It was so quiet and dark in my little pod last night that I had no idea of the time when I woke up. Turned out it was after 10! Slight correction on yesterday's description - when the bed is lowered from sitting to flat (via the iPod it transpires) the end of the bed touches the roller door. So my room is exactly the size of a standard double bed.
By the time I got showered, had a free coffee here at the hostel and headed out, it was around 11. I walked east across the river. Even the centre of town is surprisingly shanty looking - very low rise compared to Tokyo and dull colours which is some kind of town planning regulation. I explored a park on the other side where something festive was going on - many food stalls and young people in traditional clothing. I also found a lovely shrine (photos forbidden) and huge cemetery on the hill - fascinating. The graves are very close together and I couldn't get a clear answer from Eiko yesterday about exactly what's in them - actual remains, ashes, or bodies and if so, how? There were many interesting sights including people lined up down the street waiting for a particular eatery to open (see picture). I found somewhere small for lunch where I had okonomiyaki again - a kind of thick omelette full of cabbage and bacon, with a very spicy tomato sauce on top, cooked on a hot plate at the counter. I walked many streets of shops - typical main streets, narrow and quaint streets with tiny shops, and huge covered malls. I did a little shopping, which much bowing and thanking, and now back at the hostel for a hot drink and a little computer catch up time. See view from the 8th floor reception/communal area.
Eiko has kindly offered to come back to have dinner with me tonight. My shout after the lovely meal I was treated to last night.
By the time I got showered, had a free coffee here at the hostel and headed out, it was around 11. I walked east across the river. Even the centre of town is surprisingly shanty looking - very low rise compared to Tokyo and dull colours which is some kind of town planning regulation. I explored a park on the other side where something festive was going on - many food stalls and young people in traditional clothing. I also found a lovely shrine (photos forbidden) and huge cemetery on the hill - fascinating. The graves are very close together and I couldn't get a clear answer from Eiko yesterday about exactly what's in them - actual remains, ashes, or bodies and if so, how? There were many interesting sights including people lined up down the street waiting for a particular eatery to open (see picture). I found somewhere small for lunch where I had okonomiyaki again - a kind of thick omelette full of cabbage and bacon, with a very spicy tomato sauce on top, cooked on a hot plate at the counter. I walked many streets of shops - typical main streets, narrow and quaint streets with tiny shops, and huge covered malls. I did a little shopping, which much bowing and thanking, and now back at the hostel for a hot drink and a little computer catch up time. See view from the 8th floor reception/communal area.
Eiko has kindly offered to come back to have dinner with me tonight. My shout after the lovely meal I was treated to last night.
All looks surprisingly shanty and down market. But I guess that real Japan isn't all glitzy and neon. Lots of walking Rosemary. And nice that you will finish the day with Eiko - to reciprocate some of her hospitality. It seems ironic that you are all wrapped up against the cold while we are simply sweltering in some real summer heat. Enjoy your final night in your novel little pod. xxx
ReplyDeletewhy is your blog called Japan 2018?
ReplyDeleteBecause I am chronologically challenged. Good spotting.
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