Postcard from Tokyo

Hello from Japan! Remember that cold we thought my daughter was coming down with before we flew to Japan on Monday? We’ve decided it is the full-blown flu. The poor girl is really in a bad way. I’m so glad I had my flu shot. I’m still virtually bathing in hand sanitizer but we are pressing on.

We’ve bought a JR Rail pass and are traversing the city by train then walking our legs off. Our first stop Wednesday, let us out in a busy spot.watching a street performer in Tokyo on A Well Styled Life This gal was making a fashion statement and singing her heart out at the entrance to Takeshita Street. This is a long narrow street in the Harajuku area, lined with shops, boutiques, cafes and fast food outlets that target Tokyo’s youth. We spotted nothing of interest except a skin care store where we bought a few face masks to pamper ourselves with later.

We enjoyed a shady walk to the Meiji Jingu Shrine which was an amazing oasis in the center of Tokyo. I should look as good as my daughter does with the flu!

Next, we came upon the amazing hat shop, CA4LA. They are a specialty shop carrying hats from all over the world but also ones made right there in Tokyo.hat makers in CA4LA Tokyo

We watched these ladies make hats in the back of the shop then we had a blast trying on a few of their more unusual styles.

By mid-afternoon she was crashing, so we headed back to the hotel after a quick stop to see Shibuya crossing. go carts driving in TokyoThis is a must see in Tokyo and is famous for being the busiest crossing in the world. Traffic stops at all 7 intersecting roads and thousands of pedestrians spill into the street from all sides. It’s amazing to see.

After she got her got her energy back we went for dinner at a tiny little Tempura spot where we bravely ate things we had never seen before.

Today we are off on the train to Kyoto and hoping she recovers quickly.

Thanks for reading ladies and have a great day!

 

27 Comments

  1. Kate Kelly says:

    Oh how wonderful your daughter looks despite having the flu and please extend my best wishes for a speedy recovery – what constitution she has (must have great inherited genes – pat on the back to you) Oh to be young again 😉 Like others stated here, I’d be flat out on my back, covers up to my chin and drapes pulled tight to block light wishing I was home. At least you both are enjoying the hustle bustle of Tokyo and are adventuring with new tastes and new styles.

    1. She is a real trooper and a wonderful woman. Tokyo is amazing and we are now onto Kyoto.

  2. Rosemarie says:

    Hi there

    Forest bathing/taking in the forest atmosphere. There should be no rush going into the forest – walking a trail. One is to take their time – relax – sit/stay – be aware of the sounds of nature. Take a meditative approach. One’s energy should be restored.

    ****
    Be at one with nature; I am the tree, and the tree is me. Jin Bodhi

  3. Just read this Jennifer…wow she must have amazing strength…I don’t know how she is doing this trip as sick as she is. Bless her heart. I do hope she has improved by now and you can enjoy this time with more laughter like you had in the hat shop.

  4. rosemarie says:

    Fun time you’re having.

    Be sure to do some forest bathing – Japan is noted for this.

    1. We have plans for the Bamboo Forest but I’ve never heard of forest bathing. What and where can we find that?

      1. I believe it just means something along the lines of taking in the forest atmosphere; enjoying the forest. Definitely do visit the Bamboo Forest.

        If you have the opportunity and are brave enough, I also recommend visiting an onsen (hot springs). That’s a very Japanese thing to do, but I say brave enough because you soak in the onsen in the nude. There are always separate sections for men and women though. You also need to know that you are expected to wash thoroughly first before entering the water. After that, just relax and enjoy.

  5. I’m so sorry your daughter is feeling unwell but obviously she is a trouper. And, eating strange food when not feeling well? O thing is stopping that girl! ????
    I hope you come home with an amazing new hat! You wear them so well.

    1. A new hat would be amazing. Sadly those ones were out of my price range =(:0

  6. Kathleen O'Brien says:

    WoW! What a time to be sick – prayers for a super quick recovery for your daughter. But I wish I looked so great when sick. Looks like a really fun trip – hope the flu passes quickly.

    1. It’s Murphys Law I guess but she’s a real trouper and the young are more resilient than I am;) thank you Kathleen!

  7. What do you think accounts for the juvenile silliness and… searching for the right word… I’ll just say it… bad taste the young people have been exhibiting for years? Perhaps it’s a cultural rebellion at centuries of well-mannered, color inside the lines of Japanese tradition? I guess this shows how much of an old fart I am.

    1. Japan is a delight. Everything runs like clockwork and people are so orderly and polite. I love it here Brenda. Who knows why the youth do anything? In any country. Count me an old fart too????

  8. I worry about those who may be infected by your daughter’s flu. I understand the dilemma of being on a long-awaited and costly trip but do think she should be wearing a mask.

    1. We are concerned too Jan. She only removes her mask briefly for our photos.

      1. Sandy Doty says:

        Glad to hear she’s wearing a mask. Very concerned about the people she is exposing to the flu. Understand it is very hard when you have paid for a trip and then get sick but it can be deadly for some people to be exposed.

  9. So fun to see familiar spots through your eyes! I’m sorry that your daughter is sick, but I’m very glad that you’re getting out and exploring anyway. Hopefully she feels better soon.

    1. You’re so lucky to have lived here Elaine. It’s a fabulous place.

  10. You both look beautiful! I love seeing Japan from your post as I have never been there! Prayers for your daughter! Have fun!

  11. You look fabulous – as does your daughter. I can’t believe she’s sick! I hope she’s on the mend soon and you have an amazing adventure. I can’t wait to read more. Xx

  12. It’s fun following your trip, but I’m so, so sorry your daughter has the flu. What a trooper she is! I’d be dead on the hotel bed with dreams of home dancing through my head. Blessings to you both as you travel Japan. Here’s hoping you find a place that has chicken soup!

  13. I hope your daughter feels better very soon! Fun hats you tried on!

  14. You both look amazing and those smiles! What fun! Hope your daughter feels a bit better today….tomorrow? I think it’s probably evening there as I Write my note…..love the hat modeling photo!

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