This morning, we decided to take a quick break before heading out to explore the capital. After a tasty breakfast, we went back to our room to relax for a bit. Holidays in Japan can sometimes be tiring, with our long walks taking us about 10 kilometres a day. So a few moments of peace and quiet are just what we need.
Just after 11, my ex-in-laws arrived at the hotel. Yes, you read that right – ex-in-laws! I was married to a Japanese man, and it was the divorce that made me leave Japan on short notice. Despite that, I've always stayed in touch with them because they're really important to me. They've always been there for me, offering support and never letting me down. I was really sad to leave Japan so suddenly, so it was really moving to be reunited with my ex-in-laws. They live about two hours outside of Tokyo, and it meant a lot to me that they were able to come and see me. To celebrate the occasion, we got them a few gifts: wine, champagne, chocolate and a sake set I picked up in Seoul.
For lunch, my ex-in-laws had booked us a table in a restaurant on the fourth floor of a hotel. It was an all-you-can-eat buffet where every dish, from starter to dessert, was a real treat. I had the pleasure of tasting Japanese and Chinese specialities, which added to the experience. I also had the opportunity to taste a sake with my ex-father-in-law, which added a special touch to this shared moment.
The weather was really kind that day and as luck would have it, we were able to enjoy a magical moment as Mount Fuji loomed majestically on the horizon. The breathtaking panorama made lunch all the more memorable. When I saw it again, I realised how much I had missed the view of Mount Fuji. It was an unforgettable moment that I'll cherish for a long time to come, and a wonderful way to celebrate our reunion while rediscovering the beauty and culinary diversity of Japan.
After a hearty and exciting lunch, we decided to visit Asakusa Castle, just a few minutes' walk from the restaurant where we had enjoyed our meal. The excitement of discovering this historic site added a touch of anticipation to our walk. As we walked, we were able to appreciate the surrounding architecture, combining modernity and tradition, while enjoying the gentle breeze that accompanied us. This moment of transition between the meal and the discovery of the castle was full of promise and memories to be shared.
Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to film inside the castle, so I had to stash my camera and phone in my bag. We then followed a route that took us through the different rooms, each one revealing fascinating stories and impressive architecture. This castle has hosted heads of state and representatives from all over the world, adding a prestigious dimension to our visit. As we walked through these historic rooms, I couldn't help but feel the cultural importance of this place, as I imagined the meetings that had taken place here over the years.
When we arrived, we were handed a piece of paper with a picture of Hello Kitty on it. This was a special collaboration to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Japan's cutest cat. The paper contained a puzzle to be solved, with clues scattered throughout our journey through the castle. All we had to do was find the hidden knots to progress in the game. The only problem was that the paper was only in Japanese, which made the task a little more complicated!
Despite the language barrier, we decided to have fun solving the puzzle together, sharing our ideas and discoveries as we explored the wonders of the castle. This treasure hunt added a fun dimension to our visit and allowed us to immerse ourselves even more in the unique atmosphere of this place.
We went at the beginning of November and, surprisingly, it was still warm. This unexpected warmth allowed us to enjoy the gardens in pleasant comfort, almost as if it were still summer. The autumn colours of the leaves contrasted with the bright sunshine, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere. It was a real pleasure to stroll through this green setting, admiring the beauty of the surroundings while enjoying the mildness of the sunny day. This combination of warmth and natural beauty made our experience even more memorable.
Before leaving the gardens, we handed in the clues at the entrance. As a thank you for taking part in the treasure hunt, we received a small gift. It was a lovely surprise that added a nice finishing touch to our visit. This thoughtful gesture not only celebrated our adventure in the castle, but also the collaboration with Hello Kitty, making our experience even more special. We left with a tangible reminder of our unforgettable day, a little treasure to take home with us.
After this lovely visit, we slowly made our way back to the station. Before we left, we decided to spend one last moment together in a café. I chose a special matcha, hoping to enjoy this delicious traditional drink. Unfortunately, I forgot to pay attention to the details and it turned out to have coffee in it. I have to admit that I'm not a fan of that bitter taste. Nevertheless, we laughed about the situation and enjoyed the moment together, chatting and reminiscing about the highlights of the day. This last moment, although tinged with bitterness, was filled with warmth and friendship.
I cherished these last moments together before we parted, savouring every moment. The laughter, the sharing of memories and little anecdotes created a warm and friendly atmosphere. It was a precious moment that strengthened our bonds and left an unforgettable impression on our hearts. Although we knew that we would soon have to part ways, this break in the café was the perfect opportunity to celebrate our day and promise to see each other again. These moments of companionship will remain engraved in my memory, adding a beautiful final touch to our adventure.
