Sunday, July 30, 2017 – Tokyo, Japan
I love going for an early morning run in a new city. I love seeing, hearing, smelling, and feeling a city come alive as I pound my sneakers through her streets. And to be in a city surrounded by people but isolated by language is both uncomfortable and strangely exhilarating. I was up early so I strapped on my shoes and headed out. Some of my run was in a park, and some on the city sidewalks. A great way to start the day.
Our first stop of the day was Asakusa – a large shrine and five-story pagoda surrounded by a shopping area with shops and stalls. We bought Taiyaki, a pastry shaped like a fish and stuffed with a red bean filling. It was very good.
Ueno Park was the next stop. Ueno is a huge park that houses a zoo and several museums. We were making our way through the park to the National Museum when we stumbled upon a Thai food and beer festival. We weren’t hungry, but I did sample a Thai beer and we watched some kickboxing, live music, and dancing.
We eventually reached the museum and the exhibits were related to the history of Japanese art. There were many artifacts and it was very interesting. When we exited the museum there was a band playing with a guitar-type instrument, a flute, and a drummer on traditional drums. The drummer was stealing the show. We watched for a bit then walked away and passed back by a little later. When we returned the drummer was teaching a group of little kids. Kids are kids in any language and in any culture. It was fun to watch them interact with and learn from the drummer.
Before we left Ueno Park, Aaron found a street vendor selling Takoyaki, or “Octopus Balls”. Takoyaki is similar to a fritter or a crab cake but is made with octopus meat and is formed in a special molded pan which makes them perfectly spherical. They are best consumed fresh and hot and these were fantastic.
For dinner we wanted to go to a restaurant in the Washington Hotel where you catch your own fish and they prepare it for you, but we didn’t have a reservation and couldn’t get in. We did, however, get to see the place and the inside of the hotel. We hit the street and found a place with Yakitori, which is grilled meat on skewers. We had chicken breast, thigh, gizzards, and livers among other things and it was delicious.
I have a friend who has traveled extensively and has gone to an Irish pub for a pint of Guinness in every country he has visited. I heard of this idea too late for a few countries I have visited, but I have stolen his idea and intend to make it an objective in the future. In Tokyo we found the Dubliners Irish Pub in Shinjuku. We were in Tokyo to absorb Japanese culture, not Irish, so we didn’t spend much time there. But it was fun to check that box.
We finished the night doing karaoke. Not on a stage in a bar like Americans, but original Japanese style in a private room for your party. It was just the three of us. Chrissy wouldn’t sing and I was terrible, but Aaron has a good voice and we had a lot of fun.
Where Are We Going Now? 