Tokyo is a place of contrasts. The shopping in Ginza and Shibuya are world class. Meanwhile, the Japanese tea garden inside Shinjuku National Garden was beautiful and made for a nice contrast with the energy in the streets outside.

Our visit included Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Chiran gardens and Makurazaki. I enjoyed visiting all the sights, including the beautiful pottery and glass works in the factory showroom.

First day we went to Hakone, a day trip to Ibusuki for sand bath on the second day. Last day was a tour of Tokyo.

Dr. William Daniel Ehrhart, poet, writer, scholar and teacher, who has served in Vietnam, reunited with a Japanese Corporal serving together after thirty two years.