Japan is referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun." But what does that mean? Here's an interesting video to explain it.
Japan is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean with dense cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks and thousands of shrines and temples. There's even a sacred pilgrimage called Kumano Kodo (Wikipedia) which like the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage routes is designated a world heritage site.
On this first trip, I'll focus my travels inTokyo with daytrips to nearby surrounding areas to include Mount Fuji and Ashi Lake, Kamakura and Nikko. I wanted to also visit Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama, etc., but logistically it would be too rushed. Hopefully, I'll be able to return again one day.
Tokyo, Japan has been on my must see list for countries in Asia that I have wanted to visit with others to include Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. When my two nieces recently won a trip to Japan for placing 3rd overall in a dance competition my sis convinced me to visit Japan with them, thereby postponing my second Camino Portuguese which I had originally planned to do this year.
Japan has many things that appeals to me as a traveler. There are beautiful parks, ancient shrines and temples, amazing natural beauty, fascinating history, a tradition-rich culture, delicious cuisine and from what I have heard from friends who have visited, the most respectful, gracious, polite and helpful people they have ever encountered while traveling. In Tokyo, their transportation system is efficient and the locals keep their city exceptionally clean. And although it is a busy urban city with 9.2 million people in their 23 special wards, Tokyo is considered to be a very safe place to visit.
Within these special wards there are many interesting districts that will be fun to explore. Here are a few places and things on my must see list:
Ginza is a shopping and entertainment district filled with upscale department stores, art galleries and fine dining restaurants.
Shinjuku is home to the busiest railway station and where tall skyscrapers and Metropolitan Government offices (ie., there is a free observation deck in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building) can be found. On the east side of Shinjuku station there is a lively night life in pedestrian streets that include Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai. Finally, Shinjuku Gyoen is a large park located only a 10 minute walk away from Shinjuku station. Meiji Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is located adjacent to the popular Harajuku. Make sure to walk down akeshita Dori (Takenshita Street) which is a narrow 400 meter long street lined by shops, boutiques, cafes and fast food shops. Nearby is one of Tokyo's largest parks, Yoyogi Park which features wide lawns, ponds and forested areas.
Asakusa is reminiscent of the traditional Edo (the former name of Tokyo) and is the location of the famous Senso-ji Temple . One of the many colorful and popular temples, the Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple. The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon (goddess of mercy) out of the Sumida River, and although they put the statue back into the river, it always returned. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess. Leading up to the Temple is Kaminarimoon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street. Crossing Nakamise Street is Dempoin Street and west of it is Hoppy Street (lined with food shops).
Shibuya is famous for its busy shopping district filled with department stores. It is considered the center of fashion, nightlife and youth culture. It is also the location of the famous Shibuya crossing where up to 3,000 pedestrians are known to cross with each light change. Akihabara (Akiba) is a dense retail area in central Tokyo that is filled with several major electronics stores, specialty stores and large discount stores such as Don Quijote (a kind of dollar tree store on steroids), game centers and themed cafes like the Gundam (ie., a Japanese animation series about giant robot mobile suites piloted by humans), Maid and Cat Cafes. On Sundays, the main boulevard (Chuo Dori) is closed for pedestrians. There are alleys that branch off from this main thoroughfare that is also worth exploring.
Ueno is known for its beautiful parks (Ueno Park) and cultural institutions. In the spring time, it is a popular spot for its view of cherry blossoms. There are also several notable shrines like Kaneiji Temple, Kiyomizu Kannon Temple, Toshogu Shrine and Bentendo.
Ginza is a shopping and entertainment district filled with upscale department stores, art galleries and fine dining restaurants.
Shinjuku is home to the busiest railway station and where tall skyscrapers and Metropolitan Government offices (ie., there is a free observation deck in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building) can be found. On the east side of Shinjuku station there is a lively night life in pedestrian streets that include Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai. Finally, Shinjuku Gyoen is a large park located only a 10 minute walk away from Shinjuku station. Meiji Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is located adjacent to the popular Harajuku. Make sure to walk down akeshita Dori (Takenshita Street) which is a narrow 400 meter long street lined by shops, boutiques, cafes and fast food shops. Nearby is one of Tokyo's largest parks, Yoyogi Park which features wide lawns, ponds and forested areas.
