Aomori 青森

Apr 27, 2024: Yesterday, after arriving in Aomori and checking into our cozy hotel, we eagerly headed out to Hirosaki. Today, we enthusiastically explored several fascinating attractions in the city. Aomori’s DIY seafood rice bowl (kaisen-don) is a renowned local specialty, and we couldn’t resist trying it. At the bustling Aomori Gyosai Center, we spent 2,000 yen to buy twelve tickets. First, we exchanged one ticket for a steaming bowl of fragrant rice, then wandered through the vibrant market, selecting our favorite seafood to top it off. With around thirty different stalls to choose from, we used the tickets to get fresh slices of fish, succulent shrimp, delectable scallops, and more. The market provided large communal tables and chairs for everyone to enjoy their meals. The quality of the seafood was exceptional, with the sweet, tender Hokkaido shrimp leaving a particularly lasting impression.

After thoroughly enjoying our seafood rice bowl, we visited a larger nearby seafood market and savored a bowl of piping hot Chinese noodles to warm up our stomachs.

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is famously celebrated throughout Japan, attracting millions of domestic and international tourists every August. Since we couldn't attend the festival, we visited the Nebuta Museum to admire the award-winning floats from last year. These vibrant floats, crafted from colorful lanterns, depict scenes from mythology and are exceptionally unique and stunningly beautiful. If we get the chance, it would be wonderful to visit in August to experience the festival firsthand.

Next, we took a bus to the impressive Aomori Museum of Art and the ancient Sannai-Maruyama Jomon Site, the largest Jomon village site in Japan with a rich history of 5,000 years and a prestigious World Heritage site.

Returning to the lively area near the Nebuta Museum, we noticed an exciting event taking place at the museum entrance. Curious, we joined the crowd, where people were eagerly holding sticks over glowing charcoal fires. They were wrapping raw dough around the sticks and roasting it over the fire, turning it constantly to ensure even heating—much like roasting marshmallows during American camping trips. In just a short time, a small bread roll was perfectly baked. While the taste was fairly simple, it had a uniquely enticing aroma that made the experience memorable.

Aomori is Japan’s largest apple-producing region. The charming A-Factory store next to the museum sells various delightful apple varieties and an abundance of local specialties. We took a relaxing break there, enjoyed a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and indulged in a delicious apple pie.

This Japan trip was relatively short, and tomorrow we fly to Shanghai. In the evening, we went to the exquisite Hyakudai Japanese Restaurant to enjoy premium sake and an array of delectable Japanese cuisine, ending our memorable trip to Japan on a high note.

青森

四月二十七日：昨天我们一到青森入住酒店后，便立即出城前往弘前。今天的行程主要是在青森市内的几个著名景点打卡。青森的自助海鲜饭（海鲜丼）是当地的一大特色。在青森鱼菜市场，我们花了两千日元购买了十二张票。首先，用一张票换来一碗热腾腾的米饭，然后端着这碗米饭在市场内选择自己喜爱的海鲜。市场内约有三十几家不同的摊位，使用票可以换取新鲜的鱼片、虾、扇贝等。市场里还设有大桌子和椅子，供顾客使用。海鲜的质量非常好，尤其是北海道的甜虾，甜美粉糯，不负期待。

享用完海鲜饭后，我们又去了附近规模较大的海鲜市场逛了一圈，还吃了一碗热腾腾的中华面，给我们的胃增添了一点热量。

青森的睡魔祭在日本享有盛名，每年八月初举行的祭典吸引着数百万海内外游客。虽然我们这次无法亲临祭典，但还是前往睡魔祭博物馆，欣赏了去年获奖的彩车。彩车由色彩鲜艳的灯笼制作，描绘了神话人物的场景，独特又美丽。希望以后有机会能在八月份亲自体验祭典的热闹气氛。

接着，我们乘坐公交车前往青森艺术馆和三内丸山绳文遗址。三内丸山遗址是世界遗产名录中的一部分，是一个拥有5000年历史的日本最大规模的绳文村落遗址。

我们再次回到睡魔祭博物馆附近，恰巧博物馆门前这几天正在举行活动。看到许多人拿着棍子在炭火上烤东西，我们也凑上前去。原来他们是在棍子上串上生面团，然后放在炭火上烤，边烤边不停地转动，确保面团均匀受热，很像美国野营时烤棉花糖的方式。不一会儿，一个小面包就烤好了，虽然味道一般，但有一种特别的香气。

青森是日本最大的苹果产地，博物馆旁边的A-Factor店里售卖着各种品种的苹果和当地特产。我们在那里稍作休息，喝了一杯咖啡，品尝了一个苹果派。

这次的日本之行时间较短，明天我们就要飞往上海了。晚上，我们前往百代日本料理餐厅享用了一顿美味的晚餐，品尝清酒和和食，为此次日本之旅画上了一个美好的句号。

Goryokaku Tower and Hirosaki Park 五稜郭观光塔，弘前公园

Apr 26, 2024: We went to the bustling Hakodate Morning Market near our hotel for breakfast again. This time, we chose another cozy small restaurant and enjoyed a delightful sashimi set and a crispy tempura set, both incredibly satisfying.

After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel, stored our luggage there, and headed out to catch the first shuttle to the picturesque Goryokaku Park. We didn't go up the tower yesterday, but today was brilliantly sunny, since the weather was perfect, we felt it was worth another visit. The 90-meter high observation tower adjacent to the park offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the star-shaped Goryokaku blanketed in vibrant cherry blossoms. When we arrived, there was already a long queue, but buying tickets and getting on the elevator was quick, and soon we were on the observation deck. From the large floor-to-ceiling windows, we could clearly see the pentagonal walls surrounded by the shimmering moat, with the blooming cherry blossoms spreading like a pale pink carpet across the park. We didn't stay long on the observation deck and quickly returned to the lively city.

Another culinary highlight of Hakodate is the famous fried chicken burger at Lucky Pierrot. Besides the delicious food, the quirky decor of the restaurant is also unique. Since we had to catch a train, we got takeout: a mouthwatering fried chicken burger and a flavorful curry fried pork cutlet. We rushed to the train station and devoured our takeout once on the train. The fried chicken burger was delectable, but the curry fried pork cutlet was even better.

To travel from Hakodate to Aomori, we passed through the impressive 53-kilometer Seikan Tunnel, the longest undersea railway tunnel in the world and the second longest railway tunnel overall (the longest being Switzerland's Gotthard Base Tunnel). After just over an hour, we arrived in Aomori. After checking into our comfortable hotel, we headed back to the station to take a train to the renowned Hirosaki Park. Since it was cherry blossom season, there was a dedicated bus line to Hirosaki Park right outside the Hirosaki station.

