Have you heard that Tokyo is crowded? Believe it! Everywhere we go here seems crammed with people. Especially in the stations and the trains. And very very few 'foreigners' though much of the signage is in English, also announcements on the train.
Today we met up again with Natsuko at Ueno Station. We went to Hitotsubashi University in Kunitachi, where Natsuko studies. About an hour by train from Ueno. Very pleasant community and lovely campus, reminded me of Univ of Puget Sound. Had lunch at a traditional soba place near the university. Then a colleague of Natsuko's suggested that foreigners love this shop with the unlikely name of Antique John . More on that below.
We then went on the train and on a little community bus which stopped often to Koganei Park to the Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. Fun! Quite a few historical buildings (including the prime minister's house from 1926) have been moved to this park to illustrate architectural styles over time. Specifically showing the western influences on housing over the last century. Quite striking.
Still involved with the Kimura Management Team :) we talk about dinner. When Natsuko was in Seattle, we had a Shabu Shabu dinner at the Thorsons. We decide to go to a Shabu Shabu place in nearby city known for its night life. We do, very close to what we did here in Seattle. You got it right, Gin and John!
Ok, back to Antique John. Shop FULL of very old silk and the kimonos made from them. All of their fabric is at least 100 years old. Beautiful colors and designs. Like you've never seen. First shot shows the four remnants I picked out (price $5-8 apiece) Brilliant hues and so smooth to the touch. You just can't get enough visually. Then the proprietor (second pic) suggested we go downstairs. FILLED with old kimonos and similar. All many years old. Check out the pic.
Dennis points out that we have not spent much money in Tokyo (other than hotel room). Hmm, he points out that it's because we are hanging out with a graduate student. Taking the train, walking around, etc etc
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