Day 1 - Tokyo

After a quick breakfast at a local diner that clearly blended Japanese and Western influences (a typical breakfast combo included eggs, sausage, soup and rice), we made our way to Ueno-Koen, a large park that contains a number of museums, the city zoo, and various attractions.  We were surprised to arrive just as the Japanese Ice Carvers Association was setting up for a competition.

Large blocks being sawed and distributed

Ice carving tools

Let the carving begin!

With the carving underway, we decided to check back in after visiting our main destination for the day, The Tokyo National Museum. 

The museum houses numerous objects that have been designated National Treasures, and traces the evolution of Japanese art and culture from ancient times to the 20th Century.

Full Samurai armor from during the Tokugawa dynasty. 

A mask for Noh, traditional Japanese plays similar to Kabuki 

A woodblock print from a series titled Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety for Children by Meng Zong (Edo Period, 19th Century).  Apparently, filial piety in the 19th century included battling mythical tiger dragons. 

Cats Enjoying a Cool Evening by Utagawa Koniyoshi (Edo Period, 19th Century) 

A stunning bronze dragon sculpture from an unknown maker 

After leaving the museum, we checked back in with the ice sculptors.  They had apparently finished some time ago and their creations had begun their "collapse phase." 

I'm sure they were lovely when complete, before the melting cycle commenced.

We made our way to another neighborhood try a highly recommended Soba restaurant.  It was very small, run by an army of tiny old Japanese ladies, and had traditional seating! 

These pictures were taken after we had already started digging in, so the presentation has been somewhat mangled.  Regardless, Soba are buckwheat noodles served with sauces, broth, and various sides.  This is a plate of cold noodles with seaweed, scallions, wasabi, and sauce.  It was delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day. 

We also ordered a "hot" soba, which was served in a smokey, savory broth with tempura shrimp, peppers, and the same sauce and sides.  In addition to our regular beverages, we also received complementary noodle water. 

One interesting thing we've noticed is that a surprising number of people of all ages still wear traditional Japanese attire (at least sometimes).  A view through this shop window shows two such people enjoying ice cream cones. 

We then walked to Senso-Ji, Tokyo's most popular Buddhist temple.  This is its current incarnation after being burned or destroyed at various times (most recently during WWII).

The temple houses a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. 

For a 100 yen donation (less than a dollar), you get to receive a fortune. 

The temple grounds were lovely. 

We also visited a nearby shrine to  the Tanooki, raccoon dogs who were shape-shifting pranksters in Japanese mythology.  They protect against fire and theft, and their statues were fairly terrifying. 

 Grabbing a beer at an outdoor cafe

That evening, we went to an observation tower that provided wonderful views of Tokyo.  The lights stretch on forever... 

We finished the day with a late dinner at an Izakaya restaurant named Jomon.  Izakaya refers to small skewers of various grilled items that had been seasoned and cooked with a level of skill that suggests involvement with the occult.  Words cannot describe how delicious it was.

The chef and one of the servers saying goodnight.  You can see the refrigerator case with uncooked skewers and the chef stationed at the long narrow grill working on a number of items.

All in all, it was a great, action-packed first day here!!!!!  Adventures continue tomorrow.....