I had to check out of my apartment by 10am which worked out perfectly, but I then needed to carry my bag everywhere today. I managed to only pack a carry on, but it was fairly heavy. To get from the school to Ueno park was basically the same whether or I took the train or walked – so I decided to walk the 23ish minutes with my bag. I did think about leaving my bag in a storage locker at the train station, but then I would have to find the station and the lockers, so I just decided to soldier on… So, most of my over 15000 steps today was carrying my heavy back pack. It is good training. For what you may ask? I don’t know, for life I guess…
It was quite hot, and I was sweating – I got to Ueno park, which is quite large, and had no idea where in the park it was, so I just kept walking (and sweating). I thought it was just a small exhibit of Azalea Bonsai because I didn’t see any signage.
I was surprised to see a totem pole in the middle of the park…
Then, I saw it… I guess I couldn’t miss it if I tried…
The funny thing is, the exhibit wasn’t huge – there were a good number of them, but there may have been more vendors than bonsai trees . I think the bonsai were just an excuse to have an outdoor party 🙂 It was great though – the atmosphere was fun, and the bonsai were truly remarkable. Here a few of my favourites:
Here are some of the vendors that were part of the festival. I wanted to buy everything – including the bonsai they had for sale, but I knew they wouldn’t let me bring it across the border 🙁
On the way to the station on the way out of the park, I found lockers…
Of course, just as I was leaving…but then I noticed that just past the lockers was the Tokyo Museum of Modern Art. I saw several Rodin sculptures outside… It gave me pause – was this a message from the universe? It probably was, but I was focussed on getting to Kazo before the Friday rush hour because I didn’t want to be in a super-packed train with my luggage on my back or at my feet. Here are some Rodin sculptures… Maybe I will have time on Monday before I leave to come back…
So, I was reading and then working on the blog on the train and somehow miscalculated how much time I had left and I missed my stop. I ended up quite far from where I was supposed to be. I regrouped, changed platforms, and finally made it to my old Hometown, Kazo. I checked into the hotel and then went out to explore. Man, this place has changed, The population has more than doubled since I was here last. I know that this town is famous for Udon noodles, so I asked for a recommendation from the front desk. The gentleman recommended a place about a 20 minute walk away. No problem – at least I was no longer carrying my luggage. I decided to see if I could find my old apartment, but I remember that it was quite a hefty walk and I usually rode my bike to the station. I started out, looking for landmarks I recognized, but I don’t remember my address anymore (it was 28 years ago after all) so I couldn’t look it up. After walking for awhile, I abandoned that quest and then walked another 20 minutes to the Udon restaurant which was a lot bigger than I expected.
Here are some shots from my reintroduction to Kazo:
New improved station decor – Kazo is the place where most of the Koinobori (Carp streamers) in Japan are made. On May 3 they had their Koinobori festival where they fly a giant Koinobori – the largest in the world. It was made in 1988 and it takes a crane to hoist it up. It is 100m long and weighs 350 kg. The year I lived here, it was only the 8th year of the festival. Apparently now it is also a classic car festival. Back then, I got to play Taiko with the local Taiko group while the Koinobori was being raised which was a huge honour.
Unicycle parking…
Udon Restaurant:
Amazing meal and the tempura was the most delicate tempura I have ever tasted! Definitely worth the walk!
Then I came across a landmark I remember – the local shrine. This is where I played taiko drums for the festivals.
After my walk I went to the department store at the station where I used to do my groceries but it has all changed. I did pick up a couple of things I needed, and as always, I found some pretty hilarious and/or cute things in the store:
This bed is the hardest bed I have ever sat down on, so I hope I am able to sleep tonight. They have a great stylish yukata to wear when you are in the room which counts for something!
I am so excited to see Mama and Papa Mori in the morning as well as their daughter Mitsuka. It has been so long! I am also looking forward to seeing their other daughter Norie later in the week. Oyasuminasai!