Wabi-Sabi Sole

Tokyo Skytree

On February 19, 2017

In 2017, Japan, Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree

We started our morning with a visit to the Tokyo Skytree. It has been on my list of must-do on a clear day. The clear blue skies when we awoke this morning was the sign we had been waiting for!

The Tokyo Skytree opens at 8:00am. We were in line to purchase our tickets by 8:15am. Arriving early enabled us to get ahead of the potentially long lines.

The trip is a bit costly. It costs ¥2,060 for an adult to go to the Tembo Deck (350m). Once you are on the Tempo Deck, you can purchase a ticket for ¥1,030 to go to the Tembo Galleria (450m). And then there was the tourist picture for ¥1,300. The total expense for the two of us was ¥8,100. Pricey!

But, the view! It was clear enough we could see Mt. Fuji and ALOT of buildings. I knew Tokyo was HUGE. I just didn’t realize the expanse of the city.

In every direction, buildings.

One of my favorite pictures was the shadow of the Tokyo Skytree.

There is also a glass bottom floor in one area. It was not as impressive as the Willis Tower Sky Deck. Cool none the less.

It was a unique experience. If you want to go when you visit, I would recommend we do it on a clear morning or go up at night to see the city in lights.

On a side note, a couple things I’ve noticed about Tokyo. For being as large as it is, you don’t hear sirens. In 24 hours we have only heard one siren. Simultaneously, I’m shocked by the number of tourist. I know, I’m technically a tourist myself – but, there are so many people speaking English! To include people walking around and the staff at our hotel, Tokyo Skytree and restaurants. I’m so accustomed to not understanding conversations around me, it’s strange to to hear English.
The rest of our day was spent on a Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage. I’ll share that adventure tomorrow.

Japanese Hotel

By wabisabisole

On February 18, 2017

In Asakusa, Google Map, Japan, New Sanno, Plum Blossoms, Temple, Tokyo, Train, Travel, Ume

Thursday evening, Dave spontaneously suggested we take time to sightsee in Tokyo for the long weekend. The New Sanno was booked, of course, so I made us reservations for a room at the APA Hotel in Asakusa. Asakusa is on the east side of Tokyo. We have not really explored this area yet. We are the blue dot in the photo.

I used several of the local Facebook pages to select the hotel. It came with good recommendations and the suggestion to bring your own pillows. Haha. Seriously, I wish we would have listened! They are flat! We were provided robes set with crane origami.

The room is tiny and a great deal. About $85 a night! Besides a bed, window and full bath, it has two pairs of slippers for each of us, a fridge, a place to hang stuff, steam pot, humidifier and a TV.

Check out all 118 square feet.

Perfect fit!?!

The only place for our carry on sized suitcase was in front of the door. Putting the suitcase in front of the door is a bit of a hazard. We therefore had a serious conversation about egress. Dave promised to get us both out in the event of an emergency. Safety is paramount.

A place to hang stuff.

Bed. Window. TV.

The bathroom is adorable. The sink and shower faucet are controlled by the same spot!

The toiletries were fully stocked.

Ironically, the only oversized item is the soap, conditioner and shampoo!

Honestly, it’s part of the Japanese experience. And it’s only for two nights. Tomorrow, I plan on taking Dave to at least seven temples (another Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage) and possibly another two to see Ume Blossoms. In the afternoon, perhaps we can make it to the Tokyo Skytree. My tourist list is long as always!

Alcohol Vending Machines

By wabisabisole

On February 17, 2017

In Beer, Chu-Hai, Japan, Vending Machines, Yen

Vending machines are very common in Japan. There is always one nearby when you need it. In fact, when we go out for a long run, we take yen with us and stop at a vending machine for water. It is a very convenient alternative to having to carry water on long runs. Normally, we see this type of vending machine. It is stocked with sodas, water, sports drink, coffee, and other options. If you look a little closer, notice the color of the price tag. The items with a blue price are cold and the items with a red price are hot.

The other day, Dave and I were on our way back home during a long run, we saw a vending machine and decided to stop for water. Upon approaching the vending machine, we realized it offered a different option! The vending machine was stocked with Chu-Hai and beer. Kanpie!

We were confused about the advertisements for the Sake Pass. I took pictures and shared them with my Japanese friend Miki hoping to get a little bit more information.

Here is the information Miki shared with me. I copied and pasted her message.

“Oh! I didn’t know the liquor pass card.? the machine is not old. google….

When we buy alcohol by this machine. We put in Sake pass or drivers license. If we show ID the liquor store. They give us The card. It’s free. The idea was made by the maker of the vending machine company’s. but performance is badly. ha ha sometimes it doesn’t work.

I asked my son about Sake pass card. he said There is two vending machines near my house. However, It’s not work? the machines don’t read the cards and Driver license. minor can buy Sake!

They have friends who are over 21years old. I think minors can get the cards!

They can buy Sake. They don’t need show their ID. It’s useful for them. Im confused about rules about alcohol.??Like you?”

Miki is fantastic and very funny. She has become my go-to when I have a “Japan” question.

