Day 7

Today started with an early rise because I’d booked a sumo training watch session. The meeting point was at 8 AM, and the venue was just 30 minutes away by tube. So, I left at 7 AM thinking, “Piece of cake!” Oh, how wrong I was...

First of all, I had to walk to an underground station I’d never been to before. And to add a little extra spice to the adventure, it was raining cats, dogs, and maybe a few elephants. So, naturally, I chose to walk “underground” and followed the signs like a good tourist. Well, I followed them alright—just in the completely wrong direction. I did have a fleeting moment of, “Hmm, this feels odd, but hey, it’s Tokyo, anything’s possible, right?”

Once I figured out my little detour, I hopped on the tube and got to where I thought I was supposed to be. With some time to spare, I ducked into a café for what turned out to be a terrible cappuccino, but at least the waiter confirmed I was at the right address. Fast forward to 8 AM… and no one. Zip. Nada. So, I sent a panicked message to the tour operator. She responded with, “Where are you? We’re waiting for you!” and kindly sent me a link with the exact location. After a bit of a sprint, I found them. Phew. “The journey is the destination!” right?!

The sumo training? Oh, absolutely worth it! These biiig boys are surprisingly firm and train with a discipline that left me speechless. Their day starts at the crack of dawn—around 4-5 AM—because apparently, that's when sumo warriors rise, shine, and crush breakfast before diving into their 6 AM training. And trust me, they take it very seriously. I was in awe of their sheer strength, toughness, and yes, their unexpected flexibility (like, how do they move like that?!).

Two of them even came outside for a quick “usie” (selfie for two, get it?). Now, a boyfriend once called me a “chunky bird,” but standing next to these sumo wrestlers? I felt like a delicate little hummingbird! After all that excitement, I floated back to the hotel for a much-needed nap—I mean, it is vacation, right?

Later, I did some responsible adulting by booking accommodation for my upcoming hike (apparently, places are scarce!). With everything set, my only worry now is navigating the train rides. I’m already preparing to chant my new travel mantra: “The journey is the destination!”

Feeling hungry, I had my eye on some Udon noodles, but then I passed by a "Tisch-grill" restaurant that caught my attention. And when you're on vacation, you go with the flow, right? The setup was like a sushi belt but with hot stones. They brought me hamburger and filet meat, which I got to sizzle on the stone to my heart’s content. Add a bunch of sauces, rice, salad, and—drum roll—ice cream, and it was a feast fit for royalty.

Stuffed and happy, I made my way back to the hotel, where they have washing machines (thank goodness!). Now all my laundry is done, and I’m ready for tomorrow’s adventure: Yokohama, here I come!