Sabbatical Update! Tokyo!

 

Greetings from Tokyo! Thank you to those who prayed for safe travels for my goddaughter and me as we flew to Japan - everything went very smoothly, including a smooth immigration and customs experience. I am grateful! 
When we arrived to Tokyo and connected with my good friend Joanna, we headed to a Konbini (Convenience store) to get some snacks and grabbed the train to Tokyo proper (since Narita airport is in the outskirts). As we passed rice fields and saw some traditional looking Japanese buildings, I was entranced and could not help but think of the Miyazaki movies. We went through some more suburban neighborhoods and arrived right into downtown Tokyo. The Tokyo subway is impressive. So many people but also so orderly. It was a bit challenging navigating it with suitcases (for the way back we took a ride share). 

The rental home is Magic themed, with strong influences from the Harry Potter franchise. While I do not support JK Rowling's point of view, I had to admit a fascination with the host's level of commitment to the theme. It was truly impressive!

Here is a picture of one of the bedrooms. And below you will see the arcade we walked though on the way to our lodgings. The rental house is in a residential area very close to a busy shopping and clubbing area. Each night we ventured out and ate ramen with the "salarymen"- businessmen on their way home from work slurping up many, many noodles, shoots and fatty pork in a garlicky sauce, and then meat and veg at what appeared the local version of a steakhouse. The neighborhood, full of tiny winding streets, was quite picturesque, especially in the rain.

On the first day we ventured out to Meiji Jinju, a Shinto Shrine where I was able to leave a prayer for family and friends, including friends from church going through different things. The wooden tile was affixed in this group and it was a very peaceful experience. Prior to entering the shrine, which is in a large wooded area in the area of downtown Tokyo, you must cleanse your hands and mouth at a washing spot, and then you go and bow/clap in a specific honor to show respect. 

After the peace of the shrine, we went to a bustling shopping district where we got to participate in a very Japanese activity - the animal cafe! We signed up to visit the micro pig cafe - image of two small pigs on my lap above! But had some time to spare so we also got to take the kiddo to another multi-animal cafe that had hedgehogs, chinchillas, and more. It was adorable to watch her feed the animals but I did get asked to step out since we had only paid for her "experience."

One of the details of the house we rented, above, with my amigurumi! 
The next day, we headed over to a Sumo wrestling presentation. We learned about the tradition of Sumo Wrestling and they demonstrated a short match as well as the techniques that are allowed and not allowed. The two young men were amateur wrestlers who had just graduated from the Sumo university (who knew there was a Sumo university?) and were about to be recruited for a professional Sumo "Stable."

Sumo wrestling and micro pigs may not seem very religious, but as I did my meditation practice in the morning, I would reflect on the experience of learning a bit more about Japanese culture. I was struck by how gracious many folks were, from the convenience store clerk to the Sumo wrestlers, often showing patience with this foreigner. I am very grateful for catch-up time in person with my good friend and goddaughter. This is all good for the soul even as I miss everyone at home. 

In the afternoon following the Sumo presentation we got to visit a large stationery and then a large crafts store. So impressive! A neighborhood onsen or bathing house in the area of our rental house was also an interesting cultural experience. Not a fancy tourist spot, it was where folks went to soak after work on their way home. 

Walking around, we saw many schoolchildren in traditional "sailor style" uniforms. Japanese children don't get a long summer break so they were still in school. My goddaughter said, "but isn't it summer?" I also loved people-watching in Tokyo (although I tried to be subtle since it is not polite to stare) as there were many creative outfits! It seems that folks either blend right in or choose to look very different.

Now on the train back to the airport, we head to Okinawa, which, while still in Japan, will be a very different experience. I am grateful for the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and the time spent with treasured chosen family, and I look forward to seeing where the adventure leads!