Tokyo, Japan was a happening city! It reminded me of Vegas in a different way. There is so much neon energy, one must wonder who pays the electric bill!
Our adventure began in Yokohama port where our ship docked. We met our tour guide at the port and after a small lesson on where and what we would do for the day, we took off on our walking tour of sorts. We actually boarded the subway system for most of our trip aside for our walking trips through our points of interest.
As we descended into the complex yet sophisticated subway station, a sinking feeling hit our friend, Mark. His wallet, containing his phone, credit cards and other personal items, was missing. Panic and dread threatened to derail our day, but our ever-reliable tour guide, remained calm. As if he’d done this before, he contacted the lost and found department at the previous station and with more luck than I can even imagine, the wallet was turned in by a passenger. The acts of kindness and being just nice and courteous altogether is something we have found in Japan and China as well. Mark and our tour guide hopped on a train to where the phone and wallet was located while we treated ourselves to some local japanese pastries. We also loved the cold coffee and latte’s in the vending machines. They were delicious and the price was only 160 Yen. Thats about $1.04 in US dollars for a 16 oz can. We cant get the coffee in the U.S. for that!
Mark and the guide arrived a short time later and we were back on the move on our way for our day in Tokyo. This trip on the subway took us to the iconic red form of Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate,” a red-paper lantern that serves as the symbolic entrance to the temple grounds is the outer gateway to Senso-ji Temple. We passed beneath the distinguished guardian statues, the wind chime beneath the gate clanging melodically. Stepping through the gate, we were transported into a different world. Nakamise-dori shopping street stretched out like a colorful ribbon, its stalls overflowing with an alluring array of treasures.
We wandered, mesmerized by the sights and sounds and a different world than we have seen. Kimono-clad shopkeepers beckoned us to explore their wares – delicate porcelain dolls, intricately carved combs, and an endless variety of lucky charms. Of course we had to stop and buy a few, as if our luck isn’t the most amazing yet. The aroma of freshly baked goods mingled with the scent of incense, a sensory overload in a strange way. Not fond of incense but the smell of the sweet pastries makes your mouth water for lunch too early!
Reaching the end of Nakamise-dori shopping street, we stood before the majestic Senso-ji Temple itself. A buddhist temple towering with a sense of ancient power, it was a captivating sight. Incense smoke swirled around the entrance, creating a hazy, almost mystical atmosphere. The smell could be overpowering at times but we were doing just fine. We joined the throngs of worshippers and visitors, following the rituals as we have in other temples along our travels by bowing twice, clapping twice, bow once more before whispering prayers before entering the imposing main hall.
We hopped back on the subway, this time aiming for the Imperial Palace. The grand residence of the Emperor of Japan, its meticulously landscaped gardens offered a quiet respite from the busy streets. The gardens were all we were allowed to see since the Emperor is still living in his residence with the family so we were able to spend time in the gardens instead.
We walked through the Otemon Gate, once the main entrance to Edo Castle, the seat of power for the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan for over 250 years. The castle is now the Imperial Palace, the Otemon Gate stands as a powerful symbol of Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. Viewing the walls from inside the garden we noticed the still standing walls built during the Edo period still standing.
We walked through beautiful gardens of flowering bushes, landscaped trees, hidden waterfalls and koi fish in small ponds. Such a beauty to behold.
Next, Meiji-jingu Shrine was on our list. Nestled among a serene forest, this Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, was a haven of peace. The towering cedar trees lined the walkway like tall green giants.
Since our luck was so good with the finding of the wallet and our unbelievable blessing of being on this journey, we decided to embrace a bit of Tokyo tradition. Tucked away in a corner of the shrine grounds, we found a stall with a curious contraption – a bamboo shaker filled with wooden chopsticks. This was a omikuji, a fortune-telling practice. For a small fee, you can participate: shake the shaker until a single chopstick falls out, then use the number on the chopstick to find a corresponding drawer containing your fortune!
Holding my breath, I shook the shaker. A lone chopstick clattered out, landing at my feet since I’m clumsy too, with the number seventy two. Our guide helped me locate drawer number 72, I withdrew the piece of paper within. The fortune, written in Japanese, was a cryptic message about perseverance and following your heart. It was nice! If the fortune was not a good one, you take it and fold it up, tie it to a tree and leave the bad fortune in the shrine.
Our final stop before dinner was Shibuya, the heart of Tokyo’s youth culture. We jostled with the massive amount of pedestrians at the famous Shibuya Crossing, a mesmerizing ballet of humans crossing the intersection in all directions. Here, at crossings, all sides walk at once across the street like a choreagraphed ensemble. It was very interesting and exhilarating to participate. We watched the action first hand from a mid sized shopping mall with a view and then on street level, held our cameras high with anticipation as we crossed with all other tourists and locals hoping to make it across safely without being trampled. It was like playing a violin with other strings in perfect formation. Beautiful! I wanted to do it again!
By this point, though, it was evening and we were hungry. We said goodbye to our wonderful guide and will now be on our own to make it back to the ship. We walked around, looking mostly at the high rise buildings with their neon signs blinking wildly at us. Beckoning us to come in and spend money! The vibrant streets of downtown Tokyo! The city transformed into a wonderland of neon and towering skyscrapers that were mesmerizing.
We found a teppanyaki style restaurant where we could cook our own meal on a sizzling hot plate right at our table. We ordered beef and pork with vegetables from the menu and it was brought to our table to be cooked. We decided to pass on the tongue, stomach lining and rectum and prepared our juicy steaks and fresh vegetables to our liking. It was a truly interactive dining experience!
Our Tokyo adventure was amazing and we had a comfortable train ride back to Yokohama, a successful day despite the initial hiccup. It was a very long day but it was a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights and a dash of Tokyo magic thrown in for good measure, and a cryptic fortune tucked away for future reflection.
We loved Tokyo. The city, although packed with 14 million people, was clean and beautiful. No trash anywhere. The people were so very kind and the majority of them spoke english. And the food, if you don’t eat the strange parts of the animal, was wonderful. We even saw many pet cafes. People go to these cafes to lounge with the dogs, cats and pot bellied pigs for relaxation. I love it!
Tomorrow we are here in Tokyo for another day. However, we will take this time to rest and stay on the ship. Our next stop will be to see Mount Fuji, one day after tomorrow.
May God bless you always!
Chuck & Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 