Part Three, January 19, 2020
After a lovely department store “bento box” lunch, people watching in the sun on the waterfront, we went for a boat ride. We took the water bus on a half hour ride from the Senso-ji temple area to the Hama Rikyu Gardens. During the ride we passed through the city of Tokyo and under many bridges. It was a beautiful sunny day, especially after the rain and cold yesterday. Arriving in the garden, we passed a beautiful branch of early cherry blossoms blooming in January, and a lovely old shrine.
We walked along the path at the Hama Rikyu Gardens, towards the 300-year-old pine tree. We expected a tall old tree , but were surprised to see a sprawling pine supported by bamboo crutches. The pine was reverently wrapped in straw skirts and was being meticulously pruned by a gardener on the ladder. The ladder was not even resting on branches but supported so it would not damage the tree. You could tell it was valued treasure for the Japanese people. This tree is one of the oldest black pines in Japan.
When I’m an old lady, (not there yet) I would so appreciate the honor and the tender care that this tree receives. Bamboo supports to hold up my old limbs, fiber wraps to to protect my skin, a fence to keep danger at bay, and many respectful admirers that visit daily.
This old lady pine’s beauty is worth every bit of reverence that she receives.
Across the park where more beautiful surprises, especially the reproduction buildings. Walking into one of them with it’s natural, simple, light wood interior gave you a deep sense of calm. It was getting colder and darker as the evening approached. Other plans would have to wait as we finished in the gardens and headed out into Tokyo towards Tokyo Station.
After a beautiful day with at Asukusa, lunch on the riverfront, the water bus ride and Hama Rikyu Gardens, it was time to find Tokyo Station to pick up our Japan Rail Pass and have dinner at the famous Ramen restaurants. Easier said then done! After having no problem navigating public transportation for the past 2 days, we got hopelessly lost for a brief period of time. Amid the tall buildings, Google Maps was not meeting our needs and even by asking directions, we couldn’t find the correct entrance to the station. We were all getting tired, hungry and frustrated. Finally we made it to Tokyo Station, which is enormous! After a few information stops for directions and a highlighted map, we found the JRP counter and a lucky table for four for dinner. Thank god! Now we just had to figure out how to get back to the hotel.