Day 13

For our first full day in Japan we got to sleep in and have breakfast at the hotel.  We went to the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about the history of the city of Tokyo.  The museum was 6 stories tall but only the top two floors were the museum.  We learned how the city was originally called Edo and the history of the daily life of the people.  There were volunteer guides available but not when we started.  Tiffney saw that one English speaking guide was walking with one lady and asked if we could join.  The guide and lady both said yes.  So for about half the museum the guide told us a little more than we could have learned by reading all the signs.  The museum was made to be interactive.  There were many places where you could take photos lifting things or sitting in things.  We saw the effects of fires, earthquakes, volcanos, and war had on the town.  On the way out we traveled down a 3 or 4 story escalator.

 

For lunch we went to a hole in the wall restaurant and had really awesome fried chicken.  Our meal came with cabbage, meso soup, seaweed and rice.  Next we headed to the grand sumo tournament.  There are 15 days of this and each wrestler has a match each day.  Today was day 13 and two of the wrestlers were 12 and 0 (I know the last guy won and might have made history for being the first Mongolian to go 13-0).  We saw the Makuuchi Rikishi ceremonial entrance where each of the senior wrestlers step into the ring in their ceremonial aprons.  We also saw the Grand Champion entrance and Bow dance ceremony.  It was really exciting once we knew what was going on.  Each match only lasts about 20-30 seconds, but the preparation takes long.  The wrestlers are each announced then come on stage.  The face the opponents and stretch to get ready for a while, mostly doing the same moves.  When they dry their hands and face with a towel and throw salt into the ring you know they are going to start.  I have a handful of matches on video.  Some of the guys in our group actually got their picture taken as the sumo wrestlers exited the arena, but I did not have the opportunity. 

For dinner we went to the electronics district.  We got packed into the train because there were so many people leaving sumo.  It was very tight.  The electronics district had everything electronic from games to hardware.  Carol, Dr. Laurence and I went to a fancy restaurant where you had to remove your shoes before walking in and we ordered off a tablet at our table.  I tried burdock root, chicken knuckles, and sake.  I will not order burdock root again, but I was told it is really good for you.  I still have not figured out the trains here.  I think we have been on 3 different lines so far.  We have not been on the subway yet.