October 7, 2026 ~ Tokyo
What a truly unique and fun way to celebrate my birthday! It is almost impossible to put into words what Team Lab is all about, but maybe this will give you an idea.
“It feels like stepping inside a dream, where light, water, flowers, and reflections surround you in a constantly changing world. Walking barefoot through water and rooms of shimmering lights, you become part of the artwork. It’s a blend of art and technology that invites you to slow down, explore, and rediscover a little childlike wonder.”~ Rune
If you click on the Team Lab link I attached above, you can see some short video clips of several of the experiences.
One of the fun art projects that Tim and I did together included coloring dolphins, after which they were scanned and became moving pieces of art flying and swimming around the room.
Several rooms were especially challenging or even not possible for me to do due to my poor balance. I did get some good laughs though at my failed attempts to stay upright.
It is repeatedly mentioned in the top ten things to see/do in Tokyo and I highly recommend it.
Asakusa offers a glimpse of old Tokyo, with traditional shops, bustling lanes, and the magnificent Sensō-ji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple. The huge red lantern at Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate,” marks the entrance to Nakamise, a lively shopping street filled with souvenirs and Japanese snacks.
We saw numerous young ladies (and a few men) dressed in kimonos and traditional attire. There were a couple shops that we spotted where you could rent the full “costume”, including shoes and headgear. We saw a lot of posing and imagine that many photos were posted online by “influencers”.
Senso-Ji is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. It has a history stretching back nearly 1,400 years. According to tradition, it began in 628 when two fishermen brothers pulled a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist figure of compassion, from the nearby Sumida River. Remarkably, that sacred statue is kept hidden from view—even the temple’s chief priests are not permitted to see it.
The grand main hall was rebuilt in 1958 after its destruction during World War II.
Jan and Mark generously treated Tim and I to a delicious sushi dinner to top off my birthday celebration. It was fresh and beautifully presented.
Sake tasting
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I’m grateful for such a memorable day. From start to finish, I felt loved and celebrated. We laughed, we tried new things with childlike joy, we people watched, we viewed amazing historical sites, and thoroughly enjoyed the local cuisine. This is one birthday I will long remember.
