We were out the door by 10 am and headed to the train. My parents really enjoy the train and having someone else direct them is an added bonus. They can just get on and ride.
While on the train, they chattered away. Suddenly, I couldn't handle it anymore. An unexpected physical reaction of visitors is data overload. It’s shocking how quickly my head begins to feel overwhelmed by the constant English. I recall this from years before when I would need to turn off all stimulus (like the radio and tv) and close my eyes for a moment because it would be too much to take.
While in Japan I’m constantly searching for English. It’s not intentional, it’s just something that naturally occurs because I don’t speak Japanese. So when I’m immersed in English my brain is going full force and suddenly it’s too much.
After trying to explain it to my parents, I finally said "I have a headache" and they understood that. After having a short break of quiet, I was able to jump back in and enjoy the banter.
By that point we had finished our train ride and walked most of the way to Tokyo Tower. At the base of the tower, we decided not to go up. We had plans to go up Mori Tower later in the day and didn't need to see the top of the city from every high place in town.
We continued our trek by visiting Zojoji Temple, which is just a block away from Tokyo Tower. My dad specifically asked to see shrines and temples during his visit. So, I made sure we saw some of the most famous ones.
We then walked over to Azabujuban to see our old neighborhood. We wandered around and bought a new pair of shoes for my dad. When travelling to Tokyo, always have great shoes that you can walk forever in and that slip on and off easily. After all, you never know when you'll have to remove them.
We ended our tour with a trip up Mori Tower. Although I am terrified of heights, it is such an impressive view that I wanted to share it with them. I felt a bit bad because I wouldn't approach the windows on the 52nd floor (inside) or go near edge on the roof (the 55th "floor"). But, I took them up and it was beautiful. We watched the sun go down (sunset was behind clouds) and the lights of the city come on. We also enjoyed the Mori Art Museum, which I had never been to. It is located on the 53rd floor. The featured exhibit was trick art. It was pretty strange, but fun.
It was time for dinner. We met my husband for dinner at a soba restaurant. We all had to remove our shoes, as they seated us in a tatami room and you are not allowed to wear shoes in a tatami room. I don't think my parents were very impressed with sitting on the floor for dinner, but neither one complained. The dinner was simple, yet delicious and very filling. A great combination.
On the train ride home, I realized we had been out and about for 11 hours! That's a really long day! I wish one of us had worn a pedometer, because it would have been pretty impressive. At any rate, we saw many things and tomorrow we will take it easy. It all balances out in the end.
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