Earlier this month I went with David on his business trip to Tokyo. I put a lot on Instagram as the trip went along, but I'd like to blog a bit about it too. It was just one of the best vacations I've ever had.
I dreaded the flight, but it really wasn't bad. I have good noise canceling headphones and they help so much. Our first hotel was just lovely, plenty of space and a big window.
Day one - I taxied to a lunch spot to meet up with some fellow Relief Society friends from when we lived there, and then I took a long walk in the sunshine, collected a few groceries for the hotel room.
Day two - I met up with friends Christina and Naomi and we walked all around Christina's neighborhood, Koenji, which is known for its many vintage clothing shops. We stood in line for a long time for THE best tempura I have ever tasted. Ah, Tokyo!
Specialty rice shop with rice grown in lots of different regions of Japan:
The cutest little office supply store:
Everywhere you turn, there is something interesting to see.
But mainly it was just so great to spend the afternoon talking and laughing with good old friends.
Day three: I met up at our church building for an outing by car to the beloved "Dirty Dish" shop. That isn't the name, but it's what expats have called it for decades. It's a big dusty warehouse with excellent prices and then everything is an additional 40% off. To and from the shop, I got caught up with Leslie A. It just feels like no time had passed since 2022 when I left Japan without really knowing I was leaving "for good".
I managed to buy a few things (including hashioki (chopstick holders) and two replacement ramen bowls for Kaela.
So fun catching up with Coy Lou...
Day three, Saturday with David -
His favorite gyoza place, Harajuku Gyoza.
From there it is walking distance to Meiji Shrine. Such a lovely wooded space on the way.
The purifiying ritual of rinsing hands, taking a sip of the cool water as a sign of respect before passing through the gate.
Blue skies, and a glimpse of a Shinto wedding procession -
You know I see quilty inspiration everywhere -
Just so fun being back in Tokyo. It felt like returning home.
Day four, Sunday - a quiet day - church followed by brunch and a little shopping for clothes for David. The Tokyo LDS temple has been recently renovated, and we attended church in the attached "annex".
So nice catching up with friends -
To be continued!
Earlier this month I went with David on his business trip to Tokyo. I put a lot on Instagram as the trip went along, but I'd like to blog a bit about it too. It was just one of the best vacations I've ever had. 
Thank you for your pictures! I thought of Tokyo as one gigantic skyscraper but now I can see glimpses of tiny shops and trees. I didn't know you were a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before. So nice to know!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experiences with us. I look forward to more.
ReplyDeleteIs it really surprising that it feels like returning home? How many years of your life have you spent in Japan? It has been your home several times. I love the photos of you connecting with your friends there. That along can make a place feel like home!
Just five years combined in Tokyo, two in Hiroshima. But not surprising at all!
DeleteThanks for sharing! I loved my one trip to Japan in 2010 and hope to get back there some day. Gladi Porsche
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you are back in Japan again! I look forward to seeing what else you are doing on your trip.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly can pack a lot into each day! Wasn’t the weather splendid?
ReplyDeleteI’ve been here for almost 45 years and have never heard of the dirty dish shop? Is it on Kappabashi Street
Queenie
It is out in Kawasaki, in a non-descript warehouse in a quiet neighborhood!
DeleteIt looks like you had such a fun trip, Cynthia.
ReplyDeleteI would love to poke around in the office supply store. It looks like it has some really interesting things. I think I'd also love visiting the Dirty Dish shop. It looks like it has a great variety of kitchenware!
It's really a treat to visit with friends you haven't seen for a while and have it seem like you talked yesterday. True friends.
I'm so sorry you switched to (primarily) Instagram. I miss your posts.