Hirosaki Park is renowned as one of Japan’s most cherished cherry blossom viewing destinations. When we arrived, we began our visit at the enchanting botanical garden, where we admired the various cherry trees still in full bloom, capturing vibrant photos and strolling leisurely through the picturesque setting. However, much to our disappointment, the cherry blossoms surrounding Hirosaki Castle and the scenic moat had mostly fallen. Although the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival was in full swing, this year’s blossoms bloomed eight days earlier than usual, meaning we missed the peak display—a small letdown in an otherwise beautiful experience.

As night fell, the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park became a little more magical under the twinkling lights. Strolling along the cherry blossom-lined paths by the river, we admired the mesmerizing night view of the cherry blossoms, making the trip worthwhile. We then hurried back to the station to catch the train back to Aomori.

By the time we returned to Aomori, it was past nine in the evening, and the shops near the station and our hotel were all closed. We ended up buying rice balls and instant noodles at a Lawson convenience store to satisfy our hunger.

Hopefully, tomorrow will be another beautiful sunny day.

五稜郭观光塔，弘前公园

四月二十六日：今天阳光明媚，我们还是去酒店附近的函馆朝市解决早餐。这次选了另外一家小饭店，一份生鱼片套餐，一份天妇罗套餐，吃得心满意足。回酒店退房把行李暂存在那里，就出门赶第一班专车再次去五稜郭公园。昨天没上塔，今天因为是个好天气，觉得有必要再去一次。在紧邻公园边90米高观光塔上可以俯瞰整个樱花铺盖的五角星形的五稜郭。到那里时已排着长队。不过买票，上电梯速度很快，不一会儿就登上观光层。从大片的落地玻璃窗望去，可以清楚看到被护城河环绕的五角形城墙，盛开的樱花🌸像淡粉红色的地毯铺满公园。在观光层没待太久就离开景区匆匆赶回城中。函馆另一美食是幸运小丑店里的炸鸡块汉堡，，除了美食，这家店铺的装潢也很别致。因为要赶火车，我们买了外卖，一份炸鸡汉堡，一份咖喱炸猪排。匆匆赶往火车站，上了火车后就狼吞虎咽地把外卖一扫而光。炸鸡汉堡好吃，但觉得咖喱炸猪排更胜一筹。

从函馆到青森要穿过53公里青函隧道，世界上最长的海底铁路隧道和第二长的铁路隧道（最长的是瑞典的圣哥达隧道），一个多小时后就到了青森。入住酒店后转身又上车站去弘前公园。因为是樱花季节，一出车站后就有公交专线去弘前公园。

弘前公园是日本最受欢迎的赏樱名胜之一。到公园后我们先去了植物园，在不同种类百棵樱花树盛开的樱花园里赏樱踏青照相。虽然弘前的樱花节正当时，可惜今年的樱花🌸却比常年早开了一个多星期，弘前城楼和护城河边的樱花都已是掉得所剩无几了。我们完全错过了，有点失望。

夜幕降临时，慢走在小河边的樱花大道欣赏樱花夜景。在灯光的照耀下，弘前公园的夜樱到是格外迷人，也算不负此行。

匆匆赶回车站坐火车回到青森。到青森时已是晚上九点多，车站和酒店附近的商店都已关闭，最后只能在劳森便利店里买个饭团🍙和方便面充饥。

希望明天又是个好天气。

Onuma Park and Goryokaku 大沼公园，五稜郭

Apr 25, 2024: Today was another rainy day, but that didn’t stop us from exploring. Despite the weather, we made our way to the Hakodate Morning Market, conveniently located near our hotel and a must-visit destination. Arriving early, we found the market just waking up, with a calm and peaceful atmosphere. We picked a small restaurant within the market for breakfast and enjoyed a selection of local specialties: a popular sashimi rice bowl, a Japanese-style breakfast set, and some delicious fried pastries. The food was fantastic, although we hesitated to try one of the more adventurous local delicacies—live squid sashimi. Interestingly, the restaurant had phone holders on the tables, perfect for anyone wanting to snap a quick selfie while dining.

After breakfast, we took a train to Onuma National Park, located just outside the city. Known as Japan's smallest national park, it features 126 small islands scattered across its tranquil lake. The park is only a short walk from the train station and is free to enter. Once there, we started our visit with a half-hour boat ride on the lake. Although the guide provided a lot of commentary in Japanese, which we couldn’t understand, we still thoroughly enjoyed the stunning scenery. After returning to the shore, we spent time exploring the park's hiking trails, crossing quaint bridges, and wandering through serene forests, all while taking in the natural beauty surrounding Onuma Lake.

After visiting the park, we took the train back to the city, planning to get off at Goryokaku Station to visit the Western-style Goryokaku Fort. However, after boarding the train, the announcements kept reminding visitors who want to visit Goryokaku to return to the city first, get off at the bus terminal, and then take a bus to Goryokaku. We, who love walking, ignored the advice and got off at Goryokaku Station, only to find it was a lot further than we expected and it took us more than half an hour to walk from the train station to the site. We finally understood why the announcements advised everyone not to get off early. Although we walked a lot more, it gave us a chance to experience the old but clean residential area outside the tourist spots in Japan, where we hardly saw anyone. After the long walking, feeling cold and hungry, we finally saw a conveyor belt sushi restaurant and quickly went in for lunch. It costed us less than twenty dollars for the two of us, a great deal for the quality.

At Goryokaku, the park has about 1,500 cherry blossom trees. It was the cherry blossom peak season, and the scenery was  beautiful and breathtaking. Despite the weather, strolling among the flowers was still enchanting. Photos couldn't capture the feeling. Occasionally, the sky cleared for a few minutes, making the cherry blossoms even more charming under the blue sky and white clouds.

Taking the bus back to the city was said to be easy, but not time-saving. The bus came once an hour, and we waited for half an hour at the station before boarding. After returning to the area near our hotel, we found a restaurant for dinner, continuing with sashimi but also ordering some grilled meat skewers and other hot dishes. Eating delicious sashimi from morning to night in Japan is great, but with the cold weather, our stomachs couldn't handle too much of it.

The cable car ride to the top of Hakodate Mountain offers a panoramic view of the bay area. Yesterday, it was closed due to strong winds. Today it was operating, but after being out in the cold all day, we didn't want to go up the mountain again. Instead, we chose to have a coffee and enjoy the night view from the lounge on the top floor of our hotel.

