Saturday, December 13, 2008

Yokohama

I'm behind as usual. Two months ago we went to Yokohama with 2 other couples. We took the metro train from here, to Tokyo, then to Yokohama. Yokohama is unique in that it is more modern and more international than other cities in Japan. Highlights include:

The Landmark Tower (the tallest building in Japan) which also has the fastest elevator in the world.


The Waterfront (Landmark Tower is the skyscraper on the left)


Yes, we rode the ferris wheel.


Oktoberfest! With a real German band and super expensive beers.


With singing in German.

ROBO Japan 2008, which had all the famous robots on display with also some tournament Robowars. Below is a video of Honda's Asimo robot, which can run and go up and down stairs like a human.



Here's the winners and some other contestants from Robowars. The robots were required to be bipedal, and the strategy usually involved swinging the arms in order to knock over the opponent.


The Sankeien Garden, which was a bunch of restored historic buildings and landscaping around this large pond. Here's some of my best shots.


This plant (the Sweet Olive or Fragrant Tea Olive) possessed such a heavenly fragrance, we bought one for our courtyard soon after arriving home.


And the food and good times with our friends.