The Japan (Winter) Diaries - Day Six
January 2, 2017
I actually managed to wake up early this morning to get in a run! My first (and only) run in Japan and my first run of 2017. The plan was originally to do a lot of running while in Japan, but it just didn't happen unfortunately... I ended up only running a mile around our hotel; it was still dark and I was wearing my American flag Pro Compression socks. One thing I have learned over the years, I am not someone who works out on vacation, so eventually, after this trip, I stopped bringing running and workout gear on trips. It only takes up space if I’m not going to use it more than once.
Anyways! The main agenda for this day: going to see the Emperor make one of his rare public appearances, which supposedly is only for his birthday and on the second day of the new year, so I took this once in a lifetime opportunity.
In Tokyo Station, the station closest to the Imperial Palace grounds, I stopped for a quick breakfast of pastries before heading out to join the massive crowds. I had left my bag in one of the many lockers provided inside the station so I could skip going through baggage security; of course I was still checked before entering the grounds, but at least I wasn't carrying a bag on me the whole time because my shoulders would have really been killing me after all that standing.
After lots of shuffling in line, and many minutes of standing in place, my group was finally allowed to start entering into the part of the Imperial Palace grounds that are off-limits all year except for the two occasions the Emperor makes an appearance. Experiencing the crowd frantically waving their Japanese flags and roaring in excitement when the Emperor and his family finally stepped out onto the glass balcony was moving. I stuck near the far right side of the courtyard, where the exit was, so I could make a quick escape instead of pushing through the crowds at the end; I had to meet Dr. Yoshida and Mori-san afterwards, so I needed to hurry!
Well, I got a little lost in Tokyo Station trying to find my locker I had used for my bag, but I made it right on time to meet my friends. We went to a kimono shop in Shinjuku, called Tokyo 135, and I was gifted an actual kimono. I am still speechless about it. Never have I ever even tried on a kimono before, so when shopping for the kimono, they had me try it on and oh boy, did that fix my posture right up. Such a surreal moment, as I had been dying to wear kimono while there. If only I would have worn it to one of the shrines I visited in Kyoto.
I hung out with Dr.Yoshida and Mori-san for a while, shopping for more Lucky Bags, and stopping for lunch at an udon joint that I made a point to come back to later in the trip; the udon and tempura were that good. I mean, look at it. Definitely one of my favorite meals in Japan that I miss so much.
Highlight of the Day
getting to try on kimono AND getting to keep it!
Favorite Food of the Day
UDON!
Favorite Snack of the Day
N/A
Favorite Drink of the Day
peach tea
Where to next, Meg?
