* The Ginza in Japan is a must-see if you like old-fashioned department stores. Definitely time-warp yourself to 1962 with a department-store restaurant lunch (but with tastier food). Picking a menu item will not be a problem because most restaurants in Japan have models of the food they serve in the front area. * If you are taking a train trip of more than 2 hours, get to the station early and pick up an "ekiden"--to-go packaged train lunch--from one of the stores in the station. You will be able to get a packaged lunch with local specialties (the equivalent of, say, clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl in San Francisco). Very tasty, not expensive. * Japanese temples are very interactive and fun for children. Pack some change so that you can make wishes. * People in Japan carry handkerchiefs and they come in very handy. The souvenir handkerchiefs at gift shops can be gorgeous--definitely put some money aside. You will need handkerchiefs while you're there, and they make great souvenirs for you and surprisingly great presents for people at home. I gave my mother a handkerchief I bought in Japan one Christmas and was surprised to hear BOTH my sisters draw in their breath and say--in stereo--"That is a BEAUTIFUL HANDKERCHIEF."

DawninCal, it was so hot and humid when we were in Tokyo that it made us sick. All the walking and sightseeing in the heat made us all lose our appetite and Rachelle really got sick, making us leave early on our first day out with family. I was surprised when we got to Kyoto, for some reason I thought it would be warmer but it was nice and cool. I think it only rained one or two days when we were there. By-the-way, got on the scale today and found that I had lost about 6 pounds during the trip!

Lovely photos. The food looks yummy. I've been to Kyoto but not to the bamboo forest, it looks like you had a chance to see many interesting places during your visit. Are you planning a return trip.

There are several Flight Museums in Los Angeles. I'm not sure what you can buy there, however, but I would imagine that they have gift shops. Here are some more aviation museums in California. Here is a list for North America, but California has by far the most, followed by Texas.