We’ll be in Tokyo for greater than a day, however I will begin this story with our first day (principally) awake. It was an exquisite day. Temperatures have been within the 50s, with vivid blue skies and gusty winds within the afternoon. Right now our focus was historical past and tradition.
Luck adopted us after we related with the information Tomoko. Booked by our lodge (The Palace Resort Tokyo), it was a gem. Pleasant and sort, Tomoko spoke good English as a result of she attended faculty within the US. She was very educated and attention-grabbing. I really feel we had the very best introduction to Japan.
For starters, we realized the best way to navigate the expansive subway system. Or at the least the way it needs to be performed. There are 9 strains with 280 stations and so many combos that it may be overwhelming. It is clear, protected, on time and runs each couple of minutes. NYC take observe: they’ve these lovely sliding door boundaries between the platform and the tracks – so nobody pushes in entrance of the practice right here.
A morning go to to the older fish market, Tsukiji, was enjoyable. Together with contemporary fish, stay shellfish and processed fish, I used to be shocked by the collection of meat, greens and fruit. The strawberries appeared so wonderful that I lastly had to purchase them and, wow, they could have been one of the best we have ever had. So naturally candy, it did not appear attainable. Tomoko readily defined many issues we didn’t acknowledge, in addition to the historical past of the realm and such markets. She had particular perception as a result of her father (now retired) was one of many particular cooks who ready extremely toxic puffer fish for gourmand dinners. Consuming a type of fish will price you many hundred {dollars}!
Our large aim this morning was to dive into the world of Shintoism and Buddhism. We visited Fukagawa Fudo Buddhist Temple for a Buddhist hearth ritual known as Gomataki. The symbolism was attention-grabbing to study and the ritual fascinating. Clearly a extra native expertise, with out the crowds of vacationers, we have been enchanted by the ceremonies of clearing obsessions and fulfilling needs. There have been bells and singing, but in addition unbelievable drumming, the likes of which we have now not seen. In fact, images will not be allowed.
Afterwards we went to the Tomioka Hackiman Shinto shrine and realized extra about how the 2 religions differ and infrequently overlap.
We had a fast however scrumptious Yakitori Rooster lunch after which headed to the enduring Asakusa Senso-Ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It’s well-known, picturesque and extremely crowded with vacationers and locals. It was a shock to see hordes of younger Japanese ladies wearing rented kimonos channeling previous and posing for footage. The well-known walkway on the way in which to the Temple, Nakamise-dori, is lined with stalls and retailers promoting souvenirs, and presently of 12 months it’s adorned with synthetic cherry blossom branches. The streets surrounding the realm have huge buildings that home each kind of edible Japanese meals you possibly can think about (and some you can’t). I used to be trying ahead to some refreshing cherry blossom ice cream later within the day.
On our personal Within the night (led by Tomoko) we headed to the Shinjuku space recognized for its neon shows, the lively crimson mild district and the Golden Gai bar space. We had a easy meal which included a scrumptious garlic fried rice dish. I do not know why we won’t get something this good at residence. We walked by the slender streets of Golden Gaia, filled with tiny bars, every with a spot for a bartender and just a few chairs behind a slender counter. The night was younger and crowds of 20- and 30-somethings have been simply starting to assemble. After strolling 9 unbelievable miles, we known as it a profitable day and headed “residence”.
Be aware: For years, guides in Japan needed to bear rigorous multi-year coaching and certification. Because the pandemic and the present scarcity of guides, the federal government has relaxed the standards and allowed many to information with out the required coaching. So, watch out who you intend with. I can simply advocate Tomoko as a information to anybody visiting Tokyo. He has a state certificates, 17 years of expertise and is a local of Tokyo. Contact her at hiragi8@gmail.com.