1

for "cultural activities" (not to mention health reasons) I'd replace super-sweet Pocari with green tea... no, a can of Pocari isn't going to kill you (indeed, it can be quite helpful for a hangover!) but still...

how about trying some unusual food like fugu or basashi ?

2

This sounds just a little too much like a scene from one of Chevy Chase's old family Vacations ("The Griswolds Do Tokyo"), but nonetheless, here goes:

--Maps. Plot out a subway trip, find Nikko, Mt. Fujii, Hiroshima, etc.

--Pronunciation. Say common things like Tokyo, Osaka and yes, Hiroshima, like a Japanese not a foreigner.

--Numbers. Count to 10 (or twenty or whatever) in Japanese.

--Shopping. Find as many Hello Kitty items as you can in 10 minutes. Then buy them.

--Eating. Finish off a plate of sushi without making a face; learn to slurp noodles in proper Japanese style.

--Help. Stop strangers and successfully ask directions to the nearest Lawson's, subway stop, etc.

3

Thanks for all the ideas (I'll take take the Clark Griswald reference as a compliment).

GrogBlossom thanks for the fugu/basashi idea, I am planning to develop a list of foods to try as well. I am looking for some very different foods (like natto, fugu) and some that are different but not as challenging (senbei, melon pan, etc).

Jiejie- the chopsticks and origami ideas are fun. I'll add them.

889--The Hello Kitty idea will be fun for my girls and thanks for the idea about directions.

Netty, I like the vending machine idea and the geisha/maiko (though we won't be in Gion this trip so it might be a long shot). I think sumo would be difficult because there are no matches in August (anyone know if/where you can see Sumo wrestlers on an off month?)

4

Good idea. I'd also include some traditional food such as yakitori, onigiri, suki-yaki, etc.
Also, I'd look for cultural similarities, e.g. look for 5 brands in the supermarket that are also sold at home (such as coke or pringles).

5

If the OP's got sons, they'd probably enjoy a baseball game while their sisters are shopping for Hello Kitty icons.

6

Thanks to everyone again for the suggestions.

Tokyo B-thanks for the supermarket idea. I had forgotten to plan on taking them to a supermarket--one of my favorite things to do when traveling just to see what is the same/different (and pick up a nice lunch).

889-we are definitely planning to go to a baseball game and maybe J-league.

Tokyo girl--thanks for the information on the stamps/stampbooks etc and the origami site. Thanks for sharing the ideas from your sister and your cautions. My main purpose is to create a situation where they are pulling themselves into the culture instead of me trying to push them.

With regard to the English mistakes I don't mean this in a negative way. True there are times when Japanese English mistakes can be amusing, but my intention is not to make fun of the speaker/writer. It seems that often times the Japanese style is to put random English on T-shirts, etc, just to add a sense of style. These kinds of items can be really cool and interesting. It also highlights how difficult it is to communicate skillfully in a second language and helps us realize that what we say might not make complete sense when communicating in a second language. To me this adds to the quirkiness that I love about Japan. I will be sure to cast this one in a positive light. Thanks for your comments on this topic!