Yesterday we did a quick highlights tour of Tokyo. We started out the day by trying to take a tour of the C-130s, but after almost getting thrown into a military prison we decided it might be safer to just avoid the base for a little while. Three trains, a subway, and a half-mile walk later we found Tokyo Tower. I must admit that until yesterday I didn't even know such a place existed. It's taller than the Eiffel Tower by a few feet, and weighs a lot less due to advances in technology. I hadn't really researched much about Japan since I had no planning control over the trip so I might end up having to look up the places we go after I get home. The view from the midpoint observation tower was quite impressive. We could see Mount Fuji in the distance since it was very clear day, and the harbor on the other side. Every side we looked was a huge sprawling city. Houston seems small in comparison. On the way down, we stopped at the kids' carnival and took a bunch of pictures. Traveling with two other girls made is making the picture taking lots of fun. We had no problem pretending to be little kids again. Once we reached the bottom we stopped at a crepe/ice cream stand and availed ourselves of some refreshments. One of the boys in our group ordered octopus balls from another street vendor, but they weren't nearly as good as the crepes.
Next stop was the Sony Tower where the boys had a field day looking at all the beta testing products that have yet to be released. By far the coolest thing in my opinion was the piano staircase. Every step was a different note, so it sounded like a little kid banging on a piano as people went up and down.
Although it was getting late by this point, we took another subway over to the Palace, only to find that it had already closed for the day. We wandered around for a little while, then decided we would try to make it back on Saturday, time permitting.
With darkness moving in, we hopped back to see one of the temples and what is apparently tourist shopping heaven in Tokyo. Unfortunately our tour guide had neglected to tell us to bring lots of money for the day so the souvenir shopping will have to wait until Saturday as well. The temple was cool, but again I don't know much of the culture or history behind it. Next time I'll be sure to do my own research ahead of time. :) There was a big incense pot at the foot of the steps leading up the temple entrance. Apparently you are supposed to "waft" yourself in the insense to keep yourself young. There was also a trough with water to bathe yoursel and remove impurities.
Last item on the agenda was "Tokyo Times Square," a pretty busy crossroads. We sat upstairs in a Starbucks and watched as time after time the street would fill with hundreds of people crossing, and then seemingly just as suddenly the people would disappear. It was amazing how many people live in the city and were congregating on this one block, on a Sunday evening. If there's one thing I took away from yesterday it was that- Tokyo is a huge city with lots of people.
No comments:
Post a Comment