Asakusa is reminiscent of the traditional Edo (the former name of Tokyo) and is the location of the famous Senso-ji Temple . One of the many colorful and popular temples, the Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple. The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon (goddess of mercy) out of the Sumida River, and although they put the statue back into the river, it always returned. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess. Leading up to the Temple is Kaminarimoon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street. Crossing Nakamise Street is Dempoin Street and west of it is Hoppy Street (lined with food shops).
Shibuya is famous for its busy shopping district filled with department stores. It is considered the center of fashion, nightlife and youth culture. It is also the location of the famous Shibuya crossing where up to 3,000 pedestrians are known to cross with each light change. Akihabara (Akiba) is a dense retail area in central Tokyo that is filled with several major electronics stores, specialty stores and large discount stores such as Don Quijote (a kind of dollar tree store on steroids), game centers and themed cafes like the Gundam (ie., a Japanese animation series about giant robot mobile suites piloted by humans), Maid and Cat Cafes. On Sundays, the main boulevard (Chuo Dori) is closed for pedestrians. There are alleys that branch off from this main thoroughfare that is also worth exploring.
Ueno is known for its beautiful parks (Ueno Park) and cultural institutions. In the spring time, it is a popular spot for its view of cherry blossoms. There are also several notable shrines like Kaneiji Temple, Kiyomizu Kannon Temple, Toshogu Shrine and Bentendo.
Here are a few other specific sites in Tokyo that are on my list of places to see.
Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and is located on the former site of Edo Castle. It is surrounded by moats and stone walls in the center of Tokyo. From the Kokyo Gaien (large plaza in front of the Palace), there are views of the Nijubashi (two bridges). Imperial Palace East Gardens are part of the inner palace area and open to the public. The foundation of the former castle tower can be found on a wide lawn area and at the foot of the hill there is the Ninomaru Japanese Garden.
Tsujkiji Market - A famous open wholesale market for fish, fruit and vegetables. In the outer market, there are numerous food stalls and small retail shops.
Observation Deck Views are located in a few notable high rise buildings around Tokyo. Among the most popular are the Tokyo Skytree, Mari Tower and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
I also hope to do 2-3 day trips during my visit for a change of pace and a different experience from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Mt. Fuji (Hakkone) is Japan's highest mountain. Standing at 3776 meters high, it remains an active volcano which on clear days can be seen from Tokyo. We are booked for a tour that will take us up to the 5th Station on the southern slope of Mt. Fuji and will include a cruise on Ashi Lake and a journey to the top of Mt. Komagatake.
Kamakura is a small town (sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan) located less than an hour south of Tokyo. There are numerous temples (ie., Great Buddha) and shrines (Kotoku-in and Hokoku-ji Temple, famous for its bamboo grove) which I would like to see.
Nikko is a town at the entrance of Nikko National Park and the location of several beautiful shrines like the Toshogu Shrine.
I am looking forward to my visit and finally getting a small taste of Asia. I'll travel west to Hawaii first and then onward to Tokyo Japan for 11 days. On my way home, I'll spend a few extra days in Hawaii for some beach and Mai Tai time before returning back home to California.
Next up . . . Japanese Cuisine and Getting Around Tokyo (Using the Metro Subway System).
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Resources: Special Wards of Tokyo (Wikipedia), Tokyo Imperial Palace (Wikipedia), Imperial Palace (Japan Guide.com), Imperial Palace East Gardens (Japan Guide.com), Sensoji Buddhist Temple (Japan Guide.com), Don Quijote (Planetyze), Mount Fuji (Japan Guide.com), Kamakura (Japan Guide.com), Kamakura Big Buddha (Japan Guide.com), Nikko (Japan Guide.com), Toshogu Shrine (Japan Guide.com), Ueno (Wikipedia), Observation Deck Views (Japan Guide.com)
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It's me Trekcapri (aka Kathy). Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment.