Tochigi, Japan

We are now several weeks behind on our blog posts. As of this writing, we have been in Hoopa, CA for a week, starting our one month of working on an organic farm. However, right now I will tell you about our time in Tochigi, Japan.

with Coi and his family at Edo Wonderland, posing with Edo Wonderland workers in costume

My Mandarin language classmate from Taipei, Coi, invited us to his family’s home in Tochigi, Japan, for a couple of days. Our first stop was to Edo Wonderland, where you can learn in a fun setting about the Edo Period in Japan.

Mags really enjoyed the Geisha parade at Edo Wonderland

We went to Ryuzu Falls. The azelia flowers next to the falls were quite stunning.

We then visited Rinoji Temple, which is the origin of the famous Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil monkeys.

cute paddle boats on the lake

When you special order sushi, it is automatically brought to your table by a high-speed train.

We didn’t leave hungry.

Japan really does have superior technology to the US, at least for things that are in everyday use by the general public. At this sushi restaurant, you can order your special dishes on a touch screen. A minute or two later, a miniature high-speed train literally brings the dish right to your table.

rice fields were everywhere in Tochigi

Tochigi was a nice contrast to Tokyo. It is generally a rural prefecture in Japan. The towns in Tochigi are small, yet there is still excellent train service. It was relaxing to be among the slower pace of life, surrounded by farms and nature.

typical Japanese sleeping arrangements: tatami (bamboo) floor, with a futon mattress right on the floor

Coi and his family were gracious hosts! They have a lovely home and we were quite comfortable. We were also blown away by the time they took to show us around and take us places.

Coi and his friends

Coi took us to a restaurant and bar, where we met two of his friends, who were a lot of fun to hang out with. Coi, however, eventually dozed off. Too much sake.

no permanent markers were used on Coi

We had such a great time in Tochigi that I didn’t even fit the next two parts of our Japan journey in this post. Much thanks to Coi and his family for having us to their home. I leave you with a few more Tochigi pictures.

we actually ate horsemeat garnished with horse oil and scallions.

pretty butterfly in the meadow

We enjoy mochi and egg at a mountain park