大沼公园，五稜郭

四月二十五日：今天又是个阴雨天，只能冒雨外出。酒店附近的函馆朝市是必须打卡的地方。在朝市里选了家小饭馆吃早餐，我们要了当地典型的刺身饭，日式早餐套餐和油炸饼，味道不错，但没敢吃当地的另一特色 - 活的尤鱼刺身。

早餐后乘坐火车去城外的大沼国家公园，日本最小的国家公园，大沼里有126座小岛。下了火车，从车站到公园只需要几分钟路程，公园免费开放。我们先坐公园里的小游船在湖里转了半小时，风景还可以。回到岸上后，又沿着园区里的徒步小径，过小桥，穿林子，观赏大沼湖的自然美景。

游完公园，我们坐火车回城，准备在五稜郭站下车去西式军营五稜郭参观。可是上了火车后广播里不停地提醒去五稜郭的游客先坐火车回城，在终点站下车然后坐公交车去五稜郭。喜欢走路的我们哪能听得进去，硬是从五稜郭站下了火车，结果从车站到景点走了半个多小时，终于理解为什么在火车上广播通知大家千万别早下车了。路是多走了许多，不过也让我们感受一下日本旅游景点外的小区，陈旧但干净，路上几乎不见人影。走了一个多英哩后，有点饥寒交加，终于看到一家转盘寿司店，赶紧进去吃了个午餐，俩人花了不到二十美金，真是物美价廉。

来到到五稜郭，公园里有约1500棵樱花🌸树。正是樱花盛开的时候，非常漂亮。虽然天气不给力，但漫步在花丛中，还是很让人陶醉的。照片根本无法拍出那种感觉。偶尔天空放晴几分钟，那樱花在蓝天白云的映照下就显得更加迷人了。

坐公交车回城说是简单，但也不省时，公交车一小时一班，在车站整整等了半个小时才上车。回到酒店附近之后找了家饭店吃晚饭，继续是吃生鱼片，不过同时也要了些烤肉串和其它的热菜。在日本从早到晚吃生鱼片，虽说好吃，但天气太冷，吃多了我们的胃有点受不了。

坐缆车上函馆的山顶可以俯瞰整个湾区，昨天因风太大，缆车停运。今天倒是开的，但我们一整天在外冻得不行，不想再上山了，便选择上我们酒店顶楼的休息厅喝杯咖啡☕️，看个夜景。

Zipair to Tokyo, Hakodate 去东京，函馆

Apr 22, 2024: Early in the morning, an Uber driver picked us up for our ride to the airport. In the car, we noticed the driver’s self-written autobiography, titled The Okoboji Kid, hanging on the back of the seat. This 75-year-old gentleman, who grew up by Lake Okoboji in Iowa, now drives in the early hours to earn a living—truly admirable. We shared our experiences of Iowa, had a great conversation, and before we knew it, we were at the airport to catch our Southwest Airlines flight to San Francisco.

At the San Francisco airport, we transferred to Zipair, a low-cost subsidiary of Japan Airlines, for our flight to Tokyo. This was our first time flying with Zipair, which offers reasonably priced flat-bed seats. Aside from the bed, nothing else is provided—not even blankets, pillows, or bottled water, all of which cost extra. When we booked our tickets, we opted for a package deal that included all these items. Being able to sleep flat on a flight lasting over ten hours from the U.S. to Japan was worth it. We woke up in Tokyo feeling refreshed. Since we arrived in Tokyo late, we stayed at a hotel near the airport for the night.

In the morning of Apr 24, before catching the train, we wandered around the neighborhood near the hotel. Then we took the Shinkansen to Hakodate. We purchased a seven-day JR Pass for convenience before this trip started. The train ride was smooth and we arrived in Hakodate, Hokkaido, around 2 in the afternoon.

The weather wasn’t in our favor, with wind and rain making us shiver, but we still managed to take a long walk around the bay area, visiting sights such as the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, Hachiman-zaka Slope, Hakodate Orthodox Church, and the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward.

In the evening, we dined at a small restaurant in Hakodate Daimon Yokocho. This area has over twenty small bars and restaurants, each seating fewer than ten people. We sat around the bar, eating, drinking, and chatting with others occasionally. Although we couldn’t understand their conversations, we enjoyed the lively atmosphere.

We had originally planned to visit the mountaintop for the night view but decided against it due to the cold weather. Instead, we enjoyed the night view from the hot springs on the rooftop of our hotel, which offered a unique and memorable experience.

去东京，函馆

四月二十二日：一早Uber司机来接我们去机场，车上放着他自己撰写的自传书 “The Okoboji kid”。在爱荷华州Okoboji湖边长大的七十五岁大伯早上二点外出开车赚钱，真不容易。因为有爱荷华的共同经历，我们一路谈得投机，不知不觉就到了机场，搭坐西南航空去旧金山。

在旧金山机场转机搭乘日航的廉价子公司Zipair航空去东京。这是我们第一次尝试这家航空公司，它提供价格还能接受的躺平舱。除了给床铺外，什么都没有，连毯子，枕头和瓶装水都要花钱买的。我们当初买票时索性一起买了个package, 这样所有的东西都有了。从美国到日本十几个小时的飞机，能一路躺平睡着去东京还是值得的，一觉醒来已到达东京。因为很晚才到机场，我们先在机场边的旅馆住了一晚。

第二天一早坐高铁去函馆，我们买了七天的JR通票，乘坐火车会方便些。下午二点多就到了北海道的函馆。

天公不作美，刮风下雨，把我们冻得瑟瑟发抖。但还硬撑着出去走了一大圈，把湾区里的景点金森红砖仓库，二十坡，哈利斯特斯东正教堂，旧函馆区公会堂等通通扫了一遍。

晚上在函馆大门横丁的一家小店里用餐。大门横丁里二十几家小酒店，每家就只能坐上不到十人，大家围坐在吧台边喝酒吃饭聊天，虽然我们听不懂他们对话，但觉得气氛有点意思。

原本想去山顶看夜景，实在冻得不行，就去旅馆房顶上泡温泉看夜景，别有一番风味。

Miyakojima 宫古岛平良港

Oct. 28, 2023: Today marked our arrival at the final Japanese port of this journey, Hirara Port on Miyakojima. The ship docked at 8 a.m., and due to restrictions on walking on the pier, shuttle buses provided by the port transported passengers directly to the terminal building at the pier's end. Miyakojima, part of the Okinawa archipelago, is not very large and lacks any particularly prominent tourist attractions.

