Thursday, May 8, 2008

Japan

I joined the company in May 1996 and a year later, in July 1997, I had my first overseas trip after I graduated. The course "Training the Trainers" was actually a collaboration training course between the company and the Japanese Employers Federation. My immediate boss and I were sent to have an in-depth study on Corporate Planning.

A two-week course went on smoothly, the staff at the office were very helpful and nice to us. I still treasure their warm hospitality. They even made an arrangement for tour, guides us with the "line" (subway train) to various places etc.
View from my hotel room, Tokyo river

no traffic jam

When we reached Tokyo, my boss suggested we go to the Tokyo zoo.

A view of part of the zoo


The other day, we went to Asakusa,

the entrance

one of Tokyo's few districts, which have preserved a certain atmosphere of the old Tokyo. Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. The temple is approached via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries (I copied from here)

Nakamise - we did a lot of souvenir shopping here

A visit to Disneyland is a must for a cartoon lover like me.
the entrance

house of cartoon

"Cinderella's castle"

a view from "sky way"? I forgot its name


parade



Our next itinerary was Fuji Mountain Hakone 1D return by Shinkansen (bullet train). We were taken to Fujiyama by a tour bus. Stopped by Fujiyama Visitor Centre, where all the info about Mount Fuji was displayed. I bought some postcards and other souvenirs.

Then, drew halfway up Mt.Fuji to the Station (altitude of 1,500m) enjoying the natural scenery en route.
Ride an aerial cableway up and down Mt. Komagatake for a view of Hakone National Park.
A cruise on Lake Ashi (Ashinoko Yuransen) aboard a large sightseeing boat.
We went back to Tokyo by Shinkansen, tired, but full of satisfaction! You can view the virtual tour here.
All the photos were in hardcopies. I noticed some of the important photos are missing. I'll post it later when I find it.

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