Hi All, Our days have been full (not much time to post on blog). We enjoyed 3 wonderful days in Nagasaki with friends in their traditional japanese home. Ryan, Hiro, and I shared two tatami rooms. Our hosts, Kayoko-san and Shozo-san took very good care of us: home cooked meals and personal touring of Nagasaki. On Tuesday, we visited the Atomic bomb hypo-centre and museum (walking distance from where our hosts live in Urakami). On Wednesday, we visited the restored Dejima (man made island Nagasaki harbour that housed Dutch traders from 1641 until 1853) and the Nagasaki historical museum.
Thursday, we travelled by train to Kyoto (5 hours). Friday, we attended Sumo match in Osaka. Saturday is our free day in Kyoto. Perfect day to explore Kyoto – it is sunny and spring-like. Included are pictures of sumo and Nijo Palace (Kyoto).
sumo souvenirs
Hiro and Ryan watching sumo ceremony.
Hiro and Ryan at Nijo Palace.
trip2japan2013 
WOW!! Super stuff!! Sumo terrific, Nijo Palace beautiful! Thanks Karen!
Nijo palace was so crowded with tourists but still worth the visit. I remember having the place to myself on my last visits there. Xo kasren
Great pictures.The Sumo ceremony!!! Wow, what a wonderful time you are having .
Joanne
It looks like you are having a terrific time — reminds me how beautiful our trip to Japan was — especially loved gardens in Kyoto and staying in a ryokan.
Your pictures are wonderful — thanks
Love to all,
Rosanne
All the gardens are so peaceful and beautiful.
No ryokan for us. We are sharing a very small tatami room ….
But it seems to be working for us.
Hi ! Question for Ryan:
What were your impressions re the sumo wrestlers? They look PRETTY strong!!
And how are you enjoying the different kinds of food? No chips or pop there I think!!
And thanks Karen for posting htose wonderful photos. It is a bit like getting to travel with you all! Hugs, Sue
Hi Sue, Ryan said that I can answer questions for him. We are all enjoying the food – I think I liked the home cooked meals the best. … and there is no chips or pop here! The sumo guys were strong. They came in many different shapes and sizes. They top guys were the strongest, even if they were not very tall. They could toss their opponents out of the ring so quickly. xo Karen
Great pictures Karen. I can see you are having a wonderful time- Sumo ceremony- the palace and gardens. Glad the weather is also good. Mom
Hi Mom, There are alot more pictures! I even took some videos of the sumo matches that I will share when I get home. On Monday, we take Shinkasen train to Tokyo. xo Karen
Looks awesome. Thanks for posting!