Tokyo Recap

I guess since I have been home a week and we finally have an end to our fiscal-year at the good old FC, I can take the time to recap my trip to Tokyo. For those of you that don't know on Monday August 11, our Controller walked into my office and asked me if I have a current passport. Once I confirmed in the affirmative he asked me if I would be willing to go to Japan and help with a year-end audit as well as the SOX Audit. I told him I would and on the 16th of August I was on a plane to Tokyo. As I give you my wrap-up please remember I am leaving out "I was at work all day."


Monday August 18


We went to the Shibuya area of Tokyo for some touring. There is an area here that seems to me they call it the crossroads. This is where about 5 different streets come together and it is the busiest intersection in Tokyo and one of the busiest in the world. Whenever you see documentaries or news specials about Tokyo this is one of the places they generally show, because it is so busy. We toured the area and found a little cafe for dinner, which when narrowed down they had basically 2 different sandwiches, egg and banana. (Not together) It was kind of fun going someplace that was not crowded and not a tourist stop.


Tuesday August 19


This was the day my life changed forever. I experienced the world of Kobe Beef. (Listen, I think angels are still rejoicing for me.) No really, it is an over priced experience but man was it good. Our tourist destination was Tokyo Disney. Which is much like the original Disneyland in California (minus the California Adventure) but on a smaller scale. The rides were fun and the lines were long, but still it is Disney and one of the happiest places on earth. My only complaint was the humidity, in the photos of me you will notice I look pretty damp, let's just say it was not all from Splash Mountain.


Wednesday August 20


We made two stops this evening, the first of which was at the Tokyo LDS Temple. What a beautiful temple! After getting off the subway you walk a couple blocks, turn a corner and there it stands right in front of you. Unlike most other temples it was a bit difficult to see at a distance, but once you get near it is beautiful and very peaceful.


After the temple we made out way back to the subway and re-emerged in the Roppongi area of Tokyo. You walk out and immediately look up to see Roppongi Towers the 5th tallest building in Tokyo. We were able to ride the elevator up to the 52nd floor where we were able to walk around the inside of the building looking out at the beautiful city below. (Isn't it amazing that when you look down on a large city it looks beautiful?) This is a great experience and an awesome way to see the sites!


Thursday August 21


This was the night we visited Kabukiza, the Japanese Theater. I won't go into detail as I have already written about this experience.


Friday August 22


We once again found ourselves in the Roppongi area of town. We went to dinner at The Hard Rock Cafe (I needed my shot glass). After dinner we walked to the Tokyo Tower. Which from what I understand is similar to the Eiffel Tower, except construction barrel orange. I thought it was pretty interesting, I must have, I took 30 pictures of the dang thing.


Saturday August 23


Because our flight did not leave until almost 4:00 p.m. we had some time to catch a little more of the beauty of Tokyo. I wanted to see something a little more "Tourist-E", someplace where I could pick up some souvenirs. We went to the Senso-ji Buddhist Temple. As you get there you walk through the Thunder-Gate and immediately see about 89 shops along the Nakamise-Dori (the walk way to the Main Temple). These shops sell souvenirs, traditional foods, and clothing. I am certain there were many other things, but I just did not notice them. In addition there are beautiful gardens, a five-story pagoda and other statues as well as the main hall. It is amazing to me to go to these buildings that have stood for years--sometimes longer than my country has even been a country. This temple was first founded in 645 which makes it the oldest Temple in Tokyo.


The flight home was long but at least I made it! The trip was a great experience not only for me personally, but felt it was a good experience for me professionally.