Retaining walls

Japan is a small island nation with lots of mountains, as the saying goes.  In order to build highways through these mountains, retaining walls are expertly constructed with cement and huge bolts.  These are rather steep mountains.

More PRs along the way

The rest stops have the nicest powder rooms anywhere--rivaling expensive hotels.  Here are some more photos.

Hand washing area 

Each stall was dimly lighted, the center sink appears to be also lighted. 

Outside the above rest stop was this vehicle:

The next stop two hours later

Boys' Day samurai helmet on the vending machines.

Entering City Limits signs along the road

During our travels to and from the Tokyo area, the highway had signs depicting the City Limits of the various places we traveled through.  Each had a unique artwork for that place.

Shiga Prefecture

Ayase City

Isehara City

Oi Machi

Fuji City

Nagoya City

Kameyama City 

Waka City

Enterin Hyogo Prefecture--home!

Vehicle Art

This is a tour bus

Crab anyone?

Tempura shrimp on wheels!! Yumm!!

 A lavender dump truck

April 8

It rained Thursday.  Sakura petals started to fall and soon blanketed the streets like snow.  

April 6, and 7 in Zama

Mt. Fuji shaped construction barriers

Here are a couple of helpful giraffes with shovels. 

A very impressive sakura tree trunk--must be over 60 years old. 

This plaque indicates the tree was dedicated on the 40th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy.  Authentic soil from there was used  in planting this now-huge tree, a picture of which is below.  

In and around Zama April 5

A row of colorful modern houses

Pastor Lyon of Lighthouse Baptist Church leading singing.  Henry played the piano.

Henry making a point while preaching

The Angel English School where angels go to learn English, I guess.  

Tree-lined street

Plum tree in bloom

Rest Stop Restrooms We

I will say that rest stop restrooms have improved immensely.  These first three are in the same place. 

These sinks are slanted so it prevents water spilling on the floor.  

This is another stop that had a similar restroom

The last place we stopped had this special room  for babies.  The changing table says Mommy's Helper and has just a tiny kid-toilet.  So cute! 

Another in the same place for handicapped.