The even funnier part of the vending machine is the setting. Right in the middle of a neighborhood and right across the street from a bus stop. Convenient if you need a beverage to hydrate as you climb the hill to home!

As always, every day is a chance to learn something new! Happy Friday! Kanpie!

Update 10/19/17: since first posting this article, I have been able to find several alcohol vending machines during my travels. I have also purchased myself a Chu-Hai and Dave a beer. They were cold and delicious.

Tall and Small

By wabisabisole

On February 16, 2017

In Cherry Blossoms, Google Map, Japan, Kamakura, Ramen, Sakura

Dina and I went to Kamakura to do a little shopping. After walking down Komachi Dori for a little bit, we were ready for lunch and decided to enjoy a bowl of ramen. The first place we found was closed. I did a quick “ramen near me” search on Google Maps.

Google Maps led us to Hirano.

Turns out, Hirano is the Japan’s smallest ramen joint. The sign out front was hysterical.

As we were reading the sign, we thought we should first check to see if there was room for us before determining our order. As luck would have it, when we opened the door, three people came out. Therefore, plenty of room!

There were actually two more seats available. Seven seats total. (Can you see all 4 customers? Plus me taking the picture.)

Our chef in the kitchen.

Ironically, the smallest ramen joint in Japan still serves ginormous bowls of ramen.

I ordered the #4 special ramen. Miso base with a little spice. It was good. It made the top five of my favorite ramen joints mainly because of the restaurant itself.

Seriously, could this place be any funnier!?!

Perhaps, when Dina poses for me!

Kamakura is full of so many bizarre and unique experiences. I truly can’t wait to take you there when you visit!

Here are my finds from our shopping. Can you tell it is Sakura Season? A couple bowls, plates, chopstick rests and adorable cats. Kawaii!!

Miurakaigan Sakura

By wabisabisole

On February 14, 2017

In Cherry Blossoms, Japan, Sakura

Miurakaigan is located towards the southern end of the Miura peninsula (where we live). I went today with several spouses for my first true Sakura viewing. I was AMAZED! They are more beautiful than I ever imagined!

I took these pictures right outside the train station!

We had to walk about 10 minutes to the main road where the Sakura line the side of the road.

On one side is the train tracks and the other side is the street. Seeing the blue train zip past was picture perfect.

The red was pretty, too.

A few close up pictures.

I caught a bird in one!

After walking down the street, we were able to walk through a small park. Cute pink and white lanterns lined the path. Yay! Yellow train!

My friend, Karen, took this picture for me with my iPhone.

Karen is a professional photographer and took this picture with her fancy camera with a crazy swirly filter attached. Obviously, her camera provides better lighting! This is the second time Karen has lived in Japan and she has lived here a year already. She has promised to take me to all of the “good” Sakura, wisteria and hydrangea spots this spring. I’m super excited.

Besides Sakura in the park, there was also a small shrine and Japanese snacks!

After the park, we crossed a bridge over the train tracks. A few more pictures close up. Maybe just a few more…

The sad thing about the Sakura, they only last a couple weeks. The good thing, each species and location bloom during different times. I wasn’t joking when I said Sakura Blossoms were my new obsession!! If you want to see Sakura Blossoms this year, you will need to visit before the first week of April. Or next year, plan to visit between the last week in February and the first week of April. I can’t wait to explore with you!

Flowers by Naked

By wabisabisole

On February 13, 2017

In 2017, Flowers, Japan, Sakura, Tokyo

Catchy title, huh?

I went with a group of spouses to Nihonbashi area of Tokyo to visit an art exhibit known as “Flowers” by Naked 2017.

As you entered the exhibit hall, the aromatic fragrance immediately removed any stress. The aroma was complemented by calming music both of which helped to establish a majestic and serene atmosphere.

The journey through the exhibit begin with a story book illustrating the flowers on display.

The art exhibit included real flowers, flower images, and lighting to bring the flowers to life.

Some of the flower displays were larger than life!

To illustrate summer was an over six-foot tall dandelion seed head.

Frozen flowers of winter.

As you progressed through the exhibit, you moved through a bamboo tunnel.

Springtime = Sakura!

These three ladies were preforming an interpretive dance beneath the Sakura exhibit.

The Sakura exhibit was enhanced with a light show. The lights brought the blossoms to life and gave me the sensation of watching the blossoms in a gentle breeze.

A couple close up pictures of the paper Sakura flowers.

This dress! A Sakura inspired design. Notice the train!

These images are my favorite. A large illuminated ball representing a full moon hung with the Sakura trees.

Full moon, Sakura trees and the amazing Sakura dress.

Coming around the corner, I found the flower science lab! Here you could smell the different fragrances of several flowers.

There was also a balcony viewing area. It was relaxing to listen to the music, smell the aromatherapy, and watch the light show.

It was a very unique art experience. One of my Ikebana friends was there as well and we both laughed at how much we are enjoying (and getting excited about) flowers since arriving in Japan. I remarked that I’m becoming so much like my grandmothers. I know both my grandmothers, Bobbee and Mona, would have loved this exhibit!

