3-11

Yesterday was a very effective tourist day. We started the morning by walking around the Imperial Palace grounds, or at least the portions open to the gawking public. The huge stone walls and battlements were incredibly dwarfing. We were so desperately hungry (not many places in the area served breakfast), but lo, there was a starbucks. We had no other choice. Perhaps it was the blinding hunger, but I swear the packaged sandwiches tasted so much better than their American counterparts.

Next stop was the Meiji shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of the beloved emperor Meiji and empress Shoken. I wish we could have visited later in the spring, because the gardens are supposed to be amazing.



We next fought our way through the trendy and highly accessorized masses in Harajuku; endless alleys of shops and teenagers. I could hardly contain my own enthusiasm when I started seeing (and smelling) the crépe booths with huge lines behind them. There were at least 30 varieties of crépe to choose from, from plain with fruit and whipped cream to extravagant creations with wedges of cheesecake and all manner of toppings. The crepes were rolled into cone shapes and munched like ice-cream cones. As we had just had our third (out of four) meals that day, I couldn't bring myself to partake. Rest assured, I will be back.



One thing I'm really appreciating about Tokyo is the availability of quiet places even in the busiest areas. We ducked into a small museum down an alley way in Harajuku that was showcasing old style prints. Everything was silent inside, and our slippered footsteps were completely muffled by the tatami mats and carpeted floor. In the center of the first floor was a zen rock garden and benches. After our restorative break, we went back out into the bustle.

After such a long day of walking, we were excited to go to our first onsen, a public mineral bath house. The hot (~40 degree C) dark green water was almost uncomfortably warm, but felt amazing on our tired bones. Gentle readers should not worry, as this onsen was not co-ed. There was one section of the line of connected tubs that delivered "mild, stimulating electric shocks." Of course I had the luck to accidentally stray into it. One word: unpleasant.

Lesson learned today: there might not be food at the next attraction, so bring onigiri. And don't sit in the electrified tub.