Japan April 2008 – Day 3

We woke up to a great breakfast cooked by Ai’s mom.  It was very good.  She cooked breakfast for us for many mornings

This is the view from her house.

After breakfast, we helped her shop for food at a discount grocery called the “AC Store”.

On our way back to her restaurant, there were many beautiful bonsai treas.

We helped her bring the groceries into her restaurant.

Stocking her restaurant.

The inside of her restaurant.

Mother and daughter cooking.  Adorable!

After, we ate lunch at sukiya; a chain store that has really good beef bowls!  It was soooo good, and the price was very reasonable.

We visited a circle-K.  Everything looked so good, it was hard to resist for only a couple items.

Inside, there were so many good things.  Its very hard to contain one’s self in a Japanese convenience store.

The magazine section.

They had my favorite popsicle, Gari Gari Kun!

We visited Ai’s old High School!

There was a park nearby.  Ai’s friend Tsukki and her children joined us.

Cherry blossom season was over right before we arrived, so most cherry blossom trees finished blooming and their green leaves began to grow.  There were many cherry blossom flowers  covering the ground.  It was still very beautiful.

There was a good-sized playground in the park.

One of the many things to play on.  Really cool!

Kota and Midori sliding.

Ai giving Kota a push on a tethered rope and pully swing.

Two separate owners with the same breed of dogs.

There was also an outdoor auditorium. Very cool!

A traditional Japanese garden was next to the park.  It was very beautiful!

A tea house at the edge of a pond.

Many turtles were sunbathing.

The garden was very beautiful.  So peaceful.

Me and Midori.

Ai, Midori, Kota, and Tsukki.

Aaahhhh, I wish i could go back.  Such a beautiful and serene garden.

Ai next to a stone lantern.

A restaurant on the edge of a lake.  We only walked past, but it would be such a beautiful place to eat.

There was a water area for kids to play.  So nice!

I kept Midori busy for a little bit.  Both kids played with my camera after eating yummy home-made mochi, so the picture is a bit smeared.