Sunday, October 21, 2007

October 20, Saturday

Today we had the whole day to explore on our own. Some of us took the subway and went all over Tokyo. Here are some of the sights we saw. These two are called pushers. About 2-3 million people communte by subway into Japan during the week. In order to maximize space on the trains and subways, the government employs pushers who literally push on people as they try to fit into the train so everybody will crowd up and make room for more. Notice their white gloves. Unfortunately, although we rode on some crowded subways, we did not get to experience the fine art of pushing. The subways are very clean and quiet! No one visits during the ride - they sleep, read or daydream.

McDonalds is a universal language. In Tokyo they also have shrimp sandwiches at McDonalds.
The Japanese recycle everything! At McDonalds we had to separate every part of our garbage for recycling. Vending machines are everywhere. Even so, you don't see people in public eating or drinking because they consider it impolite. Maybe that is why you do not see any litter or garbage cans.

Here is a photo from the kabuki theatre performance we saw on Friday. She was acting and there were musicians singing and playing instruments in the background.

A traditional Shinto wedding procession.

A little girl wearing her finest for the wedding.

This a Buddhist lantern festival which is like a Mexican Day of Dead celebration. It was full of dancing, music and processions.

A very cool car about the size of a Volkswagon beetle. Talk to you later!

3 comments:

LoneRockLibrary said...

The pictures are just great. What fun! ruth

LoneRockLibrary said...

Jan-It is so fun to hear what you are doing and seeing. I can't wait to talk to you when you come home. Have fun! Betty

Tano said...

You must be havin' a grand ol' time! -tano


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