Escape to myself

Yesterday ended well. Marci, (an American) had her birthday so Roxanne (Dutch) and I went out to a great restaurant to celebrate with her. The restaurant was on the seventh floor of a building in Shibuya. I’m always surprised by what goes on in these high rises; this one had several restaurants, a theatre, cinema, beautiful roof garden, shops and much more. When you’re used to everything opening onto the street this living, working and shopping on different levels is surprising. We had a really friendly and happy evening. Roxanne and Marci were charming and vivacious companions and we had a fascinating time exploring solo travelling.

I started the day with a healthy breakfast.

At Tokyo National Museum

This was s wonderful museum good for Ukiyo-e period work. I was able to take my time absorbing the skill, craftsmanship and aesthetic. I took many photographs but as I’ve already posted a lot of art I’ll just put up a couple of netsuke and random items I enjoyed. The museum is situated in a pretty park with lots of street performers and a good craft market. As it’s in Ueno, a few miles from Shibuya it made s pleasant respite from Tokyo’s frenzy last night.

I really love the Japanese aesthetic and wonder where Impressionism would be without it. One thing I will say … The Tokugawa in Nagoya was infinitely better.

As i returned to the reality of Tokyo I did a little shopping and took some pictures. Love this one from outside the station.

Tomorrow it’s my visit to the Kabuki theatre … that’ll be an experience!