We said our goodbyes and they were off for more adventure, while I would plot out my final hours. I'd decided to visit the National Museum of Modern Art, and would go from there to find shopping. The weather was beginning to turn, mostly just a breeze, but I knew rain was coming.
The MOMAT was amazing. Absolutely all that I had expected and then some. It's been so very long since I've had the pleasure of enjoying a real art museum. The pieces ranged from early 1900s-on. My favorite, and the most moving experience, was a collection of works from around WWII. I can't really describe the feeling, observing from their perspective. It was incredible. There was one piece that struck me in particular and sadly, I can't remember the artist's name or name of the piece (and no, I didn't take pictures). If I ever find it, I'll post it here. Everyone should experience something like this, being in the same room with something that old, absorbing some of the energy from the artist, putting yourself in that position, just for a moment even. It's the best.
And even better, on my nearly final day in Japan, I found the golden egg I'd been waiting for....a sakura that was still in (full) bloom.
I still have to translate the sign that was nearby (I snagged a photo), but I believe there is something special about this tree.
After wandering for a bit, I decided to see Akihabara (recommended for potential gift purchasing). It was very interesting and, though I didn't end up buying anything in this area, it was groovy to see.
Somehow, when I arrived in the Akihabara, I'd managed to find the one West coast, valley girl sounding Japanese girl at a small gift shop in a business building pretending to be a mall. It had some places to eat, and apparently a few stores, but she assured me that the souvenirs I was looking for were not to be found very close by (unless I was buying for a bunch of anime nerds, which sadly, no).
I wandered for a bit, in attempts to find the two stores she recommended, but the wind was a bit much for such a midget like myself (not that I was the smallest person in Japan, 'cause I wasn't!). And it felt good to get back to my hotel and relax.
I had a lovely morning in store, especially for my last day. However, I had no idea that I was about to make a rookie travel mistake......
Side Note: The restaurant we visited regularly that has delicious pancakes is called the Kohikan, not the Kiokhan (or whatever I had called it in Day 2). Oops.
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