Tokyo Reflections

Sitting on the Shinkansen (bullet train) headed to Hiroshima after three very full days in Tokyo.  So many sights and sounds, it is hard to recount them all – let alone make sense of such a sprawling density of people. 

 

Sam looking out over Shinjuku from the 45th floor of the TMG building

 

The peace of the train is a relief after three days shoulder to shoulder with thirteen million people.  Watching Japan hurdle by at 200 miles per hour in a quiet cocoon, sitting in a comfortable chair swaying gently with the turns.

The real magic of Tokyo comes from the unexpected encounters.  Watching the women line up to meet the Takarazuka actors each morning outside our hotel.  The stalls of electronic gadgets and gear in Akihabara.  King Kabab in the teen throng of Harajuku.  The meticulous order and control in the gardens of the Imperial Palace.  All of it is a reminder of the courtesy, respect and unrelenting pursuit of order of the people.  Everywhere the reminders that order and duty drive this society, not the individualism that is so celebrated in the west.

Leaving a prayer tile for Tiffany at Meiji-jingo

 

 

Sam at King Kebab with the teenage girls at Harajuku

 

 

Lining up for the Takarazuka stars outside our hotel

 

 

Tuna fish head at Tsukiji - the world's largest fish market

 

 

East Garden at the Imperial Palace

Cherry blossoms at the Imperial Palace

 

It was magical to get to explore the city with the boys and see them experience the newness of it all.  They loved the trains, loved the electronics in Akihabara, and enjoyed miso soup and curry rice for breakfast.  They also enjoyed the responsibility that comes with traveling.  Carrying their bags, keeping a room key, and managing the trains. 

With Baaba at the Imperial Palace

 

 

Meiji-jingo

 

 

The magic of Akihabara

What a way to spend a twelfth birthday!

 

 

Shabu shabu in Ginza was a great way to complete our stay.  Dinner with Aunt Fumiko celebrating Jacob’s twelfth birthday and Baaba and Grandpa’s fifty first anniversary.  Great service with an authentic Japanese feel - tatami mats and charcoal pots.

The ladies enjoying shabu shabu at Zakuro in Ginza

Happy Birthday - Omeditou Gozaimasu

Happy Fifty First Anniversary!