Following a route recommended by local volunteers, we set out to explore. Apart from fellow passengers from our ship, few people were on the streets. Our first stop was Miyako Shrine, followed by a leisurely stroll along the coastline. Spotting a small shop with a queue, we hurried over to investigate. It turned out to specialize in seaweed-wrapped rice with canned spam and eggs. We didn't want to miss out today after seeing many similar shops at Naha Port in Okinawa yesterday but not having tried them. A sign on the counter mentioned sashimi, and upon inquiry, we were directed to a fish shop across the street, highly recommended for its offerings. It turned out to be a delightful breakfast experience.

We then ventured to a nearby beach, dipped our feet in the water, and continued exploring the tiny port's main street. Most shops were closed, and the area was deserted, with tourists like us searching for open establishments. Anticipating this, we enjoyed a comforting meal of local noodle soup and Japanese sweet red bean porridge at a small restaurant.

A Halloween event at the seaside park was reportedly arranged explicitly for our ship's arrival, featuring performances and snacks. Unfortunately, rain began shortly after our arrival, prompting us to seek shelter and forego further dining adventures. As we departed Japan today, we had to clear Japanese customs before returning to the ship. The boarding line was exceptionally long, so we decided to wait at a nearby coffee shop, where we enjoyed conversations with fellow Taiwanese passengers. Finally, back on board, our journey in Japan came to a close.

In anticipation of our ship’s arrival in Taiwan tomorrow, the Garden Café adorned in beautiful Chinese-style decorations.

十月二十八日：今天我们来到这次行程的最后一个日本港口，宫古岛的平良港。早上8点船停靠在码头，因为码头上不允许行走，下船有专车直接送到码头终点站楼前。宫古岛是冲绳群岛中的一个，岛不大，也没什么特别的旅游景点。我们就按照当地义工推荐的线路走。街头上除了我们船下来的游客外，几乎没什么人。先去宫古神社看了看，接着就沿海边走。看见一处小店有人排队，赶紧过去看看，是专卖紫菜包饭夹午餐肉和鸡蛋的。昨天在冲绳岛的那霸港看见许多卖这个小吃的，昨天没吃，今天不能再错过。柜台上有个牌子说有生鱼片，问了一下说是对面鱼店的，推荐给我们，还真是很不错的一顿早点心。接着走到不远处的海滩，稍微湿了湿脚又继续往小港口的主街区走，大部分店都没开，冷清清的，路上都是和我们一样的游客满街找店。我们有备而来，在一家小饭店里吃了当地的汤面和日本甜点红豆粥。

海边公园里今天有万圣节活动，据说是专门为我们船的到来而举办的，有些演唱及小吃。可惜我们刚到那里就开始下雨，忙着躲雨没了心情找吃的。因为今天就要离开日本，所以要过日本海关才能回船。回船的队非常非常长，索性去了边上的咖啡店边喝边等，顺便与同船的台湾同胞聊聊天。

终于回到船上，日本游也到此结束。

Naha Port, Okinawa Island冲绳岛那霸港

Oct. 27, 2023: Our ship docked at Naha Port on Okinawa Island this morning after visiting two small ports in the last two days. Naha Port is considered a major port with well-established facilities.

Our primary objective for the day was to explore the castles and parks on the outskirts. Naha Port offers convenient transportation options, including buses and monorail trains. In just over an hour, we reached Shuri Castle on the outskirts. Originally the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, it was built in the style of the Forbidden City. Unfortunately, the main hall inside the castle walls was entirely destroyed by a fire in 2019 and is currently undergoing reconstruction.

After departing from the castle, we discovered a nearby local cultural heritage site – the Kinjo Stone Path, an old stone pathway with steep steps. Traditional guesthouses lined the pathway, highlighting the daily challenges faced by residents in their comings and goings. At an intersection, we encountered well-preserved traditional Japanese village houses.

Walking along the tranquil stone pathway, we stumbled upon a restaurant at the end, a delightful find. We relished a delicious and reasonably priced Japanese hot pot and noodle soup for two.

Following lunch, we climbed over a small hill. We embarked on a journey of over thirty minutes to reach Shikina-en, the royal garden of the Ryukyu Kingdom, once favored as a vacation spot for Chinese emperors. While wandering through the garden, we unexpectedly saw someone filming a video. Although unsure whether they were celebrity or an internet sensation, we were captivated by a young man playing the Sanshin and singing beautifully.

We returned to the city center by bus and explored the commercial district, where we indulged in some delectable sushi made with black-haired wagyu beef, renowned for its tenderness. Although most shops along the main commercial street offered various tourist souvenirs, we felt genuinely distinctive Japanese items were lacking.

十月二十七日:接连去了二个小港，今天早上我们的船来到冲绳岛的那霸港，算是个大港，周围设施完善。

今天主要想看郊外的城堡和公园。大港口到底不一样，公交车，单轨铁路都很方便。一个多小时便来到郊外的首里城堡，原是琉球王国的皇宫，按紫禁城建造的，又是一个世界遗产名录的景点，只可惜城墙里面的大殿在2019年被大火全部烧毁了，正在全部重建。

出了城堡，附近有一个当地的文化遗产 - 旧时的石道，坡度很大，还有阶梯。石道二旁还都是民宿，感叹当地的居民每天进出是有多么不方便。路口边还保留着收拾得非常干净的日本传统村屋。沿着幽静的石道往下走，在石道的尽头看到一家餐厅，走进去发现真是找对地方了。俩人吃上一顿物美价廉的日本火锅和汤面。

饭后，我们爬过小山坡，走了三十多分钟来到识名园，琉球王国的皇家花园，以前还用于中国皇帝度假的地方。在花园里，正遇见拍摄小视频，也不知是哪个明星或网红。看了一会儿，弹琴唱歌的男生唱得真不错。

坐公交车回到市中心，在商业区里转一大圈，尝试了一下黑毛和牛寿司，好吃，很嫩。整条商业主街上以卖各种旅游纪念品的商店为主，但觉得真正有日本特色的并不多。

Amami Oshima 奄美大岛

Oct. 26, 2023: Today, we docked at another small port, and there aren't many attractions in Amami City. While many tourists opted for the beaches, we decided to visit a traditional Japanese kimono and silk fabric workshop on the outskirts by the public bus. The workshop was fascinating; they still utilize traditional dyeing and weaving techniques that have been practiced for over a thousand years. The silk fabrics they produce are primarily used for kimonos. Due to the entirely manual production process and the high skill level required, genuine silk fabric production is very time-consuming, resulting in expensive prices.

Upon returning to the city center, we had hoped to try the local delicacy, chicken rice, but unfortunately, the dish in the restaurant sold out. Instead, we settled for sashimi and fried pork cutlet. In the evening, we continued to enjoy sashimi and sushi on the ship. We've had quite a lot of sashimi during this journey in Japan.

