We were looking forward to our
visit to Japan to judge at the Shih Tzu Club National
Specialty and an All Breed Show in Tokyo. We would
also spend an extra week sightseeing after judging.
As usual the hardest part of the trip would be
the 11 hour flight from Toronto to Tokyo, Japan.
We were met at the Narita airport just outside
Tokyo by long time friend and fellow Shih Tzu
breeder Norie Onda of Buby Shih Tzu. We drove
the 45 minute ride through the sprawling city
to the Ikebukuro district and our hotel the Sunshine
Prince. After checking in we enjoyed a relaxing
dinner and reacquainting with Norie at one of
the multitude of restaurants located in the shopping
complex adjourning the hotel. Sleep came easy
after the pleasant evening following the arduous
flight.
On our first day of sightseeing
Norie and fellow breeder Yayoi Kanno of Paradise
Isle Shih Tzu drove us to the port city of Yokohama
known for it's silk trade, rose gardens and magnificent
Camellias, Sasanquas and Ginkgo trees. In the
colorful Chinatown district we toured the multitude
of shops and enjoyed a great dinner at the famous
Heichinrou Chinese restaurant. It was then back
to the hotel for a great night sleep after a fun
filled first day.
The following day Norie picked
us up for some sightseeing in the vast city of
Tokyo with a population of around 12 million living
in a expansive urban area of over 800 square miles.
We visited the festive and quaint Asakusa district
featuring the Sensoji Temple, the Five Storied
Pagoda and the traditional Nakamise shopping arcade.
In the evening we enjoyed an Italian feast of
never ending courses and too much beer and wine
with Norie, the All Breed club officials and the
remainder of the judges for the All Breed show.
It was then to bed to rest as we would be judging
at the All Breed Shows the following day.
