My mother and mother-in-law are coming (together) to visit for two weeks this autumn. My mother’s never visited Japan. Jean, Tod’s mom, has been here once before.
I’ve been thinking of things to make their trip special. I’m sharing my list here, because if I don’t I’ll forget everything (and there’s no Google search on “what to do with your mother in Tokyo”), but also I’d like to hear what you’ve done with your folks when they’ve been to visit.
(And yes, Mom & Jean, you’re welcome to suggest anything you like!)
- Onsen ryokan - Kishigon at Ikaho or Araki Kosen Onsen in Chichibu
- Taste of Culture class
- Takarazuka Review show
- Party to show off friends to mothers (or vice versa)
- Dinner at Goenmon (tofu in Hakusan) and Hantei (kushiage in Nezu)
- Hakone day trip or overnight (should be good momiji season)
- Asakusa - river taxi - Hamaryuku - Ginza
- Lots of grocery shopping and cooking at home
- Plenty of just hanging out doing nothing days, too.
How many days will they be in Tokyo?
Chill out days are a good idea. My Mum felt a little overwhelmed hitting Tokyo after spending months living in the desert. Gotta remember that they are on holiday too.
Posted by: mj on July 20, 2004 09:32 AMThey’ll be here for 11 full days (plus arrival and departure days)
I try to plan no more than one exciting activity per day—and exciting might be a trip to the conbini to gawk at the bento and snack selections—because never mind the visitors, *I* get exhausted. ;-)
Posted by: Kristen on July 20, 2004 09:46 AMNightly reminisce about embarrassing moments from our offsprings’ childhood blog posts on the dynamicduo or some other public forum.
Posted by: UltraBob on July 20, 2004 10:40 AMWould your Mom(s) like to meet up with my mum and dad for afternoon tea at their apartment to see how the “poor” people live in Tokyo? They have lots of stories about their adventure of living in Tokyo over the age 60.
Posted by: Tracey on July 20, 2004 11:56 AMNot sure if they’ll have time for it, but a trip to Kyoto and some of the gazillion temples there would be nice. And if they’re lucky, maybe catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko. :-) A trip to Miyajima would also be nice, but that’s at least 5 hrs by Shinkansen and local train.
Posted by: Eva on July 20, 2004 08:46 PMRemember to rest. The river taxi is cool. Hiking?
Posted by: Jenny on July 20, 2004 08:55 PMI highly recommend a walk through Shinjuku at night. The neon and fashion is amazing, especially for first timers. They may also enjoy a Ginza shopping experience - maybe the Indian restaurant we used to go to? ;)
Posted by: Seth on July 21, 2004 05:56 AMsounds fun.
You live in Tokyo, so you show our city life to them.
Kyoto is also famous as a historical city. But in Kamakura, or Nikko you all can see lots of temples and shirnes.
If you’ll go on trip how about SHIRAKAWA in GIFU.
It is a really old japanese villege and they keep the life.
http://www.pref.toyama.jp/GOKAYAMA/gokayama_e.html
Additionaly, I love portary. So if they are interested in it, please visist MASHIKO by local train. If you come there on Sundays, you can get on a locaomotive.
Posted by: Mieko on July 21, 2004 09:20 AMThanks for all the great suggestions (and Tracey, I think Mom & Mom would love to meet your parents, thanks!) If you have more ideas, bring them on—even with lots of kicking back and relaxing, 11 days is a long time.
Here are some things I forgot to list:
Shiatsu
Karaoke
This mom would love to meet Tracey’s parents and hear their stories. Rest days sound good, too. I would love to visit at least one temple. Will I have the opportunity to say “day off - let’s chat”?
Posted by: Fran on July 21, 2004 08:33 PM