From Ikebukuro to Kagurazaka and back

After a full day of walking the wisest thing to do was to keep walking the next day.
And so we departed our hotel for an appointment in Iidabashi station with E-san for lunch. The weather was kind of dry, though some rain was expected. Nonetheless we asked reception for a walking path to Iidabashi.

We were met with perplexed looks and panicked search and printing of Google map. Indeed, our request seemed absurd when one could just take the train there. Aware of the difficulty I put the hotel staff into, I just accepted the unreadable map and started walking towards the cardinal direction the map indicated.A few hundreds metres later we encountered a kōban (交番) where I asked for direction again as we came across a major crossroad. After the incredulous look and even a small scoff, he asked if I would understand him, so I asked him to go ahead and tell me. In any case left and right were understood, and the rest were just answered with nods and determined looks.

And so we set off, under the expressway, toward Iidabashi area through residential areas, and evena  temple we came across and we visited. These were the unseen sights that cannot be found in guide books.

It even started to rain, but we continued on for about 1h, passing through golf shops, pharmacies, small grocery stores. I enjoyed the normalcy of it, walking in the neighourhood. But also noticed there were not many people walking along the main road we took, even though there were proper sidewalks to walk on.

Eventually arriving at Iidabashi, we realized we didn't quite agree at which exit to meet. With horror we found there were at least 3 exits to the station. So we split and waited with worry. Eventually we managed to be found by E-san and regroup to go for lunch. We went to a warm nabe and place and it was very delicious and comforting.

After lunch we looked for the Kagurazaka festival that was supposed to take place in the area, celebrating traditional arts, with parades and geisha performances. We walked into alleys so small it was unbelievable we were still in Tokyo. We came across small shrines, a sudden flower pot...

Eventually we found where the soaked parade were, and got wind of a shamisen performance in a small cafe. So we rushed there to take seat, and had a lovely performance by 3 players.

They played for about 30min and gave us a taste of the beautiful old tunes and sentiments from the shamisen. It was a shame we could not see more because of the weather. But I was happy we could have a sample of this traditional art. I also received an origami heart ring from a lady from the audience I was chatting with.

What beautiful tunes to end our last evening in Tokyo. And to make the evening last we kidnapped E-san to our hotel for dinner and drinks.

It was with heavy heart that we said goodbye, to E-san and her beautiful country.

A quick visit of Shibuya and an evening stroll in Asakusa

After a slow start due to the early market  trip, we got out to explore two contrasting neighbourhoods: Shibuya first, and then Asakusa.

Taking the Yamanote line brought me memories of my first trip, but also made me so comfortable as I got so used to it from my previous trips. With the JR railway pass, the Yamanote line was the most useful train line as it goes around Tokyo in both ways, covering so much sightseeing I forgot there were other train lines!

So from Ikebukuro station, which neighbourhood deserves a tour in itself, we went to Shibuya to experience the crowded crossing, the loud jingles that surprised my Dad (he probably turned off his hearing aid) and the maze like corridors in the train station that was being modernized.

 

 

We visited Tokyu Hands (only 2 floors of it), where my parents got a wooden game I still haven't played, and I got a hair drying band and a few bath salts and small umbrella, we also popped into a puricula store (always wanted to go). It was funny how everyone else in there were teenage girls. Yet there we were.

Those pictures make hilarious souvenirs and highly recommended.


After that tiring loud crowd immersion, we rode the Yamanote line again to Ueno station to walk to Asakusa old alleys and attractions.

It was a long walk, and I regretted not taking the bus or not transferring to  anon JR line. Eventually though we got to the dinner ware street with all the pretty bowls and plates that wanted to get into our full suitcases (why full? no idea).

 

As the sun set we chanced upon a nice view of the new Sky tree.

And as we approached the main Asakusa Senso-ji temple we passed by the cute old shops that gives Asakusa its charms. 

Eventually we saw the pagoda appear and strolled on the shrine ground, even made some incense offering. I must say the night view is prettier than the day view.

 

 

 And finally the not to be missed view from the Kaminarimon gate. I like this gate as the kanji character written on the chochin (lantern) is the one for lightening/thunder, which combines the character for rain and rice field.

There is a lot of history surrounding the temple and this area of Tokyo, close to the Sumida river, but it was interesting to witness how history was continued around the river, with the new attraction, Sky Tree, built across the river. This superposition of old and new is what fascinates me in Tokyo and what keeps me coming back. This impression that I was walking through palpable history. I wished back in Madagascar we could cherish history as much and be more grateful of happenstances and not so much constraining superstitions. But it must be also because Japan is a country of abundance and people got something to cherish and pour their hear and feelings into. In comparison people in Madagascar only barely have enough to live, and people's existence is the only proof of their existence. Artifacts such as art, sculptures, buildings only remain but not so celebrated in the collective minds. maybe I should make more efforts to find out about those next time.

As we were changing hotel that day we dragged our luggage to Ikebukuro to the b Ikebukuro and explored the small alleys nearby the station, full of drinking places and restaurants to cater to workers before going home. I quite enjoyed my stays with this hotel chain, both in Ochanomizu and Akasaka in 2009.

We had a bit of small nabe in the alley shop before going to sleep it off and rest from the long day.