New Year, Narita!
Narita Shinshoji Temple
Beginning my new blog this new year from Narita, Japan!
Happy New Year from Narita! The flight today was just over 13 hours but luckily I caught a few hours shut eye on my break. We arrived at the hotel around 3pm and five of us plan to take the 4pm shuttle to dinner. My friend Jennifer is craving tonkatsu and knows a great restaurant where we can have dinner. I am downstairs at 3:51pm, I've learned the hard way that all transportation in this country is extremely punctual.
Traffic was bad since it's Friday evening but the restaurant, was phenomanal! The tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) was well worth the drive! I am going to definitely make this a regular stop whenever I come to town. SO yummy! The food was plentiful and delicious, especially the individual grinder bowls with fresh sesame seeds to make your own sesame dressing, think Japanese Foodie Heaven, folks!
So, after chowing down, I use the roughly 20 minutes before the shuttle to run into the Aeon mall - which proved a great spot to grab a funky and furry new hat & sweater which I will wear tomorrow.
For this layover I have researched Katori City, Sawara area and cannot wait to explore tomorrow morning! I've invited almost everyone on the crew to join... but I'm not holding my breath. At this point I am use to solo adventures in other countries and I’ve got my selfie stick charged and ready! LOL
By 8am the next morning I've looked at all the bus and train routes to get to Sawara Station... unfortunately New Year is still being celebrated in Japan and there are less transportation options as a result. Getting there and back to the hotel before pickup did not look realistic. I debated hard for about 15 minutes before arriving at this conclusion. And although I am usually willing to push it to the wire, I have learned to listen to my gut and my gut says Sawara is a no-go today. So plot twist!! I decide to visit The Naritasan Shinshoji temple complex instead.
Something I have learned is that when traveling, you must remain fluid. Plans change, things come up and sometimes those unexpected re-routes are Life's gift.
Returning from Narita Shinshoji Temple, I am thrilled with the day! I cannot believe how full of energy it was! Initially disappointed my original plans went to pot - however today was better than I could have hoped! Due to New Year celebrations, hundreds of people were paying their respects at the various Temple alters. I watched an incredible dance performance and marveled at many girls walking around in traditional kimonos and tiny wooden sandals. Also I loved seeing tons of people walking and carrying and even pushing in strollers their little dogs! Many were dressed in sweaters and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their time at the Temple as well, LOL!🐶
Omotesando Street for the WIN!
Even more interesting was the walking street that leads to the Temple, Omotesando Street. The street began sleepy but by Noon it had become a thick sea of people with interesting shops and extraordinary sights! I purchased giant bamboo stalks cut into vases, the most delicious matcha ice cream, fresh grilled unagi on a stick, cookies and other trinkets at unbelievably cheap prices.
If you’re a bargain hunter or like to haggle - this is the place for you! At one point I held up a bamboo basket and two vases, marked for a total of 1500 yen and the sweet elderly merchant thrust her calculator at me showing she'd offer the goods for 1200 yen instead! Haha, easiest bargaining I've ever done. Sold!
I wrapped up my shopping and strolled back to the shuttle pickup area at 1pm. What an absolutely perfect day! Back in the hotel with plenty of time to cram everything in to my suitcase, shower and dress for work. Flight time looks to be about 14 hours heading home... Arigatō, Japan!