I was really excited, not only for Mom, Harold, Ruth, and Latham to visit, but I was also excited to spend time exploring the parts of Japan that were new to me as well. After the first couple of days of touring around my neck of the woods, we all headed to Tokyo in my humble Toyota bB. Unfortunately, the journey began with a slight detour for about an hour. Thanks to Ruth and her phone inquiry skills, we made it out of the underground tunnel with yellow walls and to the New Sanno. After a quick bite to eat at a fabulous Yakitori stand near the hotel, we settled in for a couple hours of sleep before getting up at 3:15 to get ready for the Tsukiji Fish Market. After catching a cab, we waited outside in the freezing cold until they ushered us inside and issued our standard neon orange vests for touring. At about 5:30 am, we were allowed to walk in and witness the famous tuna auctions.
Upon walking inside the building, the first thought is of the horrendous scent of rotten fish. Of course, the fish here was far from rotten. It's amazingly fresh, but the buildings and grounds were wretched. There were thousands of whole frozen tuna lined up for the connoisseurs to inspect before bidding. They were using flashlights, pick axes, and their insight to determine which ones were worthy of the big bids.
In fact, during the first auction of the new year, 2012, a new record was broken. A Bluefin Tuna was auctioned off for $736,000, which is amazingly $1,238 per pound. This might as well have happened during the auction that I saw. Seriously, it lasted all of 1.5 minutes and I have no idea what went down. I can understand SOME Japanese, but this auction was all foreign to me.
Here were the bidders, getting all excited...about what, I have no idea.
Just another day at the Tuna Market.
This is what tired looks like at 5:15 am.
After the auction was over, we spent some time wandering through the vendor's stalls. The sights, smells, and sounds were all foreign to me, even after living here for almost 2 years.
There were more types of food than I have ever seen. The only problem, is that I seriously have no idea what any of it is. At one point, I will need to have a Japanese friend go to a market with me to explain what things are, and what I can do with it.
Fresh fish, dry fish, it was all available for purchase.
Yes, the Japanese folks have normal grocery stores, even a Walmart (though it's called Livin), but much of the goods that are used by bars and restaurants pass through here.
Look at my "Catch of the Day!"
Here's Mom's "Catch of the Day!"
I would love to learn how to cook one of these myself. I LOVE to order them while I'm out and about, but would love even more to be able to cook for myself.
Fish heads! These, I could do without.
Another recipe in the making...
On the LONG walk home from the fish market, I stopped to get a nice shot of this view. Things always seem more beautiful early in the morning.
After walking, and walking, and walking...we caught a cab back to the hotel to rest for a bit before heading back out for the day.
Mom and team learned how navigate the trains quite well. You pretty much have learn your way on the trains here, as they are the best and easiest way to get around.
I was anxious to take my guests to Hachiko Square, the busiest intersection in the world. The local area is called Shibuya. Near here is shopping galore and lots of sights and sounds...including people watching. Another local attraction is a statue of Hachiko himself. Hachiko was a local dog who was very loyal to his owner. In fact, he followed his owner to the train each day and was waiting for him at day's end. There is a movie about him, starring Richard Gere. I would recommend learning a bit about Hachiko.
Ruth and Latham thought that Shibuya was a bit like New York's Times Square. It is definitely lively.
Mom was trying to capture some shots of the crowd crossing during the crosswalk. It gets so hectic that even grown adults lose sight of those traveling with them.
In addition to the crowds, Hachiko, billboards, and shopping, Shibuya is also the home of many weird and quirky statues, buildings, and advertisements. Here's one below. Needless to say, I didn't think that I should eat there.
Here's another bright advertisement...for what? I have no idea!
After a long day, I had reservations at Gonpachi, one of my favorite Japanese restaurants. If the food isn't great enough, the atmosphere is one of a kind.
It is dark and light at the same time, giving off a mysterious vibe that is very welcoming.
During our dinner, I made great friends with an English Speaking Host.
