Day 3: Tokyo!
First, let’s talk about the bathrooms. The sinks are not made for anyone of standard American height. This subtly forces you to start your day in a humbled, praying, monk-like stature. Then there are the luxury toilets connected to both cold and hot water lines as well as plugged in to the nearest outlet. You feel like you are sitting on top of a Ryobi power washer.
Breakfast was a combination of American and Japanese cuisine. That means French fries and miso soup. The students also found a bakery across the street with chocolate croissants and hot cocoa.
Our first tour spot was the 43rd floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan building. The skyline was amazing! It was also the initial encounter with souvenirs so of course that couldn’t be completely passed over. We could see construction in preparation for the 2020 Olympics far in the distance.
A short drive took us next to the EF offices in Tokyo for a presentation by a former professional sumo wrestler. A local tour guide translated for us. The former athlete is now a model and actor! James tried unsuccessfully to take him down.
Lunch was on our own on the crowded Takeshita Street near the Meiji Shrine. Crepes were popular. Just across the road we walked into a serene forest to see the Shinto shrine to Emperor Meiji who led the modernization of Japan in the 19th century. Asakusa, a Buddhist temple, was the final stop for the day. Tourist shops lined the path into the large square and garden where incense was burning and coins could be heard rattling into wooden receptacles. Today was a terrific introduction to Japan...now we are ready to tackle the daunting trains and subways on our way around the city tomorrow
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