1/8/08 last day in Tokyo

This morning we ate a rice porridge that contains very mild fresh herbs that is tradionally eaten after the new years festivities/gluttony. It was very simple and comforting- perfect after all the complex and crazy food we have eaten. The weather was warmer today and sunny so we walked around to get last minute food items and gifts. Most importantly we bought 2 types of umeboshi which are absolutely one of my favorite Japanese things- they are a salted plum- they are very sour and very salty- I love them and have been rationed by Kuniko and can only have 1-2 per day. I bought 5 toe socks which are a big thing here- apparently Matsuzaka wears them and got the other red sox pitchers turned on to them. We then headed for some ramen noodles- we actually went to 2 different places- one called Hope-Ken (the ken means store) we went because of the name and because Kuniko's dad and sister thought we should go there. We didn't finish so we could try another place called grease noodle- basically it's ramen noodles with a tasty grease sauce- the noodles were super fresh and good.

I really had an amazing time here. Kuniko's parents were very gracious hosts and I was fed all kinds of great food. The temples and shrines we went to in both Tokyo and Kyoto were amazing. I look forward to returning.

Hope Ramen noodles