I had a bit of a lazy morning. I had breakfast while talking to the owner of the hotel (he’s a native English speaker who just happened to have been born and raised in Japan).
My view during breakfast, prepared by the owner of the hotel. I ate apples, eggs, lettuce, and a bit of sausage, while we talked about living in Japan, the US, and Europe, and the medical systems in each.
This is a way of launching and docking a boat I’ve not seen before.
I watched boats and birds this morning.
The hotel owner gave me a ride to the train station, and I then headed towards Tokyo.
On my way from Kurohime to Nagano City.
I had the equivalent of a train layover in Nagano.
This is the view from the fourth floor of the Nagano train station.
The Shinkansen from Nagano to Tokyo spent a lot of time in tunnels; this blue sky was blinding every time we emerged. The group of poles and netting on the right is either a driving range (like Top Golf in the US) or a baseball field. I saw plenty of both.
Why couldn’t I have had skies like this yesterday?
Passing through Saitama, much ridiculed by Tokyo but also home to Crayon Shin-chan.
I got off at Ueno Station, since that was the closest spot to my hotel for the remainder of my stay. I had a little time to kill before I could check in, so I visited the Asakusa neighborhood on my way to the hotel.
The building on the right is Ueno Station.
The tall tower there is Tokyo Skytree, which is the tallest freestanding broadcast tower (and the third tallest structure) in the world at 2080 feet tall.
I thought the dinosaur was cute.
Entering the area in Asakusa around the extremely famous Sensō-ji Buddhist temple.
The market street leading up to the temple is packed with people.
This is the Hōzōmon, or Treasure-House Gate, which is the inner gate (if I had braved the throng of people down the market street, I would have seen the outer gate).
A five-story pagoda.
The big red lantern weighs approximately 880 lbs.
The main hall. This temple is dedicated to Kannon, she who represents mercy and compassion. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo.
The giant red lantern of the main hall.
According to my map, this is the “Monument of Hato-poppo Lyrics.” This is a nursery song about feeding pigeons, which is kind of funny because the temple absolutely does not want you feeding pigeons. Because poop.
The main hall, with a pigeon trying to sneak by in the shadows.
Looking back towards the gate. Lots of shops in this neighborhood offer kimono rental services for men and women, as well as hair decoration.
The buildings on either side of the gate sold amulets and charms.
The backside of the giant lantern in the Hōzōmon Gate.
On either side of the lanterns is a Niō, or guardian of the Buddha.
Please help stop the feces problem.
Statues of Buddha.
Looking down (but not going down) the market street.
Another view of the market street.
The street parallel was a lot less crowded. “It has been said since ancient times that dragon drool brings good luck.” I don’t really want a dragon slobbering in my noodles.
Some more shopping areas in Asakusa.
This guy is smart, having his umbrella ready. The blue skies were replaced by a thunderstorm about two hours after this.
Heading towards the Skytree, since my hotel is in that direction.
The golden building (supposed to be beer with white head of foam on top) and the golden flame are the Asahi Brewing company offices, restaurant, and craft beer tasting rooms.
The Sumida River.
Another view of Asahi, but now with Pikachu vending machines!
I was so happy to get to the hotel and put my heavy backpack down. I let my phone charge a bit, and then headed back towards Asakusa, passing lots of places I wish I could eat (Turkish Döner Kebab! Burger King! KFC!), so I could go to the tourist center and get my discounted Subway card for the next three days. I then grabbed my dinner from 7-Eleven (Oyakodon tonight) and got back to the hotel before then rain really started coming down.
Randy is a talking, rapping backpack encouraging elementary school children to introduce themselves in English.
I finally found some Budweiser! ¥231, or $1.55, for 330 mL.
I’ll have these over the next couple of days. I really like Japanese grape Fanta; have not tried Japanese Dr. Pepper yet. It has “over 20 fruit flavors.”
Tomorrow I shall really start my Tokyo sightseeing, starting with a tour of the Toshio Kashio Memorial Museum of Invention.