Yesterday Tetsu and I decided on a whim to visit Tokyo. It was his last day of vacation and we hadn't done anything in particular so I threw out in fun that we had never been to Tokyo together. I didn't really think he'd take me up on it! I can always think of reasons why we shouldn't go far away from home (like 6 animals!) but I decided memories with my husband were more important that spending the day with the animals who would probably just sleep all day anyway.At 8:30 Tetsu and I were still saying "Are we going?" and at 9:30 we were on the train headed towards Asakusa again. Hey that's two train rides for me in two weeks! (Different trains) and two trips to Asakusa in a year's time! (I met Marlene there last time).
THE PEOPLE!!! We were pushed along by the crowds and could barely move! Everyone was in Asakusa going to the shrine and celebrating the New Year. Many women in kimono, many families buying good luck charms and having their fortunes read. Loads of places for people to sit outside along the street eating skewered chicken, simmered vegetables, deep fried squid and grilled fish. And lots of beer and osake!
For the tourists there were lots of rickshaws being pulled along and trying not to run over the people in the crowds. Rickshaws aren't really part of Japanese culture anymore. I've never seen them but here in Asakusa, but there seemed to be both young men and young women pulling their customers along and giving a running tour of the Asakusa area as they jogged.
Since I had been in Asakusa last May I could say "oh, there's an interesting shop around the corner" but all in all Tetsu and I didn't buy very much. The most interesting places for me were the recycle shops with lots of old kimonos being sold and scraps of obi material but since I have a box of Tetsu's mother's old kimonos I couldn't really justify buying more. They weren't really very expensive either!Tetsu and I got back home around 8:30 and boy were our feet tired from all the walking! It is nice to be spontaneous sometimes!
12 comments:
Sounds like a great day!
Looks like you two really had a good time:) I went to tokyo this summer but didn't go to Asakusa. I probably should have. How about going to Hokkaidou for the next trip?
What a fun adventure. Next, you will need to try a trip to Tokyo International quilt show in a few weeks. It is at the Tokyo Dome, very near a train station! Wish I was going this year and could meet you there!
What a joy to be spontaneous sometimes and just GO! And I bet your animals didn't care at all that you were gone all day.
It looks like train travel is comfortable and handy there. I wish we had trains we could hop on for short trips. Here in the southeast, we are compelled to drive.
Oh that sounds like lots of fun. I hope someday to visit, just don't know when at this point. Oh yes, do visit Hokkaido, can I come along??? Please Please. I'm sure both Tetsu and you had a wonderful day and built joyful memories.
Rae Ann
Tanya, are you going to try to attend the Tokyo Quilt Festival? I am coming all the way from Chicago because it is so fabulous. You live so close...you should really try to make it!
I'm glad you went and had fun. You're right, it is better to gather new experiences and memories. Plus, it is more fun to blog about.
It looks as if you had lovely weather for your trip. Bicycle rickshaws have started appearing in London over the past three or four years. They're more expensive than taxis, but great fun to travel in.
Sounds like a fun day out! Sometimes the ones least planned are the most enjoyable.
Tanya - thanks for your card and the address for your blog. You are doing so many wonderful things! Are you missing your kids? I feel like I go into a small depression each time they leave again! And I still have one at home! Rachel is in the air right now on her way to Korea for 3 weeks with the Social work group from Taylor Univ. BGSU is not far from us - would Leiya like to come down to visit over spring break or sometime? Next time you come to Ohio, you'd better let me know! :) Much love, Debbie Hope you got our emailed letter!
I was surprised at first to read you'd never visited Tokyo together but I guess there are lots of places here that Keith and I haven't visited too. How nice to have a day together exploring - it's one of my favorite things to do both with and without Keith.
You did a great job with your address labels! I haven't made any in the last couple years because I've been using a stamp but it is nice to be able to customize your own on the computer.
Looks like you had quite an exciting day! Lots of great photos.
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