Summer Handbag from Japan

During my recent trip to Japan, I kept seeing these furoshiki-scarf-handbags.  From Tokyo to Kyoto to finally Hiroshima; I had to get one.  It is a very clever idea and practical too.  Took me a few days to catch on that this bag is perfect for travelling, it is flat and both the fabric and the handle are reversible.  It is a single layer of cloth, not two pieces sewn together.  The handle is a nice firm/stiff band and is very secure in hand.
Now I wish I had purchased the larger size too.

Found a source for the handles on Etsy.com.  Did a search for "furoshiki handbag" and there was one seller.  Their scarves seemed too lightweight for my purposes.  But the handles are leather and in solid white, tan and red.  Am anxiously awaiting the handle's arrival.  I have the perfect "nobori" banner to make into this bag. 

Hello Tokyo (after 17 years)

Long ago, before 9/11 happened, I was practically commuting to Tokyo.  Then the Japanese economic 'bubble' burst and the money dried up. 

In May, I was fortunate to travel with a group to Japan for the 15th Anniversary Celebration of Hiroshima-Hawaii Sister Cities.  But, that's jumping ahead...

Susan and I went to Tokyo for a few days to power shop and have fun before the Hiroshima portion of the trip.  Landed at Narita and was happy to see it modernized and air-conditioned.  Sent luggage ahead to Hiroshima by takkyubin.  This is a great freight forwarding service everyone uses to travel light.  Wish we had something as dependable, honest and affordable in the US.

Limo bus to Shinagawa Prince Hotel; no traffic!  What?  Tokyo with no traffic?  Just lucky I guess.  I was mesmerized, looking out the bus window at how much the city had changed and yet stayed the same.  An hour or so later, we were at the hotel.  Dropped off our bags and hit  Shinagawa station for the Yamanote line which circles the city. 

Shinagawa is so convenient to me, after years of staying closer to central Tokyo, in the Ginza area, mainly for working with the uniform clients and manufacturers.  Much had changed due to the global economic crisis and I was warned that the prices for things would be very expensive.

In my opinion, the prices may be a little higher but I easily stayed within my daily budget because we do not eat American food in hotels.  That may be where visitors from the U.S. go wrong.  Eating in the cafes and regular restaurants, was very affordable, delicious and filling.  Food there is so fresh!