When the cherry blossoms were still in full bloom, a couple of my students took Glenn and I to Tokyo to check out a few places and to see more cherry blossoms. It was a long day, but fun to hang out with them outside of my house where we have class.
First, we had burritos at our favorite Chipotle knock-off and then went to Asakusa where Glenn and I had both been before, but never together. Oddly enough, we had the burritos last on Christmas Eve. Apparently we like having burritos on Jesus-related holidays. It's a tradition. :)
Then we walked to the nearby Kappabashi district that is known as the "Kitchen District". You can buy anything restaurant or cooking related along the major street. Many of the stores were closed since it was Sunday, but we still have fun checking all the places out. One of my favorite stores was a plastic food shop. Most restaurants in Japan have plastic food displays of what the food looks like so that you can see it before you order. Many of the stores in Kappabashi were supply stores for restaurants. Looks like a grocery store, right? Since everything is hand made and hand-painted, some items were pretty pricey. This hunk o' meat was over 157,000 yen. That's approaching $2000!
Next we took the train over towards the Imperial Palace to check out the cherry blossoms. We wanted to see them under the lights, but we got there a little early so we checked out Yasukuni shrine which was next door. Since the cherry blossoms only last a short time, everywhere was packed with people. I'm getting used to it though. It doesn't bother me so much any more. You just wait your turn and weave your way through everyone eventually.
We stopped for a few snacks and a sakura (cherry blossom) flavored chu-hi. Keita got the octopus legs- oishi! Then back to the cherry blossoms.
Once the lights came on, there was a collective "ahhh" from the whole crowd. No where else have I ever seen such excitement over some foliage. I was right there with them though. The cherry blossoms are really beautiful. For a week.
We took the train back towards home and went to Keita and Hatsuki's favorite izakaya near their house. Thanks for such a fun day!
Our whole day was ended with our car being impounded and booted because our tags were expired. That part wasn't so fun. Ugh.
Then we walked to the nearby Kappabashi district that is known as the "Kitchen District". You can buy anything restaurant or cooking related along the major street. Many of the stores were closed since it was Sunday, but we still have fun checking all the places out. One of my favorite stores was a plastic food shop. Most restaurants in Japan have plastic food displays of what the food looks like so that you can see it before you order. Many of the stores in Kappabashi were supply stores for restaurants. Looks like a grocery store, right? Since everything is hand made and hand-painted, some items were pretty pricey. This hunk o' meat was over 157,000 yen. That's approaching $2000!
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