十月二十六日：今天停靠的又是个小港，奄美市区也没什么景点，许多游客去了海滩，我们去了郊外的日本和服丝绸布制作坊参观。制作坊很有意思，在那里，至今还采用了有一千多年的传统染色和编织技术，所织丝绸布料主要用于和服。因为真丝布料制作过程完全是手工，技术要求相当高，非常耗时，所以布料价格昂贵。

回到市中心后，想吃当地美食鸡饭，可餐厅卖完了，只能又要了个刺身便饭，还有炸猪排。晚上在船上继续吃刺身和寿司。这一程日本游刺身吃了不少。

Sasebo Port 佐世保港

Oct. 25, 2023: Since we arrived in Tokyo, our cruise has been docking at different ports daily, resembling a river cruise experience. Each morning after breakfast, we disembarked and utilized public transportation or walked to explore the nearby attractions near the port. We typically spend about five to six hours each day on these excursions, covering a distance of at least twenty to thirty thousand steps. After a few days, we're starting to feel a bit tired. Today, we decided to take a break and leisurely stroll around the nearby streets, not going on any trips to the Kujukushima National Park on the outskirts.

Sasebo Port, a Japanese naval stronghold near China and Korea, greeted us as our ship sailed into its bay. The aura of military activity was palpable from the moment we arrived. Relaxing on the outdoor deck at the back of the ship, we were serenaded by the crew's cheerful "coffee, coffee" chant while taking in the breathtaking vistas of the Saikai Bridge and the Hario Radio Tower. This towering structure once transmitted the coded signal that initiated the Pearl Harbor Attack. The weather blessed us with its perfection on this memorable day.

Our first destination was Sasebo 5Bangai, followed by a stroll to a Cathedral church and Tono market. Our journey continued to Saruku City 4O3 Arcade, renowned as Japan's longest shopping street, stretching for a kilometer. While shopping wasn't our priority, we delighted in a delightful Japanese-Western fusion lunch at a restaurant along the bustling arcade, impressed by its exceptional quality. We visited the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Museum in the afternoon to learn about Japan's history.

Before our ship departed in the evening, a local female singer serenaded us with several beautiful songs on the dock as a farewell gesture.

十月二十五日：自从来到东京后游轮是每天靠岸，有点像河上游。我们更是每天早餐后就下船，利用公共交通和＂1 1路＂在海港附近景点转转，花上五，六个小时，每天至少走二，三万步，几天下来有点累了。今天给自已请个假，就在附近街头看看，不去郊外的国家公园。

在城里1公里长购物街号称是日本最长的购物街，但购物对我们来说并没有吸引力，我们就在街上一家日式西餐厅里吃了顿日西结合的午餐，还不错。下午参观日本自卫海军博物馆，了解一点日本的历史。佐世保港是日本的军港，离中国和韩国很近。

晚上我们的船离开前，当地的一位女歌手在码头上唱了一首又一首好听的歌为我们送行。

Nichinan 日南市

Oct. 24, 2023: Once again, we arrived at a new port. However, the port where we docked, Aburatsu Port, is approximately 1.5 miles away from the center of Nichinan. There are several attractions around the city that we wished to visit, but upon checking, we discovered that while there are buses available, they aren't very convenient. Typically, if the port is far from the city center, free shuttle buses would be provided. However, this time, the cruise only offered shuttle buses for $15 per person, and we had to endure long queues for them. Initially, we lined up for the shuttle bus but eventually opted for a taxi. We agreed to share a cab with two fellow passengers, but after waiting in line for over half an hour, we were informed that all the taxis had been hired out. Our only recourse was to walk from the ship terminal to the city center. We were told that there were temporary shuttle buses to Obi Castle and Udo Shrine near the city center. Consequently, the four of us embarked on a walking journey of over half an hour to reach the city center.

Obi Castle, near Nichinan City, is dubbed "Little Kyoto." Although the ancient Obi Castle dates back to the 15th century, what we observed were primarily recent reconstructions. In China, Korea, and Japan, numerous newly constructed historical sites can become somewhat tiresome to visit after a while, as they don't quite capture the authenticity of the originals.

In small towns in Japan, restaurants typically close from 2 to 5 p.m. We couldn't find any dining options near the tourist attractions, and even upon returning to the city center, we struggled to locate a restaurant for lunch. Upon consulting with locals, they suggested visiting the supermarket. Consequently, we purchased a box of sushi, rice balls, and beverages to satisfy our hunger.

Following that, the two of us strolled along the seaside. The Gion-jinja shrine concealed within the coastal caves was remarkably unique, and Nichinankaigan National Park left a lasting impression. The distinctive rock formations sculpted by wind and rain along the coast evoked memories of the scenic beauty of the "Great Ocean Road" in Melbourne, Australia. Vending machines selling all kinds of drinks are everywhere in Japan, but we found a vending machine with the lowest price while walking back to the ship.

As we returned to the terminal, a quaint market had sprung up for passengers. Though we didn't linger, the sight was bustling. At dusk, our ship gracefully eased away from the dock while a local music and dance troupe entertained us, creating a truly enchanting farewell scene.

十月二十四日：又来到一个新港口。但停靠的海港，油津港离市中心约1.5英里，城市周围有几个景点想去看看，但查了一下有公交车但不是很方便。一般来说，如果码头离市中心很远，码头会提供免费专车，可这次游轮提供专车，收15美金一人，而且还要排长队等车。我们先是排队等专车，然后决定改坐出租车出去，且与另外两位游客说好一起包车，结果排队排了半个多小时后，说出租车都包没了。唯一的选择只能是从船码头走去市中心，说是市中心有临时专车去饫肥城和鹈户神宫，我们俩就与那两位游客一起走了半个多小时来到市中心。去日南市附近的饫肥城号称＂小京都＂，饫肥古城堡建于十五世纪，但现在看到的都是近年来重新建的。中国，韩国和日本好多都是历史的新建筑，看多了有点厌了， 就是与看真货的感觉不一样。

在日本小地方，下午二点到五点餐厅休息，在景区附近没找到吃的，回到市中心后，也找不到饭店吃午饭，问了当地人，说是去超市吃。没办法就在超市里买了一盒寿司，饭团和饮料充饥。

然后我们俩沿着海边往回走，海边藏在山洞里的神社⛩️很有特色，日南海岸国定公园也不错，海边风吹雨打形成的奇特石岩更是觉得有点＂小太阳路＂的景观。

Hiroshima 广岛

Oct. 23, 2023: Today, the sky was clear, and our ship arrived at Hiroshima in the morning, the most anticipated destination of this cruise trip. The pilot boat accompanied our ship into the port with a welcoming water show, which was very nice. Once again, we chose to embark on a self-guided tour. Upon disembarking, we purchased a day pass for sightseeing, which included bus fare and a ferry ticket to Miyajima Island.

