11 January – Tokyo
Although we arrived on 10th, our first full day was the 11th.
As soon as we had landed, no mistake we had arrived: crowded metro, small cars, people everywhere, getting help without asking…
We were welcome at Tomi’s place by Tomi and Go, soon joined by Rei and later Megumi (~8 pm, direct back from work).
A short cycle tour to get some fresh air … it is around 8 degree, so far they had a warm winter – it was the first cold day for them.
Tama river bank, with traditional mid-January bonfire: Dondo Yaki. Made from collection of previous year’s ornaments (it is bad luck to throw ornaments away, ok to burn).
We got back to Tomi’s home and prepared the Sushi for diner… not bad for an arrival!
Next day was to be a beautiful and clear winter day, ideal to sight Mt Fuji from a distance.
Tomi suggested we go cycling to a famous temple up stream along Tamagawa, so we did:
An amazing Botanical Gardens, at Jindaijin, with many / all the local trees, e.g. sugi (Japanese cedar), hinoki (a species of cypress), ginkgo biloba … Camellias still had flowers and roses looked like they were still in full bloom last week.
Japanese art in supporting trees, we see many of those, not just in botanical gardens.
Tempura soba for lunch, never miss opportunity for a good lunch!
Definitely in Japan: Trees in middle of Tokyo, as soon as there is the smallest patch of earth, preserved even at cost of reduced traffic space; clean and heated public toilets; electric bikes to fit all and groceries….
On our way back, another 11-ish km… but different route!
Full day ended with sukiyaki ! (Japanese fondue)
