Having just half a day left in Tokyo, we tried to fit in as much as we could. With a couple of us barely making it down to the lobby in time to join the group because our alarms did not go off (myself included), we headed out at 7:30 am to the Tsukiji Nippon Fish Port Market. Here we tried different breakfast foods, from an egg omelette on a stick to cooked eel, purchased more souvenirs, and enjoyed walking around to see all that the vendors were selling. Getting to walk through these tight, crowded streets and see all the various food options was a very fun experience!
Abby and others at Tsukiji Outer Market, a open-air seafood and street food market
After we were finished at the market, we rushed back to the hotel to check out on time. Thankfully, we were able to leave all of our luggage at the hotel, so we didn't have to carry it all around Tokyo as we finished our sightseeing. We then went to visit the Tokyo National Museum. This would be our last stop before leaving for Takasaki.
The large museum had many large, winding rooms that would be easy to get lost in for hours. It was so cool to see a part of Japanese history. There were all kinds of different pottery, writings, weapons, samurai armor, jewelry, clothing, and a couple of interesting palanquins. Getting to see the relics from different time periods really showed how much history there is here!
Waiting for a train at a Tokyo Metro station
After the museum, we headed back to the hotel to pick up our bags and catch the train to Takasaki. Running around Tokyo with all of our large suitcases was a sight to see! But we made it to the train station with all our suitcases intact. With train tickets purchased, we headed to the platform to take the bullet train to Takasaki. After arriving in Takasaki, we were met by a few of our homestay hosts, and most of us went our separate ways to have meals with them and get settled in where we will be staying for the remainder of our time in Japan. I am blessed to be able to stay with one of the co-pastors in the church here (Totti). Getting to know him and his wife just a little bit has been very encouraging so far.
Outside the train station in Takasaki. Matthew and the team in the background with the pastors of Little Light Church (Totti, near right; Josiah, far center ; Ryan Day center)
I'm looking forward to getting to see the Little Light Coffee Shop here and spending time worshipping together at the church!
~Matthew Somers on behalf of the Japan Team