Taking a tram to Miyajima Pier, we then boarded a ferry for a fifteen-minute journey to Miyajima. The island is renowned for Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During high tide, the shrine gate ⛩️ appears to float on the water's surface. Unfortunately, it was low tide upon our arrival, and the shrine gate's pillars were still visible.

Our first culinary adventure involved trying the local specialty, grilled oysters, which, to our disappointment, were average and didn't suit our palates. Raw oysters remained our preference. Conversely, the grilled squid was quite delightful. We then ventured uphill to Momijidani Park, although the maple leaves had only begun to change color, lacking the vibrant hues we had anticipated. Descending, we continued our quest for street food, indulging in skewers of grilled meat, grilled squid, and some grilled mochi balls. Finally, we treated ourselves to some ice cream, constituting our lunch. Another notable feature of the island is its wild deer, akin to those we encountered in Nara Park a few days earlier. However, the deer here were less mannered and would boldly snatch food from tourists. Throughout the meal, we had to fend off the wild deer constantly.

Inside Itsukushima Shrine, we were greeted by a serene and enchanting atmosphere. After purchasing tickets, we wandered around the shrine grounds. As the tide gradually rose, the shrine ⛩️ seemingly floated on the water, presenting an increasingly breathtaking sight. With the island bustling with tourists, we opted not to linger for too long instead of catching the ferry and tram back to Hiroshima. Thankfully, the day pass we had purchased for buses and ferries spared us considerable inconvenience, facilitating our boarding and disembarking.

Boarding the tram to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, we beheld the only preserved Atomic Bomb Dome. Located directly at the epicenter of the atomic bomb explosion, the dome remarkably withstood the blast with minimal damage, remaining upright. While we had intended to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the lengthy queue dissuaded us. Instead, we spent some time at the nearby Atomic Bomb Victims Memorial Hall, which was thoughtfully constructed.

Initially, we had planned to sample Hiroshima-style fried noodles in the city center. However, after an unsuccessful search, we hurried back. Near the station, we enjoyed a satisfying and affordable meal at a Japanese chain restaurant, relishing a bowl of noodle soup and tempura.

十月二十三日：今天晴空万里，广岛是这次游轮行中最期待的地方，我们还是自游行。下船后买了一日游的联票，包括公交车以及去宫岛的船票。先乘坐有轨电车去宫岛码头，然后又坐了十五分钟的渡轮来到宫岛。岛上有世界遗产名录的严岛神社，高潮时，神社门⛩️就像浮在水面上。我们刚到时，正好是低潮，神社门柱还都露底。岛上另一特色是野鹿，有点像几天前在奈良公园看到的，不过这里的野鹿比较不文明，会抢游客的食物。

我们先尝试当地特色烤生蚝，但觉得一般，并不适合我们的口味，生蚝还是生的好吃。烤鱿鱼倒是不错。然后就上山去红枫公园，但红枫还刚刚开始变色，几乎没什么颜色。下山后就继续在街上找吃的，要了几串烤肉，烤鱿鱼，还有烤的小圆子最后再来一个冰淇淋，算是当午餐了。吃的时候不停地躲野鹿。

岛上的严岛神社里面非常美，买票进去走一圈看了一下，那时开始涨潮了，神社⛩️慢慢开始有点浮在水中的感觉，越来越漂亮。岛上游客相当多，我们没在岛上呆太久，就坐渡轮和有轨电车回广岛。我们这次幸好买公交渡轮一日通，省了不少麻烦，上下车方便很多。

乘坐有轨电车来到广岛和平纪念公园，目睹了唯一保存的原爆圆顶。因为原子弹爆发中心正好在圆顶建筑的上空，它收到冲击波最小而生存下来。想去广岛和平纪念博物馆看，但因排队太长而放弃，就在附近的原爆受害者纪念堂待了一会儿，纪念堂修建的很不错。

原本还准备在广岛商业街中心尝试一下他们的炒面，走了一圈没找到，就匆匆赶回去。在车站附近一家日本连锁店里吃上一碗汤面和天妇罗等，又是价廉物美的一顿。

Osaka, Nara 大阪，奈良

Oct. 21, 2023: Today, our cruise ship stayed overnight in Osaka, giving us more time to explore the nearby  area. In the early morning, we took the subway to Osaka Castle. Despite just opening, the castle was already bustling with crowds. Alongside the tourist groups, there were numerous local high school student groups. It appears that extracurricular activities in Japan are often scheduled for weekends. Inside the castle, it was even more crowded. The castle boasts eight floors, and ascending the narrow stairs felt akin to being packed in sardines. Although the top floor offers an observation deck, we refrained from venturing out to observe and simply descended even upon reaching the eighth floor. Visitor restrictions would likely have been implemented long ago in the United States.

After leaving the castle, we boarded the subway directly to Nara, Japan's ancient capital. Upon arrival, we indulged in a bowl of noodle soup and sampled Japan's zero-carb noodles. The flavors were delightful, and the food was quite affordable; two bowls of noodle soup cost less than fifteen US dollars. A visit to Nara wouldn't be complete without encountering the deer. These deer have roamed freely in the city for generations, fostering a harmonious relationship with humans. Within the park, Nara's deer frequently approach tourists for food, with vendors selling deer treats along the pathways. When you offer them food, they gracefully bow their heads in return. Witnessing a group of deer crossing the street at a pedestrian crossing was particularly captivating.

A small café inside the park serves tea, coffee, and some simple desserts. We took our break at the cafe, but the food was disappointing. We continued to explore the area, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Kasuga Shrine and the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple, followed by another break at a different café serving English afternoon tea.

In the late afternoon, a drizzle commenced, bringing a chill to the air. Following our tour of Nara, we returned to the cruise ship, donned warmer attire, and disembarked again to explore Namba, Osaka's bustling downtown district. The atmosphere was electrifying, perhaps the most extensive and liveliest night market we've encountered. Unlike Taipei and Seoul, dining establishments were predominantly street-facing shops. In addition to sampling the ubiquitous grilled chestnuts, we discovered a barbecue restaurant and savored a dinner of sashimi and grilled seafood, which were delectable. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in the experience of Japanese barbecue.

