August 22nd (part 1) Tokyo National Museum

On our way to the Tokyo National Museum. This is Brooks Britt and the Goths. He was staying with the Watabes on his way from a trip to China. He is a paleontologist and has discovered a new way of dating dinosaur bones. He is at BYU and lives near Elder Watabe's brother in Orem. He was on his way to see more bones in northern Japan. He knew some of the Goth's friends from Canada. It was fun to have him go with us to the museum. A group of Little Leaguer getting their equipment - ready for a game.

The museum is in a park - this man was dipping fruits into carmel to sell.

Another part of the museum campus that we didn't see ...

And another part ... natural history

I just couldn't believe my eyes. These are homeless people. They were patiently sitting on mats waiting their turn to get into a line. NuSkin was providing donuts and bagels

Here is the line! I have never seen so many homeless people all at once. It was sad but they were clean and orderly. I guess various organizations take turns feeding them.

And here we are ...

Headed for the building ...

This tree is 100 years old ...

A display outside the museum where you could try out various instruments.

Looking at the grounds from inside - love the fountain!

Of course, each museum has a shop!

You could borrow a sun umbrella to use as you went through the park - just return it at the other end!

Another of the buildings on the camps - love the cupola!

This is one of the ornamental parts from the roof of a shrine ...

The grounds were beautiful ...

And inside was incredible - artifacts from a castle of long ago ...

I couldn't resist all the pictures - just skim them.

Masks - I thought the kids would enjoy these. They seem to be fascinated with huge noses - probably because their noses are so small and there is not much of a bridge to the nose.

This is a beautiful piece of a banner that has survived - the colors are still brilliant.

This is the end of the banner - love the brass!

Strips of silk fabric ...

Brass objects ...

A hairpin ...

A brass banner ....

No, I didn't go in but wanted a picture!

We were in a small restaurant and saw this family out the window. The boy had fallen and skinned his knee. The restaurant staff were out there with ice and bandages - so sweet.

A family enjoying lunch ...

More brass ...

And the ceramics were amazing!

This fan shaped covered dish was a favorite of mine - I would like to have one like this!

More pictures in the next blog!!!