Japan Trip with Rob French and C.J. Smith |
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Welcome Cat (Maneki Neko) | A large selection of Maneki Nekos |
| Roof decoration on Himeji Castle |
Groundhogs in an underground mall | |
Winter protection - "safe sap" | |
| Traditional new year's ornament - mandarin orange, fern frond, dried persimmon, and bale of straw |
Hikone Castle (much smaller than Himeji Castle) | Tanuki-san and Debbie-san |
| Our meal, okonomiyaki and takoyaki |
Shika no Sembei (deer crackers) | C.J. feeding the deer (Nara Park) |
| "look, crackers all gone!" |
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| Bridge over tranquil water |
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Kinkakuji - the Golden Pavilion (Kyoto) | Tatami room dining with Hidemi |
The other national pastime | Our friends, the Tachibanas |
| January 10th, Coming-of-Age Day |
Banner outside Unagi (eel) shop | |
Fresh unagi for lunch - oishii desu! | |