Sayonara!

A delay on boarding gives me an opportunity to pen some thoughts on this wonderful adventure we’ve had.

I managed to get more of gist of Tokyo by the end. It probably helped because I walked 15km a few days ago. Not that that would cover much of the surface area of this metropolis but as usual with me the grounding and the happenstance of walking over territory initiates me in the vibe of the place. And then you come upon wonders to behold, some esoteric, some more mundane.

I started the day with a plan of heading to The Wisteria Festival full of anticipation of fulfilling my desire for mass spring blossom, particularly as I had missed Sakura. I negotiated the train system to get to the other side of the city and walked to the Kameido Tenjin Shrine where this particular festival has been held since at least since the Edo period. But, alas, there was hardly a bloom hanging from the many trellises, and although I lamented this fact I was consoled with the delightful display we had seen in Matsumoto a few days earlier. The grounds of the shrine were abuzz with locals out enjoying their holiday, the beautiful weather and the cultural event. The sight of tortoises, koi, cranes, red bridges, women in kimono, azaleas, the shrine and oji’s all did complete the prettiest of Japanese pictures.

After enjoying a performance in the grounds of an enthusiastic group of young people in costume, dancing and drumming, I moved on. With no other particular plan, I took a small side street that was decorated with koinobori in preparation for Children’s Day. Our ryokan host in Matsumoto had told us that the fish kites/streamers represent how children (boys particularly, in the past) had to be strong to swim against the stream. I enjoyed wandering down that local street popping into a thrift shop, buying a fresh senbei (large rice cracker), dodging the bikes with their Saturday morning shopping, spying all the fresh vegetables for sale.

At the end of that long street and true to my “road less travelled” motto, I chose to turn right rather than back up the street towards the train station I knew. I kept wandering, wondering where I was heading, a little aimlessly I’ll admit, and then spying the Tokyo Skytree, decided on it as the next control point in my own personal urban tourist orienteering event. And then let me see what I find along the way as well. And low, what did I see to my right, a shop that sells bulk miso! Barrels of the stuff. I stood agape at the door, trying to really process what I was seeing. A woman had to tap me on my hip (perhaps my shoulder was too high) to allow her to pass. There were many other things for sale but it was the varieties and quantities of music that caught my eye. I do like a good miso, shame it wouldn’t make it through border control otherwise I would have got some.

Back on Terra Australis

It’s strange how we hop on a big silver bird, eat some “food”, watch a movie or three, catch a few “z”s and next thing your back home in the familiar (ok, it’s not really such a magical heel-clicking trip at all). But thus you land, and the reality that you’re home and you’re just a little bit changed by all that you’ve seen and experienced, not least when you realise your expectations of customer service, for example a smile or a genuine greeting.

I have had a wonderful time, a great adventure, especially important and memorable because I got to travel with Marcus. We got on well, tolerated each other’s quirks patiently and laughed alot. I am grateful that I got to see and experience a country that he loves. We both agreed that the Kumano Kodo was a highlight, both individually and as our travelling duet.

I have many little tales that I could share but I will sign off this little chapter with some photos of some my favourite sights. And if Marcus has his way and has an opportunity to live in Japan, I reckon I might be going back there one day, and I would be thrilled if this would be the case.