Whirlwind Weekend - Japan Style

So, John had yet another holiday (this one was the actual Health & Leisure Day) today (Monday), so we decided to take advantage and make the most of the weekend....and I can safely say we did just that.

Our first stop: OKTOBERFEST

In order to get in touch with our German roots we decide to go and see how Japan throws an Oktoberfest. It was held in Yokahama, which is kind of like a huge suburb of Tokyo (or that's how it's described). We went with our new friends, Nikki, Dave, Sam and little Brooklyn tagged along too. We had the best time...John drank some German beer and I had a glass or two of German wine. It was held in an area near the waterfront and we even had a little bratwurst...yummy!

So, here's a little slideshow if you want to see our celebration....

Weekend Day 2: KAMAKURA

On Sunday we decided to get out of the city and venture over to Kamakura, which is about an hour outside of Tokyo via the train. It's close enough to take visitors (insert your own name here) when they come, but yet outside the city enough to feel like you are getting more of Japan. It was really nice....we only made it to one temple area, but will definitely be going back to see the Big Budda. This was more of a scouting mission to get our bearings, but I have a feeling we'll be going back a few times before seeing it all.

And here are some pictures....we didn't get a picture of the crazy food thing that we had, but it was good. It was like some sort of fish patty grilled and put on two skewers. The lines were out of control due to the holiday for the restaurants and most of the food stands, but we found the one with the patty things that was fast. We are trying out all sorts of fun Japanese treats. So far I can say I haven't tried anything that I hated and usually I've really loved everything.

And last but DEFINITELY not least: Health and Leisure Day

John had Monday off, so we woke up gradually, John made me breakfast...I have the best husband ever and he makes the most yummy breakfast. We've managed to figure out the breakfast tacos here...woohoo! Then we roamed around, went to the bookstore, and decided to hit up Omotesando to see if we could figure out where the International Bizarre is. Some friends have been there and it's supposed to be fun to see, so we were off.

We gawked at the high end prices in Ralph Lauren and wondered what the VIP room there was and how one gets to that level....interesting.
Then we set out to find a pedestrian street that we had seen in passing on another occasion that had lots of interesting looking shops. And that is where we found "it".....all of a sudden we see this crazy looking building with this red piping all over the front.

Who could resist this building? So we see what it is...a gallery and cafe....awesome. We walk inside and there are all sorts of interesting art works in all these little rooms everywhere. We wander around and I'm thinking this is really interesting...and then we go outside to see what the cafe has to offer and that is when we realized that we were in for a show....and it was quite interesting to say the least. I can say that I've seen some "crazy Tokyo" today. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment....

Well, when it comes right down to it I guess you could say it was just me and the girls.....

Until next time....Jenn