Man, today was a wild ride in Tsuruoka! Like, I woke up thinking it’d be just another day, ya know? But nah, the universe had other plans.
So, I hit the streets early, like around 8 AM. The sun was barely up, and I was already chugging my coffee from that little joint on Kamo River Street. Best coffee in town, no cap. I swear, it’s like liquid gold. Anyway, I’m walking down the street, and boom! I trip over a crack in the sidewalk. Classic me, right? I’m like, “Really, Tsuruoka? You gonna do me like that?”
But then, I see this cute little shop on Matsushima Street. It’s got all these colorful kimonos hanging outside. I’m talking vibrant colors, patterns that make your eyes pop! I’m like, “I need one of these for my merch displays.” So, I pop in, and the lady running the shop is super chill. We start chatting, and she tells me about the local festivals. I’m like, “Dude, I gotta check that out!”
Then, I head over to the Tsuruoka Park. It’s gorgeous, man. Cherry blossoms everywhere! I’m snapping pics like a tourist. I mean, who wouldn’t? But then, outta nowhere, this kid runs by, and I swear he almost knocks me over. I’m like, “Hey, watch it, buddy!” But he just giggles and keeps running. Kids, right?
After that, I’m feeling all zen, so I decide to grab lunch at this ramen spot on Yamagata Street. Best decision ever! I order the tonkotsu, and it’s like a hug in a bowl. I’m slurping away, and this old dude next to me starts chatting. He’s telling me about the history of Tsuruoka, how it used to be a castle town. I’m like, “Whoa, that’s dope!”
But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my boss. Ugh. He’s like, “Where’s the new merch?” I’m like, “Dude, I’m in Tsuruoka, living my best life!” But he’s not having it. So, I finish my ramen, pay, and rush out.
I’m hustling back to the shop, and I take a wrong turn on Sakae Street. I’m like, “C’mon, brain, get it together!” I’m sweating bullets, and I finally find my way back. I get to the shop, and guess what? The delivery guy is late. Like, seriously? I’m about to lose it.
But then, the door swings open, and in walks this group of tourists. They’re all excited, snapping pics, and I’m like, “Okay, maybe today isn’t a total bust.” I start showing them the merch, and they’re loving it! I’m feeling pumped again.
As the day winds down, I’m packing up, and I can’t help but think about how crazy today was. From tripping on the sidewalk to chatting with locals, Tsuruoka really knows how to keep you on your toes. I’m exhausted but happy.
So, I head home, and I’m like, “What a day!” I can’t wait to tell my friends about it. Tsuruoka, you’ve got my heart, even if you made me sweat a little!