Tokyo Day 2

We moved to our ryokan (Japanese style hotel), anticipating the kids’ arrival tonight. We spent the day learning our way around the Shinjuku neighborhood - compared to Times Square in its hustle and bustle. Being Sunday, it wasn’t too crowded, at least not in the morning. Just a few blocks from our hotel we stumbled upon a rowdy parade: once a year people from neighborhoods put on robes distinctive to their area, and parade with great zest, carrying a palanquin. They head to the nearby Shinto shrine. We saw them at the end of the day, too, so it seems to be a day-long celebration that included people of all ages. We continued our wanderings, and stumbled upon a little outside market on our way to the municipal government building where we went to the top for 360 degree views of Tokyo. Mt. Fuji is visible on really clear days, but not today. Then off for a lunch of tempura and a stroll thru the large Shinjuku Japanese gardens. When we returned to our hotel, Eric and I (separately) visited the onsen (hot baths) on the top floor; there are inside and outside single sex hot baths with a bird’s eye view of the city. The hotel room is tiny, with tatami mats on the floor and slippers provided as you must remove your street shoes immediately upon entering the room. Simple ramen dinner as we waited for Sarah, Matt, Margot and Ben to arrive (as they did - weary but happy to be here).Read more