasian Adventure for me......