Whimsy in a lab

Monday, May 20, 2024
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Magic and delight
Spring’s fancies fall from the sky
Childhood is returned.  
We had planned on going to the Tsukji Outer Markets early this morning, but after our 20km walking day and late night, we decided to forego. The rain was falling steadily as we finally made our way to the station. We navigated the trains, after switching lines and a short walk we made our way to Team Labs Planets, an immersive museum.
We hadn’t had breakfast and the outdoor cafe was closed and the nearby station didn’t have any options so we just assembled and waited for our 10.30-11.00am slot. It is very organised, signs telling you when you could go in. When it was looking like our turn, an orderly line formed. .
We entered to many rules and instructions. We were to take off our shoes, leave everything but our phone in the locker and enjoy. We got ourselves organised and joined the other participants.
We walked down a blue illuminated path, soft underfoot with velvet walls until we came to the first water interaction. It was a steep incline and the water was flowing downhill, making the effort seem more. Apparently this is also a foot washing station, to sanitise us for the rest of the experience. We dried off and entered a room full of spongy floors, unbalancing you as you tried to walk. It was bouncy and fun. We were getting into the inner child.
A red illuminated path was discombobulating. It felt like the walls were low and you needed to duck as it wound its way around the path, finally coming into what felt like a more open canyon. 
Then - we stepped into wonderland of lights. Thousands of synchronised lights on ropes were suspended in perfect symmetry. The walls, floor and ceiling were mirrored, giving further dimension. The lights followed sequences and created such a magical world.
We soon found ourselves knee deep in chalky water. Illuminated projections created a scene of fish swimming, flowers floating and rainbow patterns across the rooms. More mirrors on walls and ceiling and you couldn’t really tell how big the room was. It was a lighter space and everyone was having fun.
The ball room was filled with very large balloon-like spheres that changed into different pastel colours. Some of them were suspended from ceiling and some were moveable. This was fun and very pretty.
The last of this section was more chill, but so beautiful. We sat on a mirrored floor and a domed projection of falling flowers played above us. At times it felt like the room was spinning or tilting. It was very immersive and I felt a little unsteady when we stood again.
We went out into the garden for probably the least spectacular of the exhibitions, although it looks like it would be a good night time experience. Large silver beans were perched on a mossy hill with mist gently rising. It was pretty, but didn’t  inspire that childlike feeling the other rooms had.
Our last stop was the flower installation. Living orchids hung on hydroponic systems from the ceiling. They lifted up and down to create little spaces to sit and enjoy. Once again, the use of mirrors enhanced the whole space. You weren’t supposed to touch them, but the guy told us to go in so in we went - a bit early. Oops! We ducked down and waited. Though, to see them chasing the previous group out, I think the flowers are pretty hardy. The staff went running through the flowers yelling at the people who were enjoying it too much to leave. This was a gorgeous space, with real flowers creating a cocoon for you.
The whole Team Labs experience was amazing. It is immersive and fantastical, creating whimsy and encouraging adults to be a little more childlike.
We walked to another fish market, Tyosu, not far away. We grabbed a coffee - 12pm for the first of the day! The fish market was pretty quiet, that time of the day was too late to see any action and walked across to a food area to have a snack. I bought an Inari with salmon and salmon roe, which was yummy and fresh. Ken had an average, but tasty pork skewer and we shared a beer.
Back on the train, another switch, and we made it to Ginzu to check out Itoya - the very large stationary shop. It was tucked between Tiffanys and Bvlgari - I thought it might be out of our reach, but we managed to buy quite a bit. Good shopping.
I had seen something that said that the Standard is a good homewares store, but it is just an extension of Uniqlo, so we didn’t get anything there. I saw some really nice bowls at 2 places in Takayama but Ken insisted that they would be everywhere in Tokyo and it was a bit inconvenient to carry them on the tour.. I haven’t seen them again. We keep looking, but they might be the ones that got away.
We found a cafe to enjoy a fluffy Japanese pancake with coffee. Nice. Then - another train, another walk, another onsen - the last of the trip. We contemplated our packing before going out for the last night in Tokyo. 
We headed towards the Shinjuku night scene, eventually stopping at a busy place that did a lot of small dishes. The yelled the welcome as we walked in the door and sat us at the bar. “Irasshaimase!” 
We ordered some edamame, eggplant in ponzu and grated daikon , 3 chicken and onion skewers and a sizzling skillet of kyoza to start. They were all really good. Ken had a beer and I had plum wine and soda. The condiments on the table in front of us were chilli, soy sauce and a little bottle of pills. We asked the waitress what the pills were and she did a translation on her phone - hangover tablets. We’d need to take three! (The label on the bottle translated as 100% turmeric). We followed up with more drinks, a dish of crispy fried pickled red ginger, some deep fried squid and a little plate of noodles. It was all really good and, even though the plates were small, we were very full.
Time to head back to the hotel. We need to finish packing. Tomorrow we check out and move to a hotel at the airport in the evening. It is all coming to an end, unfortunately.
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Comments

jillmac
2024-05-21

Have a safe trip home x

Danelle
2024-05-21

You've packed a lot into the Tokyo leg of the trip. I've enjoyed seeing the food photos. It's hard to have a bad meal in Japan. Travel safely.

2025-02-18

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