Japan Postscript

 In the end and from the beginning, Japan was a trip to visit family and to introduce Oren to his great grandparents and his Aunt and his cousins. It was a chance for Oren to put on his great grandfather's kimono from when he was born about 90 years ago, for Baba and JiJi to spend more time with Oren, and an opportunity to learn how and if Hiroko and Ryan could travel with a baby.  The highlight of the visit was this photograph and preceding ceremony at the Meiji Shrine:

 

Here we are harvesting bamboo shoots and then at a Soba house.

 

Perhaps the best sight to see after we came back from a short walk, Baba and Jiji teaming up to photograph those precious smiles.  Then, Oren had his own futon next to us at the Onsen in Hakone.

 

 Exploring the streets of Tokyo in style. We enjoyed only the best sushi at Takashimaya!

 




Here we are in Hakone with Mt. Fuji in the background, the day before they closed the area due to Volcanic activity. Then, on the annual family picnic in Tokyo.

 





It was a great trip but still felt so good to be back home!