The capital city Tokyo is already known as the most populous metropolitan area of the world. In 1868, during the reign of Emperor Meiji, Tokyo took the title of capital city from Kyoto, which had been the capital since 1074.
To-kyo means the eastern capital, Kyo-to means the western capital. I think different combinations of “Kyo” and “To”, the Chinese characters kanji, are used to define the capitals of Japan. Of course this comment doesn’t have any etymological roots, just my humble opinion.
What makes Tokyo so special is that it gives you a chance to enjoy the scenery of the luxurious skyscrapers scraping the sky. There are hole-in-the-wall local cafés and restaurants which give the adjective small an interesting meaning, where you can sit and gaze at the skyscrapers, and watching the scenery of the more luxurious skyscrapers from less luxurious skyscrapers is a pleasure.
“Luxurious isn’t a strong enough adjective to describe the Buddhist and Shinto temples around the parks, or the shops that surround the parks. These beautiful sights are the most common scenery that you’ll come across around the most popular parts of the city.
If you get off the plane at Narita Airport, and spend a day at Narita, Narita-San Temple should be the first place to visit. Narita-san is a temple dedicated to Acala, often referred to as “unmovable wisdom king” or “the god of fire.” It has a special importance for Japan with its botanical garden.
Did you watch “The Last Samaria”, whose music includes the masterpiece created by Hans Zimmerman, featuring Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe as the leading stars?. Well, I was inspired by the life of a real Samurai, Saigo Takamori.
After being demoted by the Meiji Restoration, the Samurais, who used to have a respectful place in the eyes of the people – both as leaders and warriors during the imperial era – reacted. The Samurais united under the leadership of Saigo Takamori who thought the passion for rapid modernization and westernization was harming the traditional Japanese culture. They fought with primitive arms, such as armor, arrows and swords, against an imperial army with modern weapons exported from the west, and they lost. Bushido is the way of Samurai life, which literally means the way of the brave warier. It stresses valuing honor above life. Saigo Takamori, after being injured in the war, ended his own life, according to Samurai tradition.
The first stop on our Tokyo visit is be the statue of Saigo Takamori in Ueno Park, which is still visited by a lot of Japanese people. The homeless people you will probably encounter around the obscure corners of the park, bring the lyrics of a song to my mind: “We live in cities you’ll never see on screen. Not very pretty, but we sure know how to run things.” After enjoying the Ginkgo Biloba and the cherry trees, you can visit tons of museums in the area.
One of the most colorful places to visit in Tokyo is the historical Asakusa district. The rich colored bridges on the Sumida River go on for as far as the eye can see. You can also take a boat trip along the river if you like.
Sanja-sama Shrine (Shrine of the Three Gods) in Asakusa is a big building that will attract your attention as soon as you leave the station. Just follow the crowd and you’ll find the entrance. Around the shrine there is a big market selling souvenirs. In this market you can find anything from ninja shoes to tea sets, kimono, and yukata.
Shintoism is the indigenous spirituality of Japan, while there are also followers of Confucianism and Buddhism. Shintoism is like the Japanese version of Buddhism. As Buddhism includes practices about death and the afterlife, Shintoism is about life and life related disciplines.
In Buddhist temples you can practice religion, but in Shinto temples you show your respect to the sacred. Shintoism is described as more than a religion; it’s like a philosophy of life. Besides according to official poles about the religious beliefs of Japanese people, more than half of them are agnostic.
If you want to ornament your journey notes with visuals to make them unique, take a peek at the calendars of the shrines on your way and try to find a festival that you can enjoy during your visit.
Shintoism and Buddhism were separated from each other during the reign of Emperor Meiji, and Shintoism became the official religion of the country. One of the biggest Shinto shrines in Tokyo, the Maiji Shrine, besides honoring the emperor who opened Japan to Europe with his restorations, also shows the organic relationship of Shintoism with the emperor Meiji and therefore Japan.
The barrels of sake that you’ll see at the entrance of the shrine were sent by the sake suppliers of the country. Although in the past, they were sent to be put on the altar and served to the visitors on every festival and every special service, today whether empty or full they have to be sent with an emblem on them. These green, grey and brown barrels with emblems are such an interesting spectacle that is worth taking a couple of pictures.
I’d also like to mention that the stop where you get off the train to go to Meiji Shrine is very close to the well-known fashion, shopping and entertainment center Harajuku. The street’s jam-packed with young people dressed in a very colorful and interesting way, as if jumping out of a cartoon or a manga; they give you the feeling like you’re living in a cartoon word.
It’s possible to go to the second biggest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, from Tokyo Station by the JR Tokaido Line in 25 minutes. Even if you have limited time, now that you’re here, I strongly recommend you to visit Yokohama. I went there to see the famous China Town.
One of the biggest Ferris wheels is also in this town. The Port of Yokohama district very often hosts various festivals. Chances are you’ll come up across an attraction ornamented with lanterns as soon as you leave the station.
My appreciation of Sensei Harley DavidSAN, who broadened my view with his extensive Asian and European art history repertory, and made this tour unique, goes without saying. He’s the owner of a shop in Yokohama selling accessories for motorcycle riders. If it wasn’t for him why would I come all the way from Tokyo to Yokohama?
