Hello from Asia.
Russ and I are in Japan!
I am grateful that I married someone with a taste for adventure. We just got here on Saturday evening so I am just getting adjusted to the time difference, the food, and the train schedule. Tokyo is a very clean city and the people here have been so gracious and kind.
Traveling always provides a new and fresh perspective for me. Time to focus more on all that I am grateful for in my life. Clarity of mind to think about my hopes and plans for the future. Being abroad in a country far from home with a very different culture also encourages me to step outside of my box and try new things.
<My pictures this post are taken from my iPhone…so not the best quality…but wanted to share some of my trip with you!>
The Japanese gardens are quite beautiful here.
Russ worked today, so I did a little exploring. I took the train to Asakusa, the home of Tokyo’s oldest shrine. I was proud of myself…I didn’t get lost! Ha! 🙂
There was a service going on…so I took a pic from the outside looking in…
Outside the shrine was a large vessel with smoking incense. Visitors wave the smoke to toward their faces as the smoke is believed to have healing power.
When in Japan, there are many shrines to peruse and lots of shopping to be done ….so… that is what I did! I walked around the Nakamise Shopping Arcade and then walked to Kappabashi Street full of vendors selling pottery, cooking knives and other interesting shops. I found the cutest cookie cutter in the shape of a spoon I had to have.
Rice crackers are for sale everywhere and come in all shapes and sizes.
I found these little rice crackers dressed up in kimonos…had to have them too!
I got a little daring and got a little sweet pastry from a local merchant. Not sure what it was….but it tasted good. Ha!
Getting food that I like has been a little tricky for me. I am very glad I brought supplies from home including small individual Barney’s almond butter, Nature’s Path Gorilla munch trail mix I made up with Gorilla munch, peanuts, gluten free pretzels and a few chocolate chips, and Go Macro peanut butter granola bars. 🙂 Just a few of my favorite products for on the go!
For my friends in New England, stay safe and warm.
Sandy
Kate,
Thanks for sharing your pics 🙂 I was at that shrine too and it brought back good memories 🙂 I also explored while my husband was at work. Such safe and clean city! Love the kimono rice crackers! You are missing a HUGE storm here in the North East. Be glad 🙂 Have a wonderful trip!
katescarlata
Thank Sandy!
Trish
I love that phrase: “Not all who wander are lost.” Enjoy your travels, and I hope all goes well.
katescarlata
Me too, Trish! I find that when I travel…when I take a side road or a tall stairway to “nowhere”….I end up finding the most exquisite unexpected views. Yesterdays trip took me to an amazing temple where you could drink a cup of green tea amongst tree size bamboo. It was the most amazing place…so peaceful.
Andy Yurechko
“sigh” I’d love to see Japan! Nice pictures, I’m jealous!
Rachel Hamilton
Hi Kate,
I’m going to Japan for a 16 day trip in March. I’m so looking forward to it but am slightly nervous about the food. I have to follow the FODMAPS diet pretty strictly to manage my symptoms. Any advice on how to do this in Japan? I don’t want to spoil the trip of a lifetime by being sick.
I’d love to hear how u got on asking about ingredients etc over there too!
Enjoy!!
katescarlata
Rachel….Definitely reach out prior to your trip and I am sure to have lots of tips for you. The rice bowls have been working overall for me. There is a buffet in our hotel for breakfast–and there are a few items that work well. Simply baked breakfast potatoes, cheese, and fruits.
Nancy
Thank you for taking the time to send out such wonderful pictures. Wandering places on vacation is the best! Those rice crackers in kimonos are wonderful. Enjoy every moment!
Esther
Wow !
Fabulous pictures .. Thank you !
Enjoy every minute .. Such an incredible place to visit ..!
I too am wondering how you are managing the food there ..? ?
I panic when I go to London !
You are missing one heck of a storm here in the Northeast ..
Perfect timing Kate !
Esther
katescarlata
Food has been a bit tricky Esther…but I am managing. I don’t like sushi…and I wish I did!! Rice bowls are my go to–and I have tolerated them okay! I am glad I am missing the snow but hope my friends in New England are staying warm and safe@
Stephanie Goodman
Love the pics and the saying! I too am wondering how you are managing the food!!Enjoy and safe travels.
Paul Kelly
I took my daughter to Tokyo when she was 13. It was kind of a “coming out party” to compensate for the the years she was sick with undiagnosed fructose malabsorption. We kept the food simple over there – milk, cheese, oranges, occasional chocolate bars, and bakery bread. We stayed at a really great hotel across from the Shinagawa train station (apparently it was rebuilt after Godzilla destroyed it). The hotel concierge helped us check ingredients of the bakery products in the hotel’s bakery. We also had a short letter prepared by her Japanese teacher explaining her dietary needs in Japanese – we rarely used this.
Japan is a wonderful place to visit – exotic, clean and safe. We signed up for tours from the hotel so we didn’t have to worry about navigation. We learned how to use the subway. The Japanese are very polite and eager to help tourists.
Have a great time and take lots of pictures!
katescarlata
Thank Paul! The Japanese have been so eager to help–and I have been so grateful. Eating has been a little tricky–oranges, bananas, rice bowls with chicken and egg, cheeses, rice crackers…some potato chips in a pinch! I found an Italian restaurant that I could do a slice of Margarita and salad with oil and vinegar. I like to be somewhat adventurous with food–but some dishes here honestly scare me!!
Juliane Baerwaldt
… “Big in Japan”! Enjoy your trip. We gonna have some sushi rolls this week! A beto box is such a good dish to take with you. But anyway you don`t have to like it… 🙂
Juliane
Juliane Baerwaldt
… of course I meant bento box!
BethB
Thank you for thinking of us when you’re on one of your grand adventures! Even though I’m not going to Japan – at least no time soon – reading about how you and your readers handle food when traveling, is so appreciated. And your pictures are wonderful, thank you.