Random Reflections

I know I go on about the toilet arrangements but, in Japan they're an endless source of fascination. I feel there should be an eye-spy spotters' guide on the subject... latest additions to my list; toilet that, when it flushes, also runs water from a tap at the top of the cistern to be used as hand washing water;toilet with additional high chair to park baby in whilst peeing; or, one with mini toilet next to it so that you and offspring can pee in unison.

My new place to stay has a toilet that raises the lid automatically and flushes for you when you're finished; not only that, it has 4 types of flush (one is oscillating  - but I haven't tried it!) And also today, in the grounds of the Meiji shrine, I encountered my first loo with a soundtrack...as I peed the sound of running water and twittering birds started up - to spare my neighbour the sound of my own running water.....
Twittering birds are a common motif - their sound is played as you wait for the subway or as the lights change at an intersection. The idea of nature and countryside is obviously appealing to the city-dweller.
My very delightful host here in a district called Daikanyama, Jenny, has lived on and off in Tokyo for twenty years and says she does miss green spaces - and then drove me, via the famous Shibuya pedestrian multi-crossing, to the Meiji shrine to show me where she finds some in the heart of the city.

Sweet child at the shrine

We wandered paths through trees around the shrine's perimeter, where the heat and light was filtered by leaves, and over greensward, ' like Hampstead Heath,' she said, and it was a bit.....also had a hint of Central Park as one looked up and saw skyscrapers on the fringes. By a replica teahouse there was also water, a little churned up by yesterday's rain but still quietly reflective.
A bit like me now, sitting in the sun on Jenny's balcony, as it sinks away. It's lovely to be somewhere where the sun is welcomed; most Japanese seem to shun it and sitting out in it is not done; balconies are for clothes drying.
Also, the scale of her apartment is absolutely massive compared to the capsule living I've been accustomed to!

View from my hotel balcony near Tsukiji fish market

So, did I get to the fish market and the tourist attracting event of the daily tuna auction?

My day began at 5 a.m. and I strode bravely into the market complex amongst fast moving little trucks with no real idea of where I was headed. I'd snapped off several pictures - including one of great tuna chunks - when I was ever so politely apprehended by smartly uniformed security men carrying a note that said, in English, ' no entry to this area until after 9a.m.' With much bowing and scraping I humbly exited, past the way I should have entered.  Displayed was a sign saying ' Due to yesterday's typhoon, there will be no tuna auction.' Ah well....

I think this might be whale.....

And I can't say there'll be a next time, as the entire old market is due to move to new premises in spring 2015.

So, tomorrow is my last day...I think it'll comprise of a gentle discovery of this district as I don't feel a great need to rush off to do lots of sightseeing.
After all, I imagine I'll be in Japan again before too long........