Our first day in Tokyo was jam packed. Breakfast at 7 AM. Self guided walking tour to the Godzilla statue and train station to pick up tourist train passes. This (train passes) pleases my husband, but frankly I would rather be driven….

And we were driven, first to the fish market where all varieties of sushi, sashimi, wagyu beef, matcha ice cream and strawberry mochi were available and sampled – primarily by the girls. We had just finished breakfast so it was a little early for the older folks. But you have to strike while the iron is hot and a return trip to the market is not on the agenda.

Then off to the Kabuki theatre for a three and a half hour performance. This was very interesting- all male actors- with the ancient story centered around the humiliation and ritual suicide of a Samarai defending his wife’s honor. Lucky for the tablets with English translation or this would have been very hard to follow. OK- impossible. We did not stay for the last afternoon act or return for the evening act where the 47 Samaria avenge this death. The theatre was packed with Japanese and apparently we were lucky to have been in town when it was playing. And, by the way, it is not unusual to see only parts of the performance.

Lunch, interestingly, was a bento box purchased in the theatre basement which is eaten in your seat during an intermission. It was very popular with the Japanese, but for the newly arrived Americans, the dried fish and sushi were not appetizing… not on the recommended list.

Following Kabuki, it was off to the Asakusa temple town to visit both a Buddhist Temple and Shinto temple. We learned most Japanese practice both religions.

Final stop for the day was Tokyo Sky Tree. It was a windy, cold day with very clear views so Mt Fuji was visible. Combined with the sunset timing, this was an enjoyable and beautiful stop.

Jim and I were nodding off in the car on the return to the hotel so we had a quick bite in the bar before turning in for the night. We had dropped Mary and Francie at the Pokémon Cafe. I can’t begin to describe how difficult this reservation was to come by, but they persevered and enjoyed this cultural phenomena.