The first time backpacking Asia, I landed in this city with a feeling of 70es being revived on a global scale. Business people emerging from everywhere, having a chat late in the evening, after a long hard day at the office, eating out in tiny fast food places. Really lovely atmosphere. We were really sticking out with those giant backpacks, tired from changing planes and trains all day. But, these people never seemed to notice that it was 11 o'clock in the evening. For getting to know the city, one must adapt to its ways, so we decided to get up early tomorrow morning and explore it to the fullest.
Waking up to a mild earthquake, now there's an experience. I was told that that was quite normal, but I realized I know nothing about emergency procedures in case of the earthquake. I just stop there with a puzzled look on my face, not standing in the doorway or under something. The whole building was shaking, like a roller coaster. I felt excited and decided to get up afterwards, even though it was 5.40 AM. it was the perfect opportunity to visit the worlds famous Tsukiji fish market where tun prices reach millions of moneys ;) And off we were, just to find out that tuna auction started at 5 and you can't participate just as an observer. It was a perfect opportunity to eat fresh sushi, so we stood in the line, it was exactly 7.20 AM. once we got in the market tiny sushi shop, it was 9.30 AM and we got served a huge portion of sushi and fish eggs with rice and a bit of see weed. It was excellent, even though it was so early in the morning. You have to experience everything the locals do, so we spent a couple of hours at the fish market.
Frozen tunas that came on the planes this morning were giant. All the variety of fish and shells, and the smell was delightful. We were given the rules on every each step, and basically what they told all of the tourists that they should stay out of the way of working fisherman.
Again with too little time on our hands, we decided to explore the park, the best place in any city.
We walked alongside the river, took a metro to get to the royal imperial palace. You can't enter it because the royal family still lives there and I am sure they wouldn't like to have constant visitors that snap photos of them. :) the park surrounding the palace is amazing. All of the herbs, plants and grasses are in their own place, very tidy, orderly and you can stare at it for hours. It was very hot, but no humidity was in the air, creating a pleasant late summer day for the pouring visitors. It was just nice to sit there and read a book while elders of Tokyo gathered and quietly drew landscapes. I find it amazing the business of later generation in Japan and China; they work, get up early to draw in the park, go on hikes or to baths and are very respected by the youth.
The strolling in the park in the middle of tall buildings is like a breath of fresh air on a hot day- refreshing.
We were lucky enough to witness a traditional wedding in front of a temple situated close to the park.
That evening was perfect to visit a skyscraper to see everything from up above. There is a top restaurant in busy neighborhood Shibouya loved by young adults who work a lot through week and weekends they like to dress up and hang out in the park. Never witnessed the Goth Lolita's or any kind of Manga costumes, but night time was packed with people looking to have a good time. The city was even more alive than during the day.
When we woke up in the morning, it was hard to say goodbye to the tiny apartment in middle of Shibouya. We took the bags and went off for the volcano. Yes, a steamy semi-active Hakona volcano.
