Tokyo, Osaka and Ehime At A Glance

During our last few days in Japan, I can't help but reminisce about the many amazing things that have happened to me. For one, there was our museum hopping, not bar hopping, mind you. 

OSAKA
I've always believed visiting museums is the best way to connect with a country's past and future. Japan's museums clearly exhibited these elements to the full. 

National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka

This photo was taken at the National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka, showcasing different folk art types and native costumes. 

National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka

But when we saw the Sarao Jeepney on permanent display in the museum's Southeast Asia wing, we were ecstatic! 

File: National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka - Jeepney

Our Japanese counterpart Maya, as seen below, helped us roam around Osaka to practice our Nihonggo. The funny thing was, we taught her how to speak in English! She was one amazing lady, that much I can tell.

What was more impressive was that even the pigeons fell in line in Osaka! 

TOKYO

This particular snapshot taken at the Edo-Tokyo Museum featured life-sized mannequins demonstrating the process of childbirth in old Japan. 

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Here's a full shot of the commoner's quarters in Old Japan. Here, you see the process of childbirth that usually transpired in "longhouses," referring to several rooms joined together to form one long building. Usually, the whole family would live together in this small room. 

Edo-Tokyo Museum

I also can't help but smile when I recall our visit to the NHK Studio Park in Shibuya-ku.

NHK Studio Park

Inside the studio was this animated tour guide who tried her best to explain NHK's history and live programming to tourists and locals.

NHK Studio Park

I used these gadgets to read from the teleprompter in front of me.

NHK Studio Park

I was nervous about being in the spotlight but was eventually very thankful because I got to do this particular demo bit for posterity.

 

Courtesy of Timeless Confection YouTube Channel

Any trip will only be complete with pictures and good food! Gosh, I miss that bento more than ever! 

NHK Studio Park

Our Tokyo escapade was even more memorable with our visit to Tokyo Disneyland! When my would-be-hubby first visited it, I prayed that I could see it too. So when I finally got my chance, I didn't waste any time taking my first snapshot.

Tokyo Disneyland

My friend Pamu and I separated from the rest of the JICA group. We proceeded to Toontown, where Goofy's Bounce House was located. 

Tokyo Disneyland

What is this? This was how the Disney float looked up close during the Night parade.

Tokyo Disneyland

The float looked different during the Disney Day Parade for apparent reasons. 

Tokyo Disneyland

When we took the Mark Twain Riverboat ride, we were astonished to see life-sized mannequins! This ride right here, the Wild River, eluded me during our visit. Actually, we decided to skip it because of the long line. 

Tokyo Disneyland

Instead of waiting in line, we dashed to Minnie's House in Toontown. It would have seemed less exciting, but something tugged at my inner child's heartstrings. The house was so adorable! No, this was not taken at Disneyland. 

EHIME PREFECTURE

Instead, it was shot from the Children's Park in Ehime. These characters, though, will give Mickey and Minnie a run for their money!

Ehime Children's Park

Another snapshot, this time at the Ehime Children's Park. 

Top: Ehime Children's Park

Bottom: Briefing at the National Education Hall in Tokyo

I truly enjoyed our visit to Ehime University. We even had lunch at their cafeteria. The students were interested in us because we looked and sounded different.

Top: Ehime University

Bottom: Nankai Broadcasting Corporation

One of the highlights of our trip was when we were interviewed on one of the radio stations at the Nankai Broadcasting Corporation in Matsuyama City. I had a blast. I felt like a movie star because my answers were interpreted occasionally.

JICA made sure that we were taught the art of calligraphy. I felt like an ancient scribe writing a dead king's legacy or something.

Japanese Calligraphy Workshop in Tokyo

As it turned out, I did chronicle my Japan adventures 11 years too late, not in papyrus, but in a blog. Which way, I'm glad I finally wrote about it. It only shows that when you dare dream the impossible dream, the Lord might allow it to come true - in His own way, in His own time, to fulfill His purposes. 


Travel Directory:

National Museum of Ethnology (Osaka)
Website

Edo-Tokyo Museum 
Website

NHK Studio Park (Tokyo)
Website

Tokyo Disneyland
Website

Ehime Children's Park 
Website

Ehime University
Website

Nankai Broadcasting Corporation
Website