Back in Tokyo with friends

Tokyo railway station seemed so familiar to us on arrival yesterday afternoon. I remember our arrival two years ago when we walked around with dazed expressions for 20 minutes trying to work out the system. This time however we knew we had to find the JR Yamanote line (easy) and head for Hamamatsucho and our Hotel Mystays (Premier) - no problem at all. 

As arranged Haruko, her brother Shin and his wife Kyoko were there to greet us at check in and without any delay we were off for an afternoon's sightseeing together.

Shin's pick was a visit to Akasaka Palace the State Guest House of the Japanese Government (near the JR Yotsuya Station).  The palace is where state and official guests of the government stay when they are on official visits to Japan and where the big diplomatic summits are held. The palace has only been open to the public for 2 years (with tightly controlled entry) so not a lot of locals have seen it yet.

No cameras were allowed inside the palace but we found the visit to this very ornate, neo Baroque building very interesting especially learning about the role the palace has played in significant world events. It was originally built in the early 1900s as the residence of the crown prince. After WW2 the management of the palace and the land around it was passed to the Japanese government.

The only negative about our visit to the palace was the large number of photographs showing Donald Trump at various functions and summits at the palace. (ugh!) 

 There was some discussion about the use of bronze and copper on the building.

 Next, we were off to Nihonbashi where we had to pick up some supplies for dinner. But first Shin showed us the most beautiful paper (washi) shop - one of Tokyo's oldest (but in a brand new building). I love Japanese paper shops!

Later Shin showed us the special book he and Kyoko have for their temple visits. Each time they visit a significant temple they collect a beautiful stamp and a written message to mark the visit. I have seen these special books for sale before in paper shops and often wondered what they were used for. A beautiful tradition! 

 Knowing we had been on the old Edo era Tokaido Highway in Arimatsu, Shin guided us to the famous Nihonbashi Bridge which marks the starting (and end) point of the old 400 year old highway.

 This marks point zero of the start of the highway!

 A huge overhead freeway was constructed over the bridge in preparation for the 1964 Tokyo olympics, a pragmatic action for the times, but one that is regretted now. There are plans to remove the freeway to recognise the significance of this historic bridge.

 We did some shopping at the nearby Mitsukoshi Department Store. The original Mitsukoshi shop (which now has branches all over Japan), and dating back to the 1920s. It's very grand and old school.

 Shin and Kyoko's apartment is near the Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station in full sight of the famous Tokyo Skytree. They live on the 29th floor of a 35 story building. The views from the roof are AMAZING!

We learnt there is a very interesting story behind the precise height of the Skytree - which is 634 metres; but I have to remember the Japanese for these numbers before I can retell it.

 Shin and Kyoko's apartment has fantastic views and looks very homely considering they have only just moved in.

 We enjoyed Kyoko's delicious hotpot and all the side dishes we'd chosen earlier at Mitsukoshi. We had a great conversation too about travel and why we love Japan. Kyoko and Shin are great company and very welcoming. We are so lucky to have Haruko translating so we can have a much better exchange with friends.

 After our lovely time together Haruko walked us back to the Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station and made sure we had all the numbers needed to get back to Daimon-Hamamatsucho. (Easy!)