Short Stay in Tokyo - Day 1

I spent a month in Guam this summer (I will write about it later). On my way back, I had the idea to go back via Japan. And if I was going to be in Japan, I may as well stay for a few days. It has been many years since I was in Tokyo. We went there on a senior class trip when the dollar was much stronger than the yen. Very memorable time. There were also a time that Northwest fly out of Guam via Narita, and they'd put you up in a hotel for the day as you awaited your flight to Honolulu in the evening. This was many years ago - 1973 when I was a senior in high school and in the 80s, when my daughter was very young, maybe 3. So it had been a long time. 

One reason I wanted to go through Asia rather than direct to Honolulu is that the service is much better when you fly international. My leg from GUM to NRT was via MNL and this was the meal.

This walking tour was recommended by a friend. I also recommend it. I lucked out because there were no others on the tour, so I got a private tour. Reiko was very nice, very knowledgeable, but I forgot to get a picture with her.

Famous sake barrels given as offerings by sake brewers across Japan, and wine barrels given by France, The display of sake and wine symbolize Emperor Meiji, who opened up Japan to the outside world. 

My guide explained the concept of Wakon Yosai and how it exemplifies the Meiji Era. It is translated as "Japanese spirit, Western technology".

Reiko taught me how to do this cleansing. Something about washing hands, and letting the water run down the handle. Geez. I don't remember, need another lesson. Tour also included the modern area, Harajuku, and ended at Yoyogi Park, near the 1964 Olympic stadium. I had lunch and then went to the Ota Nation Museum, which houses a collection of Ukiyo-e prints. They did not allow photos, but I recall being captivated and impressed by the images. Note to self: when you go to a museum that doesn't allow photos, take notes. Below are photos taken at the Tokyo National Museum, things that impressed me, for some reason. There was an exhibit of Ainu and Okinawan artifacts, which was interesting,

Chinese

Ainu

Ainu

Okinawan bingata stencil style

Kannon (Avokitesvera) Riding a Dragon

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For dinner, I stopped by a shopping mall near the station near my hotel in Chiba. It was a dilemma trying to decide what to have, but when I saw the okonomiyaki in the fake food display case, that was the answer. I sat at the bar and washed him make it. Should have taken notes ! Note to self, just take notes.