Sister Trip to Japan!

When we were helping Ellen get her tickets to come visit us, it was really important that we try to help her visit Japan while she is on this side of the world. She and I were both born there. She was just a baby when we left, and she has never been back. I have only been back once and it was the best trip that Lyndon and I have ever taken. Even five years later we talk about that trip. 

We grew up with a lot of Japanese culture in our home. Our parents spoke Japanese to each other. It was their "secret" parent language, which I could figure out most of the time who they were talking about. We ate Japanese food at the very least once a week. Our parents Japanese friends came to visit us several times during my childhood. They would even send us packages for our birthdays and Christmas. Every year my parents would put up our decorations for "Girls Day". We watched a lot of Japanese cartoons that they had taped, or bought on VHS for me while we were living there. They still have them, and my kids sometimes watch them when we go visit, AND I still know the words to so many of the little songs they sing. I did not know how  to do rock, paper, scissors in English for a long time. I did it Japanese growing up and sometimes still feel weird say rock, paper, scissors in English. I could go on with how much Japanese culture my parents infused into our lives. With all that written, it was super important to make Ellen going to Japan a reality. 

We have friends and family who still live there who we could arrange for Ellen to go with, because I was not sure if I could go. I prayed about it, and got the answer that I should go (I don't always pray about going places, but in this case I did). It is amazing how Heavenly Father knows us and loves us so personally and deeply. I say that because I found a round trip ticket to Japan that was so cheap. Usually they range in the $400-$600 USD range from Singapore. I found one for less than half the cost on the cheap end of the usual range. That right there was a testament to me that I was supposed to go. It did not validate my desire to go, it was an omen or sign from the heavens that I needed to act on my answered prayer because Heavenly Father was providing a way for this trip to happen. And so it did. 

We spent six days together touring the Tokyo area and had such an amazing time. Ellen was in heaven the whole time. So many dreams were made for her on this trip. I am so happy we were able to help make it happen for her. And I am also so happy that I got to go around our home country with her! I know Japan means a lot for everyone in my family, but it is especially special to me and Ellen. Really amazing to experience it together. And I know if I had not gone with Ellen she would not have been able to do everything that we did. It is scary to travel by yourself. Gotta take care of my little sibs still, even though we are all grown up and I am the shortest, haha. 

The first day we were there we went into Tokyo and did the Shibuya, and Harajuku area. First stop was to pay tribute to Hachiko. Hachiko was a dog who was very loyal to his owner and would wait for him at the train stop everyday and continued to do so nine years after his owner's death. The statue is there to honor his devotion and loyalty. This was Ellen's trip so we did everything she wanted to do. And visiting the Hachiko statue was at the top of her list. We also got interviewed by a Japanese new station. So you might see us on Channel 8 over there. 

Hello Kitty bus! I am a sucker for anything Hello Kitty.

Kawaii!!! I love Hello Kitty. 

Konichiwa from the busiest intersection in the world!

Shibuya crossing, busiest intersection in Japan and the world. 

We did include a couple of things that I wanted to do on the trip. At the top of my list was to try the blooming hot chocolate at DAB Tokyo. 

Weird angle of our blooming hot chocolate and Mr. Roboto melon pan. Both incredibly delicious and grateful Ellen was up for the detour. We walked through neighborhoods to get there and it was really interesting to see what life would be like living in the centre of Shibuya. 

Felt so good to wear my hair down and drink a hot drink in COLD weather. I haven't had winter in over a year. I was freezing, haha. 

Because our Mom is obsessed with flamingos. 

Best ramen lunch. 

Traditional Japanese clothing seller.

Meiji Jingu Shrine. It was especially crowded that day because it was coming of age day. All the young people that were turning 20 this year go to a shrine. It is to help them realize they are adults. Pretty cool to be there for this. 

Happy year of the rooster.

Kiddie Land. Best toy store in all the land. 

1990's girl. 

Representing 1988 baby!

Last stop of the day was the Tokyo Tower. Not the tallest building in Tokyo, but Ellen's dream to go there. It is inspired by the Eiffel Tower and is actually a communications as well as a observation tower. It was really fun to go with Ellen. She was so excited. 

This city goes on and on and on. It's the biggest city in the world. 

Looking down on Tokyo.

Sazae-san! One of the classic Japanese tv shows we watched growing up, and also read the comic books too. Wish I could watch me some Sazae-san right now. I can hear the theme music going through my head right now. 

 Our first day in Japan was definitely the most packed day. We accomplished everything on our list and had such a fun time. Ellen was in heaven and just could not believe she was in Japan.