Tokyo Day 2

Today started out bright and early where we experienced our first Japanese breakfast with fish, rice, curry, spaghetti, and french fries.  As you can imagine, french fries were a big hit.  After breakfast we headed to the Imperial Palace Plaza where we learned some Japanese history, Samurai, and Shogunate.  This was also the first opportunity to buy souvenirs and try some local vending fare.  The students liked the grape juice with the grapes still in it, flavored water, and green tea ice cream.  This was also the first opportunity to use Japanese style toilets - and know they know why we asked them to bring their own toilet paper and were glad that they had some with them or knew someone who did. 

From there we headed to the Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan.  Here we learned about the difference between Shintoism and Buddhism and how many people in Japan actually following both religions together.  While walking around the temples, we learned how to purify ourselves before entering the temple (Buddhist) or shrine (Shintoism).  There is a water ritual, as well as an incense ritual.  The water ritual cleanses your hands and mouth, while lighting and burning bundles of incense sticks is a gesture of paying one’s highest respects to the Buddha and a way of purifying the surroundings.  We also were able to spend about 30 minutes shopping on Nakamise shopping arcade, one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. 

Lunch was next on our agenda, so it was off to the Hard Rock Cafe where we had an American meal.  The kids loved to experience a little bit of home. 

After lunch we headed to Akihabara - the electronic and pop culture district in Tokyo.  While walking around in this area, we got to see store barkers dressed up as Manga characters.  We split into smaller groups to explore the area where some of us found a Starbucks - yet another taste of home.  Tonight was also our first chance to ride the train from Akihabara back to Ikebukuro where our hotel is.  The looks on some of the locals faces when all 43 of us jumped on the train was priceless. 

Once back at the hotel we had just a few minutes to drop off purchases and freshen up before it was off to dinner.   Dinner was at a "Do it yourself" hibachi style grill.  We had our own barbeques at our table and the delegates were able to cook their own meat (sausage, beef and pork) and use their sauces/spices.  Our chopsticks skills are getting better by the minute. 

We are all back at the hotel, everyone is in bed and ready to hit the animation museum tomorrow.  Good night from Tokyo.

The Fearless Foursome