Fun day in Tokyo

 We are starting to realize our opportunities to see things in Japan are almost over. One thing we really wanted to try was to go to one of the Disaster Prevention Centers. (There are at least 3 that I have heard of in the Greater Tokyo area) These centers are free to the public and are offered as a way to help residents of the area be aware of and prepare for a number of disasters that could strike at any time.

The language barrier makes it a bit tough for me to understand everything, but I believe the centers are sponsored by the Tokyo Fire Department. The first part of the experience is a movie all about the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 which not only destroyed many buildings but caused a "Fire Tornado". After the movie, the group is divided into 4 smaller groups to visit 4 experience corners - Earthquake, Fire, Flood, Cyclone. No photography is allowed during the program, but I lucked out and found a video online that shows a group doing the experience just like we did.


Here is a picture taken outside the facility - Honjo Disaster Prevention Center Fire Station.


After the tour we grabbed some lunch and then took the train to Mejiro Garden to see the Christmas lights. There are a so many lovely Japanese gardens and during the fall/winter season it is very popular to light them for night viewing. I love going to see them - the mood is always so festive. It's usually very crowded, but everyone is polite and takes turns at the photo spots. We always see a lot of couples and families. It's wonderful to see the way people enjoy the beauties of the season together. I love that about Japan.














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