Vagabond Hearts

woke up this morning….

Tokyo via Toyama for some Baseball

We took a train from Takayama to Toyama. The views from the train were outstanding.

The fruit trees are pruned so the branches grow horizontally giving the fruit maximum sun exposure.
Took a Shinkansen to Tokyo Station. Our hotel was conveniently located across the street. Just in time to check in, get settled, and head out to our first Japanese Baseball game.
Meiji Jingu Stadium is the home stadium for the Yomiuri Swallows who are playing their rival Tokyo Giants tonight.
Fans were incredibly attuned to every action of the game. Lots of player chants throughout the stadium. And of course, the beer serving attendants quelled the crowd’s thirst.
Cheerleaders from both teams dancing together before the game starts.
Safety first!
Dean, look at this: an IWATA jersey!
Each player endorses favorite foods sold in the stadium and if you buy that food you get a baseball card and a little figure of that player in action. This was for a hot dog with a mochi spiral on the outside, a Japanese corn dog!
These umbrellas came out during outstanding plays i.e. HOMERUNS !

The following showed the stadium was filled with Giants fans but not us!

The Swallows WON 2-1! By the way, the stadium was spotless at the end of the game. Everyone cleans up after themselves. We love Japanese Baseball!