We've finally arrived in Tokyo safe and sound and spent a very busy first day, with the help of Ako, our excellent guide. She gave us the lay of the land, offering many insights into her city. Here are a few of the pictures that Ruth and I took. She is responsible for all the good ones, by the way, starting with exhibit A:
We discovered from Ako that the 2000 yen bill is a bit of a rarity, and didn't stick around very long in our wallets either.
The first stop on our visit was Sensoji Temple, the oldest Buddist temple in Tokyo.
Upon entering the gates of the temple we proceeded through a long alley--an arcade where you could buy snacks and all sorts of neat trinkets. Cool stuff from kiminoes to copies of wood-block prints to blue chocolate-covered bananas.
Here's Ako. Hi Ako!
When we arrived at the temple Ako helped us through the rituals of purification, incense healing, and getting a fortune. Not that kind of fortune. The paper kind. Not that kind either. Ruth donated 100 yen (about a dollar) and got a very lucky fortune, according to Ako.
Here's the stick of incense.
..lighting it in a brazier..
...putting it in the incense burner
The smoke is believed to have healing powers.
All who enter the temple go through a cleansing ritual where hands and mouth are washed.
Ruth was very happy with her fortune--she drew a #1 straw.
Unfortunately she couldn't read it, but Ako very kindly offered to translate it for her.
It is Cherry Blossom season in Japan. Everywhere one goes, the street are strewn with pink and white petals. We took a boat cruise along the Sumida River, where the banks were flanked with the beautiful trees.
From high up, you can see how impressive the trees are. You also notice what you don't see from the ground--the vast expanse of the city. Tokyo's skyline is restricted by a building code which limits the height of its buildings, due to the threat of earthquakes, and so although it's crowded, it maintains a sense of lightness. From Tokyo's second highest building, you can see what 30 million people--those who live within a 50 km radius from the Imperial Palace--looks like.
We discovered from Ako that the 2000 yen bill is a bit of a rarity, and didn't stick around very long in our wallets either.
The first stop on our visit was Sensoji Temple, the oldest Buddist temple in Tokyo.
Upon entering the gates of the temple we proceeded through a long alley--an arcade where you could buy snacks and all sorts of neat trinkets. Cool stuff from kiminoes to copies of wood-block prints to blue chocolate-covered bananas.
Here's Ako. Hi Ako!
When we arrived at the temple Ako helped us through the rituals of purification, incense healing, and getting a fortune. Not that kind of fortune. The paper kind. Not that kind either. Ruth donated 100 yen (about a dollar) and got a very lucky fortune, according to Ako.
Here's the stick of incense.
..lighting it in a brazier..
...putting it in the incense burner
The smoke is believed to have healing powers.
All who enter the temple go through a cleansing ritual where hands and mouth are washed.
Ruth was very happy with her fortune--she drew a #1 straw.
Unfortunately she couldn't read it, but Ako very kindly offered to translate it for her.
It is Cherry Blossom season in Japan. Everywhere one goes, the street are strewn with pink and white petals. We took a boat cruise along the Sumida River, where the banks were flanked with the beautiful trees.
From high up, you can see how impressive the trees are. You also notice what you don't see from the ground--the vast expanse of the city. Tokyo's skyline is restricted by a building code which limits the height of its buildings, due to the threat of earthquakes, and so although it's crowded, it maintains a sense of lightness. From Tokyo's second highest building, you can see what 30 million people--those who live within a 50 km radius from the Imperial Palace--looks like.
Until next time,
Love to all,
Grace
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