Flight's booked, I land in Osaka (KIX) on December 16, leave through Narita January 11.

I'm planning about 1 week in Kyoto, including the year-end fleamarket at Toji on the 21st, then the remaining 3 weeks in Tokyo, except when I'll be kidnapped by my kendo teacher and friends to destinations yet unknown (there has been talk of onsens, karaoke, New Year in Iwate prefecture, and a "start of the year" intensive 4-days kendo seminar in an undisclosed location).

I've got a good idea of what I'm going to do (mostly shop, shop, shop, for antiques, fabric, basketry, washi, books, kitchen implements, foodstuff, hanging around Ryogoku for those great pictures occasions around sumo stables, looking for the latest in crazy architecture and clothing, ...), but I'm open to suggestions.

One suggestion I'm open to is to meet other Fodorites ...

Hope you'll have a great time!

Have a wonderful time! And do tell us al about it.

Bonjour Florence (I've been waiting years for you to post without starting it wit "bonjour" so I CAN SAY BONJOUR TO YOU FIRST!)

So happy to hear this, as I know you had another trip planned (last Dec.?) that you had to cancel.

Will you take a suitcase inside of another larger suitcase to hold all the shopping finds? That is what I did on my last trip (instead of buying an extra suitcase in Japan) and yes, I filled up the entire larger suitcase.

Is the year-end Toji market bigger/better than the usual market on the 21st?

I can't imagine where I've been that you haven't already been to. Have you gone to Sometaro in Tokyo, the cool little restaurant where you make your own okonomiyaki on a grill table in front of you? That would be a great place for a cold day after shopping at Senjosi. It is down the street from the drum museum- walk down the st. on side of the museum (the street that has the police station on opposit corner from museum) and go down half block, Sometaro is on the right. It has vines growing all over the outside.

Three weeks in Tokyo! I guess you've been saving up for that...

I am taking my son to Mexico City in Nov. for a long weekend and am taking him to see Lucha Libre, Mexican wrestling where they wear masks. I fugre we saw sumo in Japan, and now should see Lucha Libre in Mexico.

So good to see you here!

emd (Eileen)

Hi Florence...long time, no see!

I would love to do a GTG in Japan, but this year will Be Christmas in Idaho for us...

Have a great trip!

Hooray! Japan is so lucky.

The sumo tournament will be on in Tokyo. From Jan. 7, I believe.

I don't think the sensei needs any advise from the student so all my best wishes for a safe and relaxing trip. Please enlighten us all on your return and have a wonderful trip.

Aloha!