On Oct. 22, our cruise ship is scheduled to depart from Osaka around noon. After breakfast, we quickly headed to explore the Osaka Umeda commercial district. However, upon arrival, we discovered that most shops and restaurants wouldn't open until 11 o'clock. After searching for a while, all we could find was a seafood rice ball wrapped in seaweed, which wasn't very tasty, and we couldn't find anything else appetizing to eat. Feeling unsatisfied, we lingered until 11 o'clock when the shops finally opened. Unlike last night's night market, this area was dominated by large malls rather than small food streets. There were so many tempting offerings in the food section of the malls we couldn't possibly try them all. The freshly made red bean cakes were mainly delightful and warm. The freshly sliced dried squid had a distinct taste, without preservatives. After purchasing it, the seller even reminded us to consume it within four days. It's a regret we didn't have enough time to stay longer; we had to rush back to the ship terminal.

As the ship slowly eased away from the dock, the vibrant melodies of a local band filled the air, and crowds gathered on the terrace, waving and cheering as they bid farewell to the departing passengers. We had a wonderful diner at the main dining restaurant on the ship.

十月二十一日：今天游轮在大阪过夜，一早我们乘坐地铁去大阪城堡。城堡刚开门，可那里已是人山人海，除了旅游团，更多的是当地中学生团体的，看来在日本课外活动是放在周末做的。进到城堡后那更是摩肩擦踵，城堡一共有八层，从狭窄的楼梯一层层往上去完全就是人贴人。顶层是观望台，到了八层我们都没敢挤出去观望就往下走。在美国的话，应该早就实行人数限制了。

离开城堡后，我们坐地铁直奔奈良，日本最早的首都。下车后，先吃上一碗汤面，还尝试了日本的零克碳化物汤面，味道不错，日本饮食真是便宜，二碗汤面十五美金还不到。来奈良就是要去看花鹿，长期以来萘良鹿自由自在地生活在城里，与人和睦相处。公园里，大街小巷上奈良鹿时常走近游客要吃的，路上有小贩销售鹿食。你给它吃上一片鹿食，低个头，鹿也会低个头。特别有趣的是看着一群花鹿沿着斑马线过马路。我们还参观世界遗产春日大社和兴福寺大金堂等。

下午下点小雨，有点凉飕飕，游完奈良后我们就先回游轮，加点衣服后再次下船，去了大阪城里的难波闹市区。那里更是万头攒动、门庭若市，这大概是我们看到过的最大最热闹的夜市了。与台北和首尔不同的是饮食店都是在街面房内的。尝了尝满街都在卖的烤园子外，还找了一家烧烤店吃了顿晚饭，生鱼片加烤海鲜，味道不错，感受一下日本烧烤。

十月二十二日：今天游轮中午就要离开大阪，我们早餐后赶紧趁早去大阪梅田商业区转转。可是去到那里发现大多数商家和餐厅都要在十一点才开张，找了半天除了一个紫菜包的海鲜冷饭团，味道不怎么样，也没吃上什么好吃的。心不甘，硬是就在那里磨蹭到十一点等商店开门。与昨晚上的夜市完全不同，这里都是大的商场，而不是那种小吃街。大商场里的食品区好东西实在太多都看不过来。现做的豆沙饼热乎乎的非常好吃。现切的尤鱼丝味道就是不一样，没有防腐剂，我们买了之后特别关照我们四天内要吃完的。只可惜我们时间不够不能多待，只能匆匆赶回船码头。

Mount Fuji 富士山脚下

Oct 20, 2023: Today, we arrived at Shimizu, where we could glimpse Mount Fuji. Opting for self-guided exploration, we set out early in the morning, departing from the pier and boarding a public bus bound for Miho-no-Matsubara, renowned for its spectacular views of Mount Fuji. It was our first time navigating Japan's bus system, and we boarded from the front, unfamiliar with the procedures. However, the driver, doubling as the ticket seller, signaled us to use the rear door. We quickly grasped the system of obtaining a ticket upon boarding first, which indicates the boarding station number, and then exiting from the front door at our destination, paying based on the number of stations traveled. After approximately twenty minutes, we arrived at our destination.

We leisurely strolled along the divine pathway flanked by towering pine trees to Miho-no-Matsubara Park. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miho-no-Matsubara Park sprawled to the seashore. The panoramic vista of verdant pine trees, sandy beaches, the vast ocean, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji in the distance was simply breathtaking. Fortunate with favorable weather, we were treated to the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Fuji's summit. It's said that during winter, adorned with more snow, the sight is even more enchanting.

Upon returning to the ship pier, we sought a sushi restaurant to indulge in more delectable and affordable local cuisine. Following our satisfying meal, we explored some historical sites in the city center, where elderly volunteers eagerly shared insights into the local area despite the language barrier posing some challenges when communicating in English.

As we bid farewell, dockworkers and residents waved goodbye. Looking ahead, we anticipate disembarking and exploring ashore daily, likely clocking another twenty to thirty thousand steps daily.

十月二十日：今天到达SHIMIZU, 在那里可以看到富士山。我们俩自由行，一早就出码头坐公交车去三保松原，那里有最佳角度可以看富士山。好像还是第一次在日本坐公交车，不懂那里的规矩，我们先从前门上车，结果司机兼售票员咕噜一通指着后面要我们从后门上。上车先拿票，票上有上车站号码，到站时从前门下车，按乘坐站数买票。二十几分钟后就到了目的地。我们沿着两边有高大松树耸立的神之道漫步到三保松原公园。三保松原是富士山世界保护遗产的一部分，穿过公园便来到海边。沿海岸茂盛的松树，沙滩，大海与远处白雪盖顶的富士山交结在一起的景色的确是非常美。我们算是幸运的，天气不错，富士山顶有露真容。估计冬天的时候雪更多更漂亮。

回到船码头，找了一家寿司店继续享用当地价廉物美的寿司。饭后在市中心参观一些故迹，在那里总是有年老的义工热心地向我们介绍当地的情况，即使对他们来说用英文交流有点困难。

离岸时，码头工作人员和当地居民向我们招手告别。接下来每天都会靠岸下船，估计每天又要走上二，三万步了。

Tokyo 东京

Oct. 19, 2023: Our 16-day cruise from Seattle to Tokyo concluded, but we remained on board to commence the second leg of our journey. Sailing home on a cruise ship for the first time has been quite an extraordinary experience. Initially, we anticipated relatively few passengers on board for the first leg of the journey due to long stretches at sea with few port stops. However, it was quite the opposite; numerous passengers were on the ship like us, returning to China or Japan. We encountered many others continuing on the second leg, and some even embarked on the third segment. The ship was essentially fully booked, making it even more challenging to find seats during breakfast at the buffet.