They collected their belongings from the locker and we shared an emotional farewell. It was a moment of warmth and affection, with every smile and gesture reflecting the friendship that had grown throughout the day. We said 'goodbye' rather than 'farewell', which lightened the moment and kept alive the hope of future reunions. This prospect eased our parting, leaving us with fond memories and the promise of new adventures together. Everyone left with a heart full of gratitude for this unforgettable day.
It was around five o'clock when we returned to the hotel for a well-deserved break. After this moment of relaxation, we decided to head out again, eager to discover a part of Tokyo that I hadn't seen before: Ueno. This lively district, known for its parks, museums and markets, promised a new adventure. As we made our way to Ueno, we were filled with excitement at the prospect of exploring its narrow streets, sampling its street food and soaking up its unique atmosphere. Every street corner promised surprises and we were ready to immerse ourselves in this new experience.
Night had fallen, but the twinkling lights of Tokyo illuminated the streets and made the scenery even more beautiful. The bright neon lights and colourful lanterns created a magical atmosphere, transforming Ueno into a veritable tableau vivant. Every street corner seemed to tell a story and the energy of the area was palpable. We strolled along, amazed by the beauty of the place and the sounds that surrounded us. This moment, with the bright lights and the excitement of exploring at night, added a special dimension to our discovery of Ueno and made it an unforgettable evening.
The street was noisy and full of life, bursting with energy and activity. Shops and restaurants were everywhere, attracting passers-by with their bright signs and delicious smells. People crowded around, laughing and chatting, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere. Every shop window offered a glimpse of local treasures, from handmade souvenirs to culinary specialities. We were seduced by the allure of street food, with stalls offering yakitoris, takoyakis and other Japanese delicacies. This excitement, combined with the warmth of the lights and the joy of meeting people, made our exploration of Ueno all the more captivating.
On the way back, we decided to stop at Daimon Station, having found an izakaya on Google that looked promising. As we left the station, we were greeted by a spectacular view. In the distance, Tokyo Tower loomed majestically. At night it glowed with a thousand lights, its twinkling lights adding a magical touch to the cityscape. I have to admit that it was even more beautiful this way, illuminated by bright colours that highlighted its iconic architecture. The sight added a touch of wonder to our evening, reminding us of the beauty of Tokyo under the stars.
Before heading to the event, we decided to have a bite to eat at an izakaya. I have to admit that I wasn't very hungry, but this little meal did me a world of good after a busy day.
My choice was omurice, a comforting dish based on omelette and rice, although I found it a little cold. However, it wasn't bad at all and each bite brought a touch of comfort. I also ordered a glass of momo sour, a fruity and refreshing drink that complemented the meal perfectly. This moment of relaxation at the izakaya was a nice way to end our evening before we set off to get closer to the Japanese Iron Lady.
After a few minutes' walk, we finally arrived at the majestic Tokyo Tower! It shines even brighter at night!.
Across the road, a small market was bustling with delicious Korean street food. It's hard to believe that just a few days ago we were in Seoul. Now we're back there again.
Back home, we couldn't wait to buy our tickets, dreaming of the view from the top. We had two options: a package for the first floor and another that included the second floor.
Unfortunately, the timetables didn't match and we couldn't go. So we had to make do with the view from the first floor, which was already impressive.
Once at the top, the view was breathtaking. It is always a pleasure to see Tokyo at night, with its twinkling lights. It gives the impression of a metropolis that never sleeps, vibrating with inexhaustible energy. It's a magical sight that stays with you forever.
The interior of the tower was just as magnificent, enhanced by a captivating play of light. Reflections and colours danced around us, adding a festive touch to the already breathtaking scene. It was a feast for the eyes, making the experience all the more memorable.
When we took the lift, we were surprised to find ourselves on the third floor instead of where we were supposed to be! As soon as we got off the lift, we found ourselves in a huge souvenir shop, full of items that made you want to buy everything. After a bit of shopping, we decided to go down one floor and discovered more shops, each as charming as the next. There were treasures to be found in every corner, making our visit even more enjoyable.
I have to admit that I was so engrossed in my shopping that I completely forgot to take any pictures! The excitement of discovering all these souvenirs and treasures took precedence over everything else. It's always a bit frustrating to miss out on the moments that can be captured, but the experience will stay with me forever.
When we got out, we admired the Iron Lady once again, standing majestically in the night. We then made our way back to the hotel, savouring every moment. Tomorrow a new adventure awaits us: we're off to TeamLab for a unique sensory experience that promises to be as unforgettable as this evening.
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