Thanks for coming back and checking in with us. I look forward to reading your report when you return.

+1 for the Edo-Tokyo museum. I think teens might like the interactive displays and the dioramas. Check the museum's calendar of events and see if there is something going on at their kabuki theater...we had a taiko drum performance when we went. Kids from the audience also got to participate.

The Sumo Museum next door is not all that good but if you hang around outside or explore the Ryogoku Station across the street you might get to see some sumos walking around. There are sumo related items exhibited within the station too.

We LOVED the Edo-Tokyo Musuem, and you can get an English speaking guide at the front to take you through. They will go at whatever pace you prefer and are very informative. Highly recommend!

Yesterday was less than perfect. We did Ueno in full sun. As Californians, we know how to be safe in the heat but the humidity is a different animal. The sunscreen sweats off. So I guess that's why locals wear long sleeves/pants and use parasols vs sunblock. We lasted 2 hours in the park/zoo then made a b-line for a museum with AC. We ended up at the National Museum which was lovely and simple and inexpensive. The kids perked right up with an $18 cheeseburger from Hard Rock.

Today was Odaiba. Fun! Tomorrow is good-bye to Tokyo and off to Hiroshima. Funny coincidence. Tomorrow is August 6!

We already have reserved seats on an afternoon Shikansen but now want to leave earlier to arrive in time for the ceremonies. Will the JR office re-book for us or did we blow our only reservation? Are there nonreserved cars on every train?

Thank you!

>>Will the JR office re-book for us or did we blow our only reservation? Are there nonreserved cars on every train?<<

Go to a JR office, return your reserved seat tickets and re-book seats on the new train you want.

Usually cars 1 to 5 are unreserved, but you have a long journey, it is safer to have seats reservation in hand.

I'm with you on the humidity. We are up and out by (at least) 7 a.m. to avoid the worst of it. Somehow I always manage to forget my umbrella, but it would be hard to juggle with my camera and handbag.

Oh! And!! My daughter and I have had fun catching Pokemon in Japan. Thank you, wifi!

Thanks Amy!

Today wasn't too bad - at least after "monkey hill Hell" in Arashiyama! Loved the Ranken line to the area.

We just had a fantastic night out - stroll through Nishiki market at closing time then Ponchoko alley for an amazing dinner. We couldn't be happier!

Tomorrow is the Imperial Palace - hopefully for the 10 am English tour - talk about confusing! Then Nijo and an afternoon in Nara.

Current dilemma - My kids are getting pretty max'd out on temples and shrines. We did Nikko and those complexes are pretty hard to top in terms of "wow" factor. I realize "culture" can be as personal as art but would love any advice on which should make the (short) list: Perhaps the lack of guides this far has made our shrine visits thus far pretty cursory (the 1-3 sentences in Japan-Guide).

1. Imperial Palace - English tour
2. Nijo - audio headsets
3. Nara - which?
4. Himeji (second to last day - long/free AC train ride/short walk)
5. Philosophers Trail sites??? (Last day)

Monkey Hill Hell? LOL! Does that mean the climb, or were you attacked by monkeys? We were there again at 7 am and saw no monkeys but I suffered from the exertion. ha.

I totally understand about getting maxed out on shrines/temples. We enjoyed Tōdai-ji in Nara with the Great Buddha Hall. Watch out for the deer if you have crackers, they will nip!! One ate my map! The walk through the deer park was delightful (shaded) but once we got to the shinto shrine, the breeze faded and we faded with it.

We are on our way home tomorrow. Until next time!