Since we were staying on for the journey but had to switch cabins, we just packed our belongings, and the room steward handled the transfer of our luggage to the assigned rooms, alleviating our worries. In the morning, we disembarked and headed to the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. The market was bustling with crowds, making navigating difficult, with long queues everywhere for food. Embracing the lively atmosphere, we queued up to purchase some bluefin tuna sushi and Japanese omelets. The flavors were delightful, and the prices were reasonable.

After exploring the market for a while, we attempted to find more food, but the overwhelming crowds and queues led us to abandon the endeavor. Departing from the fish market, we visited other attractions before indulging in sushi, egg soup, and sashimi rice at a nearby restaurant, all for less than twenty-five dollars. It was indeed a remarkable value.

The weather in Tokyo had been delightful since our arrival, in stark contrast to the rainy days we experienced during the first leg of the journey. We continued to explore the area near the cruise terminal.

Upon returning to our room this afternoon, our travel agent surprised us with a bottle of red wine and chocolate-covered strawberries, signaling a promising start to this leg of the cruise.

十月十九日：我们西雅图东京十六天游轮今天就结束了，但我们继续留在船上开始我们第二段游轮。第一次坐船漂洋过海回家也算是一次特别的经历。原本以为这第一段游程海上航行时间长而停靠港口少，船上游客也许会不太多，但完全出乎意料，船上有不少像我们一样回中国，回日本的。碰到不少像我们一样继续坐第二段的，更有一些继续坐第三段的。船基本上满客，早餐吃自助餐时，都找不到位子。

今天换房间，我们不用管，早上就下船去东京渔巿场。市场里人山人海，走路都有点难，到处都有排长队买吃的。我们也去凑个热闹，排着队买了二份蓝鳍金枪鱼寿司和蛋饼，味道还不错，价格又便宜。在市场里转了一大圈，还想找点吃的，但人实在太多，队太长，排了队又放弃了。离开渔巿场后又去其他景点转一转，然后在一家寿司店吃些寿司，蛋汤，生鱼片饭，花了不到二十五美金，真是价廉物美。

来东京后，天气特别好，非常舒服，与第一程许多阴雨天完全相反。昨天到达时，码头上敲锣打鼓欢迎我们。今天下午回到的房间，我们订票代理送来巧克力裹草莓和红酒一瓶，看来这一段游轮有个好开端。

Yokohama 横浜

Oct. 18, 2023: Shortly after we set sail from Seward, Alaska, on October 8th, the captain announced that the unruly waves made it impossible to head towards the Bering Sea. Opting for an alternate route, we turned southwards. Yet, the Pacific Ocean presented its own challenges, stirring with four impending storms, including a formidable super typhoon. Despite the captain's skillful efforts to steer us clear of the tempests, luck did not favor our voyage. The subsequent ten days were filled with continuous upheaval on the open sea. Nonetheless, we endeavored to make the most of our circumstances, engaging in the ship's various entertainments, delighting in an array of exceptional dishes, and committing to a daily goal of 10,000 steps around the deck.

Although our ship successfully avoided one storm after another, we couldn't head west towards Japan until we finally bypassed the super typhoon. By then, we had veered too far south to reach our first two ports in Japan - Hakodate and Sendai, leaving us no option but to head straight for Tokyo and spend the night there. We arrived at a newly inaugurated Tokyo International Cruise Terminal in the morning today. A dockside ceremony greeted us, complete with live musical performances, marking a celebratory end to our tumultuous journey at sea.

Having previously visited Tokyo, we opted to explore Yokohama this time. Renowned for having Japan's largest Chinatown, it was also the most beautiful one we had ever seen. We indulged in various delicious Chinese dishes there, with the Shanghainese-style pan-fried buns catching our attention the most. A popular shop boasted a long queue, we didn’t want to wait and randomly selected a smaller shop to sample their offerings. Traditional pork and seafood-filled buns, both of which were delicious and comparable to those from Xiao Yang's Fry Dumpling in Shanghai.

Subsequently, we boarded a bus to visit the traditional Japanese garden, Sankeien. Its beauty was breathtaking, and strolling through its serene paths was a delightful experience. After our garden excursion, we planned to enjoy a bowl of Japanese ramen in the city center. However, upon arrival, we found ourselves amidst towering skyscrapers, and an elderly volunteer informed us that the city center lacked notable ramen establishments. Consequently, we hailed a taxi to the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, albeit requiring some explanation to the driver about our destination.

The Ramen Museum comprises several ramen shops, with the first floor dedicated to exhibits detailing the history of ramen. Descending to the basement, we found ourselves in a meticulously recreated old-style street, housing various shops specializing in different styles of ramen. Admission to the museum was $2.5, with an additional $5 offering a taste of delectable ramen. We tried different styles of ramen from two shops, both of which left a lasting impression with their delicious flavors.

Following our satisfying ramen, we utilized the light rail to return to Tokyo, spending time circling around the area near the Tokyo cruise terminal. By day's end, we had accumulated over 20,000 steps on foot in addition to utilizing public transportation and taxis.

十月十八日: 自十月八日离开阿拉斯加的苏厄德后不久船长就宣布白令海去不了，那里风浪太大，决定南下。可太平洋也不太平，有四个风暴包括一个超级台风等着我们，船长觉得有可能从风暴中穿梭航行。可人算不如天算，我们的船躲过一个接一个风暴却始终无法西行往日本去，直到最终绕过超级台风之后才能西行，但此时船往南已经走得太远，这个行程的第一和第二站函馆和仙台去不成了，只能直奔东京，在东京过夜。

几年前来过东京，这次到东京后，我们就去横浜转转。横浜有日本最大的中华街，也是我们去过的最漂亮的中华街，街上有各色各味的中国美餐，最为吸引的是上海生煎，有个网红店外面排着长队，我们就随便选了一家小店试一下，有原味的，还有绿色是海鲜的，味道很不错，不比上海小杨生煎差。

接着坐公交车去日本传统园林三溪园，很漂亮，在园区内漫步很舒坦。原本想去市中心吃碗日本拉面，到那里后发现那里都是高楼大厦，又碰上志愿者告诉我们那里没什么好的拉面店。我们就叫了出租车去新横浜拉面博物馆，上车后咕噜半天才说明了我们想去哪里。

拉面博物馆实际上有几个拉面店组成，一层有关于拉面历史的记载。地下层建成旧时的小街，好几家拉面馆卖不同特色的拉面。进博物馆要付$2.5 门票，但$5就可以吃上一小碗香喷喷的拉面。我们尝试了二家拉面，味道都相当不错。

饭后就乘坐轻轨回东京，在东京游船码头转了一大圈。一天下来，除了坐轻轨，公交车和出租车外又走了二万多步。