Japan with Mom....celebrating her 85th birthday year

Being in Japan with mom was wonderful....everyday was special.  Everyday was memorable.
We were able to leisurely awaken each morning and mom would share happy times she recalled of her childhood days, memories of her parents, her brothers, her friends, meeting my dad, and getting ready for her wedding.
Each day, we strolled along the streets, wherever we were, ducked into quaint little eateries, shops, and
laughed and shared some more.
Mom loves to sing songs that come to her mind, whether about the birds, the fallen soldiers in the war, the season, etc....and so she sang on a little each day....it was too precious.
We were able to meet up with Naoko, Taku, Ko, and Taku's parents, Isamu and Sumiko in Tokyo.
And, we enjoyed being with Mr and Mrs Funakoshi, at Miyojinkan Tobira Onsen and also back in Tokyo.
WHAT FUN!!!
Mom did great on this trip....maybe we will be able to go back again.  You never know.
We went 2 years ago to Kyoto and Osaka with Michael and Winnie...that was to be her "farewell trip to Japan."...Well, we made our 2nd farewell trip to Japan because she is doing so well.  So, you just never know. Life continues to be beautiful, full, and joyful.

 

Mommy in our ryokan clothing at Myojinkan Tobira Onsen.  Our street clothes were put away till we were ready to leave. It was so relaxing and most enjoyable....delicious Japanese cuisine, the hot springs baths, the tranquil mountain setting...beautiful...bliss.





We were fortunate to be surrounded by vibrant autumn colors on the hills, the sound of the stream below, and quiet peacefulness.  We were told that next month, the trees would be bare and snow beginning to fall.  Myojinkan Tobira Onsen is located outside Matsumoto, in Nagano prefecture, 2 and a half hours from Tokyo by train.




Mom and I, Yasuko and Keiko, visiting  an ancient post town, nestled in the Kiso-ji Valley, between Matsumoto and Nagoya.

After our respite at Myojinkan, mom and I rode the Azusa Limited Express train back to Tokyo.  The ride gave us a chance to see more of the countryside....it is amazing the amount of agriculture....all kinds of vegetables and rice fields.
 
Once back in Tokyo,  Mom and I enjoyed our walks from our hotel each morning....exploring and discovering.  The Hibiya Park was across the street from us and had an autumn floral show.  And, walking in the other direction, we checked everything between our hotel and the Ginza.  One of the most fun things was the basement food floor of Mitsukoshi Dept. Store.  What fun we had oooohing and ahhhhing.
We also were able to meet up with Naoko's family for an afternoon of visiting and dinner together.

Taku's parents, Isamu and Sumiko with Ko

Naoko, Taku, and Ko



Mr and Mrs Funakoshi invited us for an afternoon and evening together....what a wonderful day it was.
We had the most delicious tempura lunch (the chef is recognized as #1 in all of Japan).  Next, we visited the Tokyo Edo Museum, and the highlight was being given a short performance by Mrs. Funakoshi and her classical musicians group.   It was lovely, to say the least.....again, each day was beautiful.

Our visit to Japan came to an end, but not without a happy heart and big smile on both our faces.

Japan was great. Mom is healthy and happy.  Life is GOOD.