Hey There! It's 5:42 PM JST, 70°F, mostly sunny
Well, today was the complete opposite of yesterday. No rain, a day all to myself, my own timetable, and I managed to fill it with pleasant events.
When I got up my SIL informed me she was mistaken; I was not booked on the tour that went out today. So I waited until everyone left, then luxuriated in the quiet.
First thing I did was reorganize my stuff. I did laundry at the SuperLaundry, which took about an hour. The washing machines come complete with detergent; no need to add your own. Then I emptied all my bags and re-packed everything in what I hope will make more sense. Anything I don't need on a daily basis (souvenirs etc.) in the large suitcase, clothes and toiletries in the green suitcase, and electronics in the daybag. I hope this works out.
My first trip was to the Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine. I took a delightful tram ride there. It was very unlike the subway - no crowds, along the street, slow-moving and pleasant. The shrine itself dates back to the 3rd century, one of the oldest in Japan. I happened to come on a day when newborn babies were all over the place, and families were taking pictures with their newborns. I also ran into a Shinto wedding ceremony, as well as some kind of children's parade. The kids playing the dragons in the parade were touching the dragon's head to the babies for good luck.
The shrine itself is unmolested by tourists. That's not to say there weren't any there, but it was not overrun with people. It was a great place to sit peacefully and mediatate. There are many smaller shrines on the grounds, and people were praying at many of them. But no selfie sticks, no glamor shots, nothing like that. I had a small cup of a very syrupy ginger tea that was delightful. I realized i had not packed my powerbank, so I decided to head back to the hotel and take a nap.
I napped a little longer than I should have, so when I got up I went to my next stop, the Donotbori district. I had an okonomiyaki pancake for lunch, with squid, octopus, shrimp, and pork belly (bacon, really). It was very good. It was a small place with eight stools for eating, so you ordered quickly, ate, and left. Not a place to linger. The young woman attending the cash register couldn't have looked more bored or uninterested in her work.
I walked along the shopping district to take in the shops and the scene and the canal, which runs through the district and give it its name. It's another Times Square affair, with neon lights and incredible statues adorning the entrances. There was a mixture of past eras combined with sleek modern shopping. I stopped in one store and bought a bottle of sake for Son2.
And here I am writing this post. A good day. Three goals, all met. In terms of soaking in Japan, today I feel was the first day I had a chance to experience Japan without the "tourist" atmosphere. The shopping of course was loaded with tourists, but since I was not there for any purpose other than to take it in, I count that a success.
Tomorrow my brother and I go to Hiroshima. Another long day, but it will only be the two of us. I suppose the others are on their own as well.
'Til We Meet Again!