Begining of our family journey in Japan July 1 - 3, 2025
This blog will cover our travel day and our first full day in Japan.
Now, it already early morning on the 4th of July. Adjusting to the humidity is a challenge. Our travel day and our first full day are behind us already. I had no energy to write when we returned to our hotel yesterday. The humidity had taken it away. Nevertheless it's a new day after a good night's rest.
Our travel day passed smoothly as did the flight. We arrived ahead of the scheduled time and then taxied more than fifteen minutes to the gate. Kenji was very helpful in leading us through immigration and customs. He had also arranged for us to be picked up and driven to our hote that was a real gift after a length mostly sleepless flight. Karin lead us to an ATM to obtain cash as well as a "Suica" card. The card is very useful for public transportation as well as purchases in some small stores. I had read that both the Suica card and cash would be most useful in meal and transportation purchases, that Japan is not a cashless society.
At our hotel we found a small and clean room. I had been prepared for the small room size. After freshening up we four went on a walkabout in the neighborhood. The street is narrow, and storefronts have colorful and very busy signs. It felt like walking down a street full of music. We purchased our supper from a Family Mart store. Like a 7 Eleven store in the US it had snacks. But it also had cold and warm food. I chose a noodle and chicken and spinach meal and a cabbage salad. Leo chose rice wrapped in seaweed. Karin had beef and onions and rice. I don't remember what Kenji chose. We decided to call it a day while it was still light. interesting is that the was darkening around 730 pm.
Thursday July 3rd began early. The guys had been out walking when we joined them at 630 to look for any open place where we might eat breakfast. We found a corner cafeteria for people to grab a quick breakfast on the way to work. We placed an order outside. We selected the desired order by picture and cellphone translator app and paid either with cash or with Suica card, received a ticket which we brought inside to the person at the counter. I ate a bowl of noodles with a soft boiled egg and some spinach as wessto stools facing the window. It was filling.
Kenji then led us few blocks away to to a nearby Shinto shrine. Climbing many steps or taking a escalator we reached the special architecture and decoration, Respectful behavior in the area implies silence, placing a coin in the box after bowing two times and then clapping twice and praying, all standing facing the inside of the shrine, which is not available to worshipers. Again, it appears to me as a way to begin the working day, which I understand is longer than eight hours. Leo headed off on his own to visit the Tokyo Tower, a building to rival the Eifel Tower. Kenji had a tracking app on his cellphone to follow his soon to make sure he was safe. While he walked and visited we three found a local coffee shop and ordered a beverage and sat, talked, and relaxed. I love my iced cafe au lait.
As it was after rush hour we took our first metro ride a few stops to a part of the city called Shinjuku. Tall buildings and some elegant shops lined the wide boulevard. At the intersection pedestrians crossed in many directions. We went for to this part of the city for two reasons. A large Disney store held a couple items only available in Japan. It was a lively and happy place. The second reason was to see a gigantic 3-D calico shown near the top of a corner building. Among advertisements the cat showed herself doing a variety of things while meowing in Japanese. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
We walked around the neighborhood looking for a place for lunch. We found a small mall with shops on the ground level and cafes on the lower level. Again, we pointed to the desired food item this time printed on a laminated sheet. I had rice and chicken, and vegetables and soup, all of which were very filling. I appreciate the respect and friendliness of people with whom we come into contact. I like bowing, also, in respect and thanks. I have even viewed newscasters on TV, bowing to the camera before beginning speaking.
Leo wanted to visit some area narrow streets, and he and Kenji departed while Karin and I walked to a nearby National garden. It was quite, green, and offered some shade. It was a welcome respite in the hot and humid day. We two traveled back to our neighborhood, Akasaka, by metro, feeling hot and sticky. Cooling down we communicated with Kenji and Leo who were ready for supper. We two were still full from lunch. So, we stayed in our cool room for the remainder of the day and night. I guess I am still adjusting to the humidity. The day ended early for us.
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