Yokohama World Beer Museum

By wabisabisole

On February 12, 2017

In Dockside Garden, Japan, Yen

After our long run this morning, Dave and I took the train up to Yokohama. We wanted to enjoy a pint and lunch at the World Beer Museum. It is located in the Dockside Garden near the Landmark Tower. At the entry, there is a gigantic beer pyramid display. Very cool.

We arrived a little bit before 2:00 pm. It wasn’t crowded and by the time we left it was empty.

We both ordered a beer, of course, and shared a fried cheese and potato appetizer.

Dave’s Japanese beer was more reasonably priced than my pint of an American IPA. The Pike IPA I ordered was ¥1380 or about $13. It was delicious and worth every yen. The fried cheese was probably the highlight of the meal.

After our appetizer, we shared an order of nachos and fish and chips. Both were the perfect size for sharing. The nachos were more of a bean dip and tasted pretty good.

The chips were hot and fresh and tasted much better than the fish. The batter was very sweet and didn’t have the “beer batter” flavor we are accustomed to when eating fish and chips.

Within the restaurant there was an American bar and an Irish bar.

These two signs were my favorite.

Dave and I agreed it was an “ok” lunch spot. We both left wondering when, if ever, the restaurant was crowded.

It’s Raining Snowballs

By wabisabisole

On February 11, 2017

In Japan

Yet another lifetime first and therefore a Japan first. It rained snowballs today.

It was like a hailstorm. Without the storm or hail. More like fluffy hail. So bizarre and adorable. Proving yet again Japan is kawaii!

A couple more pictures of my pansies to capture the experience.

The best news though, is that my wedding rings finally are starting to fit again. After my second fall running, my hand was so swollen my wedding rings were very uncomfortable. Four months later, they almost fit comfortably. But seriously , check out the most kawaii snowball!!

This will sound pathetic, but I hope this is the end of winter. First off, we have to run a marathon in two weeks and I don’t want to do that in snow. Secondly, after two years of Chicago fake springs, I’m super excited for bulbs, blossoms and blooms!

Two Funnies

By wabisabisole

On February 10, 2017

In Japan

Two funny stories from English class with my Japanese grandmothers.

Number 1

I learned the word “of” is very hard for them to pronounce. The sentence we were working was about Keiko’s husband going to the dentist and having five teeth pulled. I wrote, “My husband went to the dentist and had five of his teeth pulled”. Yasuko wanted me to write, “My husband had his five teeth pulled”. She asked if it was ok because of was hard to say. No, that’s not the same. I laughed. That means he only has five teeth and they were all pulled. I asked if he had more than five. She laughed. Yes, of course.

Number 2

Water. I pronounce water – “wu-ter”. Last week I realized I needed to be careful and pronounce it wa-ter. They corrected me! Today, Junko and I were discussing our lunch meals. Coincidentally, we both made fried rice. She asked me what I had to drink. I quickly said wu-ter. She laughed and mimicked me. I laughed and said wa-ter and apologized for my accent. Yasuko laughed and said we think your accent it cute.

It is a very fun, rewarding and humbling experience teaching English. Mostly fun. I have learned everyone loves to laugh. It’s an international language that knows no boundaries or borders.

Happy Friday! Kanpie!

Hina Matsuri

By wabisabisole

On February 9, 2017

In Culture, Customs, Hina Matsuri, Tokyo

The February meeting of Ikebana was a field trip to the Meguro Gajoen in Tokyo to view the Hina Matsuri. Hina Matsuri are Japanese dolls dressed in traditional court attire. The dolls are typically displayed in households the month prior to Girls’ Day which is March 3rd.

The Meguro Gajoen had a special display of Hina Matsuri throughout seven rooms which were connected by the venue’s beautiful Hyakudan Kaidan (Hundred-Step Staircase). Yes, there were literally 100 steps. There was a number on each one as you climbed. Fortunately, the seven display rooms were staggered throughout the climb allowing you time to rest as you viewed the dolls.

The dolls dated back to the late 1800s and came from the Kyushu region of Japan.

One of the Japanese members of Ikebana explained to us the tradition of Hina Matsuri. When a girl is born into a family, she is usually given a Hina Matsuri display from her grandparents. It is either purchased new or often passed down through generations. It is said to bring her good luck, health, and a happy marriage. The display is set up about a month before Girls’ Day in the family home. Often, when the girl is young, she is photographed with the display. The display is promptly taken down and packed away after Girls’ Day to prevent back luck, illness or a girl from not finding a husband. She told us because she had only boys, her parents would put out the display and take a picture of their female dog among the Hina Matsuri as a joke.

The unfortunate part was photography was not permitted of the displays. I was able to take a few pictures of the Meguro Gajoen, which was beautiful and pictures of the display case in the reception area with a modern Hina Matsuri collection.

On the top level are the bride and groom dressed in traditional kimonos (12 layers). The servants, attendants and cooks are in the lower levels.