We met at the gates of base to walk to the Higashi-Fussa train station, this was great for us, since we had yet experienced the train system in Japan. It was pretty quiet for a Friday morning, but this is a smaller station.
I wish I could tell you what train and train line we took to what stations but it's all a blur for me. I think that, aside from the language, mastering the train system will be my biggest challenge. The train system is so extensive and some of the stations are so massive and busy that it can be very intimidating and confusing.
We finally arrived at the Tokyo Station and it was a few blocks to the Imperial Palace. "A" got a little tired trying to keep up with the rest of the group. She was the only child except for a baby who was being carried in a backpack by his mother, but she did great.
We made it to the grounds of the Imperial Palace and went through the security check points. As we went through they handed out paper flags of Japan. Remember what they look like, it'll be part of a test later.
We crossed over the Nijubashi bridge and came to the main gates where we were greeted (kinda) by the Imperial Palace guards.
Then it was onwards to the grounds of the Imperial Palace to await the arrival of Emperor Akihito and his family. Doesn't look too bad, huh? Just wait. We arrived early.
So we got somewhat close to the balcony.
Remember the Japanese flag? Well, when the Emperor arrived this is what happened.
Finally, the man of the hour was present and he said a few words to the audience. I'm sure they were kind words but I'm just going by the crowd's reaction, since it was entirely in Japanese. It was great to see the Emperor and some of the royal family.
I especially enjoyed seeing the Empress Michiko, she looks so sweet.
Remember how empty the grounds looked in the beginning? Well, it grew...a lot. Here we are being a part of the mass exodus once the Emperor's speech was over. What no birthday cake?
Then we walked around for a bit.
Here is one of the turrets of Edo Castle, I'm not sure but it may be the Fujimi Yagura turret. I would like to learn more by coming back and taking our time to walk around the gardens and Imperial grounds that are open to the public year around.
Here is Doug & "A" showing their Japan pride.
And here is the group we went with. This was not an official tour. The gentleman standing above Doug works on base but spent some time as a teenager living in Japan. So he was kind enough to take a group of us to see the Imperial Palace. Can't go wrong with a free cultural tour.
Finally, we exited the grounds to go find some lunch. Here we are on one of the palace bridges. Which one? I have no clue. I REALLY need to return once I educate myself on the topic.
Walking back to the train station we had to circumnavigate the palace grounds. Along the way Doug took pictures he thought were interesting like a sign with some information and a statue of a past emperor, I think.
We finally made it to the train station. Poor "A", she was running the entire time to keep up with the long-legged adults. Good thing the train was empty when we got on and she got to sit and relax for a bit. Another good thing, the trains seats were heated!!! Awesome, because it was cold!
So, where did we go to grab lunch? Only to the busiest train station in the world, Shinjuku. You heard me, BUSIEST IN THE WORLD! It looked pretty quiet outside. Maybe everyone was partying at the emperor's house.
Our guide wanted to take us to a little hole in the wall yakitori restaurant. Here's the street it was on.
Because we had a large group, the restaurant put us upstairs where there were a bunch of tables. Here's the stairs leading to the second floor. Oh, and by the way, since it was winter and pretty cold they also used the roof as extra refrigeration. We saw it happen!
The yakitori was excellent, but if you clicked on the hot link I provided about yakitori you would know that they use many parts of the chicken. Seeing that this is a real yakitori restaurant and not one that caters to gaijin, we had full-on authentic yakitori. I know for a fact we had the tsukune. I'm just glad that everyone ate it and no one questioned what it was. It was good, some of it was chewier than others but still good. "A" ate it and chowed down all of the edamame that was given to the group.
This is the poor lady that had to cook ALL the food in the restaurant. She was also our waitress. Behind her are the stairs that led to the second floor where they banished us.
It was a great experience, one that I hope to do again one day. The Imperial Palace grounds and Shinjuku station each deserves an entire day alone to be explored. I think Shinjuku needs more. Can't wait to do it. Until the next time and before I forget...
Shiawasena tanjobi, ten'no Akihito
Happy Birthday, Emperor Akihito
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