We got off at the train station next to a big tower they are building called Sky Tree. It was 408 meters tall at the moment, but it will be about 600 meters when it is completed. Yuuki Fujiyama joined us there.
From there, we walked several blocks in the hot and humid weather to the famous Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). We ate lunch first at a monja-yaki restaurant. Only Emi had eaten a monja-yaki before, and we have a lot of fun watching her cook it on the hot plate right in front of us.
With our stomaches full, we spent the next few hours walking back and forth through the shopping street. Everyone bought presents and gifts for family and friends back at home because the shops there sold very traditional and eclectic souvenirs.
I was still very full, but I ate age-manju (friend manju) and freshly made ningyo-yaki (little cakes filled with red bean paste that are shaped like faces, animals, or flowers).
There is a big temple at the end of the street where we tried our luck at the fortune telling stand. Joanne and Richie got a bad fortune, Emi got a neutral fortune, and I got a good fortune. Though to me, it didn’t seem like such a good fortune.
Tired from all the shopping and the heat, we sat down near the gate and waited for the rest of our team before getting back on the train and heading for Sakuragaoka Church.
Once at church, we got to rest for a little bit before we were treated to a yummy dinner of sara-udon and onigiri. We were tired from walking and riding trains all day. I didn't know there would be a welcome dinner awaiting for us at church. Many of the church members were there and we played a game together and sang a worship song. Everyone got to meet their host families that we will be staying with starting Saturday night.
By the time we got to our hotel, we were exhausted and so thankful that our rooms were clean and cool. I fell asleep right away, but other team members were up later.
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