Finally, not another book review! I have been too busy to read lately - I am happy to report! Last Saturday I ventured, in the awful rainy and windy weather, to Narita airport to pick-up my wonderful visitor! After two domestic connections and one international flight, Michael arrived here in my little Japan. It was a good thing he arrived later in the evening because that way we could grab some dinner and head home.
On Sunday the weather was completely gorgeous and we went back into Tokyo just to look around. First we went to Meguro to have lunch at an English style pub. They have an all-you-can-eat carvery on Sundays with all the mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts you can handle. The food is always wonderful and the atmosphere is nice.
After lunch we caught the train and went to Harajuku. We walked out of the intensely crowded station and passed by all of the most trendy people of Harajuku - the goths, the maid girls, the cos-players and even the kids giving away free hugs. Right around the corner is one of the big gates to Meiji-jingu. This is one of the most famous temples in Tokyo. I have never been but the day was perfect for it. From the entrance gate to the gate of the actual temple is a huge, beautiful canopy of trees lining a gravel walkway. It was just like spring with birds singing and people chatting with one another. The gates to the temple were absolutely immense and Michael immediately wanted one to take home. I think we may have to have one for the driveway or something now...
When we got to the temple itself, there was a traditional Japanese wedding! The woman and man were in intricate kimono and looked perfect! Of course all of the tourists (myself included) were taking pictures of them posing and smiling. After this little photo-op, there was a processional of the bride and groom and their immediate families, along with the priest performing the ceremony. It was incredible that these people were having a wedding right out in the middle of a bunch of strangers!
After the impromptu wedding, we went to Yoyogi Park to walk around. Again the beautiful weather was really on our side and the walk was so much fun. Right before the entrance to the park, there were three or four groups of Japanese dancers almost competing for attention. All these Japanese people were decked out in 50s poodle skirts and saddle shoes or tight leather pants and leather jackets with the name of their gang on the back - it was totally Grease style! Each group had their own boom-box and was rockin' the tunes with some pretty crazy dance moves. The girls were all sticking with the twist, but the guys looked a little spastic almost!
The walk through the park was nice. All the usual suspects were there - guys with a Frisbee, kite flyers, dog walkers, a group doing tai chi, children's laughter, jump rope, picnicking, and bike riders. It was exciting to be in a park with so many happy people! We decided that we would really like to live close to a big park to enjoy nice spring days like this too!
After spending some time in the park, we went into Akihabara's Electronic Town. Akihabara is the geeky nerd's paradise! So many electronics, and video games and trinkets and anime, manga stuff! We explored a couple video game stores, but we are planning to go back for a second trip to actually purchase something, what, I don't know yet. More to come!
2 comments:
Sounds like you two are having a ball. Luckily there are many wonderful parks in the states. Minnesota, Mass., New York, and I am sure some smaller areas. It is kind of cool to explore your own neighborhood - have fun!!
Really gotta get a big gate for the driveway. Gotta get a really big driveway for the gate. Maybe two gates for each end of the driveway and a basketball hoop nailed to the closer one...
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