Kabukicho

With the visually arresting and pounding, pulsating sounds of the Robot Restaurant experience still staggering our senses, we spent the rest of the night ambling around Tokyo's neon-dazzled red light district Kabukicho, soaking in the area's unique mix of host and hostess clubs, love hotels, and nightclubs.

A Stroll Through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

After a night at the Robot Restaurant and a long amble through the neon-lit Kabukicho red-light district, we decided to focus the next morning on nature by visiting the Gyoen National Garden, an oasis of green and quiet in a bustling city of more than 13 million people.

Cruising Japan

We headed to the port city of Yokohama, where we boarded the the Diamond Princess for a 9-day cruise around the island of Japan. There were 2,670 passengers on board and almost 2,600 of them were Japanese nationals. Of the fewer than 100 foreigners, we were 2 of only 20 Americans. While the purpose of the cruise was a quick way to get us to 4 cities in Japan and 1 in Russia, we did have an on-board life, also.

Yokohama at dusk

We both entered a hula competition on board.

I lost, as did Judy. But we did team up later 2 win 2 rounds of trivia.

And here is who we lost to. 

Ironically, one of the few Americans on our cruise were Wayne and Marie Quick,
who lived just 30 minutes from us on the Maryland side of DC. Here they are
on formal night. Judy and I dressed up, but not so elegantly.

And there are times you can just chill out to a calming sea.

Kushiro

Fish is a staple of the Japanese diet. In fact, 1 in every 10 fish eaten annualy in the world is consumed in Japan. That makes fishing cities like Kushiro on the island of Hokaido extremely important.

A windy day in a decorated downtown

A statue for all

Fisherman discuss the day's catch.

Nets drying in the noon-day sun

Even the playgrounds have a nautical theme

A Kimono Fitting in Kushiro

From Russia With Love: A Stop in Korsakov

Obviously, a much different vibe than Japan. Lenin da, Putin nyet, and minder/guides and a heavy police presence. A contrast of bright and dull, old and new. 

The People of Korssakov

Otaru: Mansions and Mountains

First, we visited the former Aoyama Villa, the finest example of all of the areas "Herring Mansions," which was built in 1924 with a dining room to seat 200 people.

Then we headed up Mount Tenguyama by cable car for some great views.

The Otaru Canal and the Arts