Weekend Getaway in Karuizawa

Mike and I have tried to schedule a weekend away, just to get out of the city, but its been difficult.   Thankfully, my friend, Hiroko and her husband, invited us to join them at their summer house in Karuizawa.   She's asked me several times, but timing didn't work out, so I was glad it did this time.   Last weekend, we boarded the shinkansen and left the city.

Karuizawa is about 1 hour westish from Tokyo and in the mountains, so the temperature is much cooler.   It is a popular summer spot for the Japanese due to the temperatures.   We stayed at their house, which was beautiful, nestled among the trees and near a creek, which you could hear flowing every morning.   There were no plans for this trip, just relaxation, which was easy to do.
Mike did golf, with Toshio, on Saturday, while Hiroko showed me the city.   We had breakfast on the terrace, lounged around as the rain fell, read books, smelled the fresh air and enjoyed peaceful bliss.

Here are a few pictures

 Maru-chan, their dog, who also enjoyed nature and lounging/sun bathing on the balcony

Mike and I at the top of a trail, with view of several mountains...the overcast day prevented the views.  Like my shoes!

 Shiraito Falls, famous area to see while in town....the water comes from the Asama Mt, and takes 6 years to reach this point.  Crazy, huh?

We came back to Tokyo late Sunday night, got off the train to the stench of the city and knew our mini vacation was over.   If only we could have stayed in nature bliss!

Last Fireworks in Tokyo

Summer is a time for celebration and in Japan, that is done by huge firework display shows that last about 1.5 hours.   Literally, 1.5 hours of fireworks.   On Wednesday, I met Mike down in Yokohama, where he works, to see the firework display.   It was a company sponsored event and quite fun.  We got  prime seating on the 2nd floor of a building, complete with drinks and food.   Perfect way to spend the evening even though it was a bit hot.   Mike and I stayed for about 45-50 minutes after the fireworks started and then headed for the train.   As we were walking to the station, we managed to see the finale, which was great, but getting to the train before thousands of people, was preferred.

This first picture was taken from the 2nd floor of the building we were in.  See all the people, its only a fraction of the number of people that were there.   So now imagine the trains when it was completely over

Midtown Laser/Water show

Summer is officially upon us in Tokyo.  You're probably thinking, what, but yes it is true.   Our hot summer arrived late, about 2 weeks ago, but I'm not complaining.   In true summer fashion, there are lots of events to see around the city  Our friends Jennifer and Dave, invited us to picnic with them at Midtown to see the laser/water show this past weekend.

It was actually a perfect night to picnic as it wasn't that hot or humid.   It also helped that mist from the set-up was blowing in our direction to keep us cool.    The show only lasted about 10 minutes or so, but was really neat.   We were at the very back to avoid being soaked, can't say the same for those in front.

Here's some pictures...

This event reminds me of being home and going to the Miller outdoor theatre.   Too bad Tokyo doesn't have move outdoor fun events  :(