Japan - Narita

 

 

 

US Customs Declaration Form

The primary purpose of your visit business? Unfortunately, I have had to answer “Yes” on all of my trips to Japan.

 

 

 

Mostly confined to Narita because of work an afternoon stroll takes me by rice fields as I make my way into town.

 

 

 

I am greeted by curious stares and stop at a few local 7-11’s to sample snacks. I like shrimp flavored chips and stock up.

 

Preparation for a religious parade ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

During my trips to Narita, along with others I have eaten my share of  “The Yellow Awning” fresh made gyozas and drank a fair amount of Sapporo and Kirin beer.

 

Given the opportunity, I never miss out on gyoza and always enjoy them dipped in Asian style hot sauce. For the most part the same applies to beer but without the hot sauce!

 

A visit to Narita would not be complete without a side trip to Tokyo. However, I am up for a little more adventure with an overnight trip to Mt. Fuji. I understand to see the sunrise there is spectacular.

 

 

I am fluent in Japanese, I think.  Does that sign say train to Mt. Fuji station leaves at 6:36pm?

 

 

 

 

I am surprised how densely populated Tokyo is as I take in a 40 miles per hour view of the city from the train. About 13 million.

 

A late train arrival at Shin-Fuji Station and I have missed the last bus to Mt. Fuji.

Kuso! (Damn)

 

 

Although there were numerous car rental agencies around the train station, I am disappointed that none of them would rent me a car without an International Drivers License.

Since then with a couple of mug shots and fifteen dollars, I have gone to my local AAA office and I now have one. Yip pee!

Today, like Karl Malden and American Express Travel Cheques famous 1970 slogan …  “I don't leave home without it”.

 

I do eventually get to see Mt. Fuji but for me unfortunately from the wrong altitude.

 

 

 

I hope someday to return to Japan as a backpacker and discover more of “The Land of The Rising Sun” with The Okinawa Aquarium high on my list.

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