Some input for you....

I am off for a city tour today. I should be able to get out and see more of Tokyo today.
I have made several educated observations - Tokyo is extremely compact in the way of architecture. The buildings are so close together and all somewhat tall. You do not have the ability to really look out past the buildings. There is no vast area like Fort Worth. Having never really lived in the city myself - I find it somewhat claustrophobic. Every turn - buildings. It makes it a little hard to find your way.

I have also found out that Japan is not quite like what we "learn about" in the classroom. I am hearing over and over about how much the younger generation works and there is not enough time for family as much. It was put to us that "Japan has become a country that is fixed on materialism - not spirituality, like it used to be." It will be interesting to see if it is the same in my prefecture. We went out last night and there were people everywhere just returning home from work. It was 10:00 at night. The drive here is to be successful!

I am extremely blessed to live and work where I do. The focus in my life is family. Speaking of families - I have been given my host family information. All I know is that it is an older couple. He is 70 and she is 65. I am a little anxious about that part of the trip since I know so little about it.

And Winn - to answer your question, I would not say that Japan is as handicap accessible as one would expect. Another surprising discovery!

I am going back to bed - it is 4:30 in the morning here. Hugs to you all! I love you Charlie, Thomas, and Kip!