Here we are after a delicious dinner trying out the traditional Japanese picture pose...the peace sign!
I just love the booths on the second floor. There are so cozy and inviting.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that this is the restaurant where Kill Bill was filmed. It has had many famous visitors. Look back at the balcony and remember the gory, blood bath scene. Yep, now you remember.
The next day, we headed toward Shinjuku and Yoyogi Park. This was our detour to the Meiji Shrine. Here are the barrels of sake that were given as offerings.
Meiji Shrine was founded in 1920 and dedicated to the Emporer Meiji and the Empress Shoken. It is located in the heart of Tokyo and is made up of more than 175 acres. It is surrounded by forests and offers a peaceful place for many to wander, meditate, and just be.
On the day of our visit, there were MANY weddings. They just seemed to pump out the brides and grooms. One after another came out and posed for pictures before continuing on with their individual celebrations. All were dressed impeccably.
Yet another happy couple.
Here is Mom in the inner court, called the Naein.
Here is another happy couple.
After that, we headed to the Tokyo Tower. I had always seen it from afar...even from the road while we were lost on the way to the New Sanno. At night, it looks like a bright Eiffel Tower.
Of course, I had to go up. It was magnificent. I hear all the time how Tokyo is one of the world's largest cities, but sometimes it takes seeing it from a bird's eye view to really grasp the enormity of it.
When I walk around the streets, it doesn't seem too big. There are lots of people, but it's much like any other city in America or the rest of the world.
Here is the tip of the Tokyo Tower...bent after the large earthquake this past year on March 11th. Just another testament to the power of Mother Earth.
At the top, there were boxes of holiday cheer. I loved watching all the families line up to get their chance at a Christmas photo opportunity.
Now, here's my turn. Merry Christmas from Tokyo Tower!
Back on ground level, I just had to pose next to this rendition of the tower. Those huge pink characters...the tower...visiting the tower. It's mind boggling!
The tower opened in 1959, a year significant to Mom, so we took a picture next to the dedication plaque.
From above, I noticed a Temple next to the Tower, so after descending, we went to investigate.
This is Zojo-ji Temple in Tokyo. It is a Buddhist Temple founded in 1393 and built here in 1598. The main gate (which isn't pictured) is the only wholly original building that lasted through WWII. These grounds have served as a school and home for many students, including over 3,000 priests.
The burning of incense.
The well where you cleanse and purify yourself before entering the Shrine or Temple. You take the scoop by the tip and avoid touching the cup to your skin or hair. You must also not touch the actual pool of water with your skin or hair. You can wash your hands or take a drink if you want.
These are the Koyasu Kannons, the Child Giving Kannon. It is also the Goddess of Mercy. They are all dressed in red or shades of red to expel demons and illness. It is also believed that when babies die prematurely or at a young age, they have not had the time to build up enough Karma to be granted redemption from the 10 Kings of Hell. So, the parents come to place these items on the statues to increase their child's chance of redemption. Sometimes, in addition to the clothing and toys found at these statues, you can also find small stones piled around their bases. The pebbles are placed there by grieving parents who believe that every stone tower that they build on Earth will help the soul of their child performing his/her penance.
Moving onto another portion of the city via subway, I was lucky enough to view the new Tokyo Sky Tree, which is due to open to the public in February. It has taken over as the tallest structure in the world at 634 meters tall. The whole purpose is broadcasting because the Tokyo Tower just isn't tall enough anymore to accommodate the needs of the city.
Keeping with the randomness of the Japanese people, I also got a glance at the Giant Golden Sperm. I had only heard stories of this building up to this point, and thought it was actually a legend. Lo and behold, when I stepped up and out of the subway station of our last stop in Asakusa, I caught sight of it. It's actually the Asahi Beer Building and the golden sperm is actually beer foam. Apparently, the minds of the Japanese people are much more pure than mine.
After catching a much needed lunch to reenergize, my Mom stopped this beautiful lady coming out of the restroom to ask for a picture. Of course, the lady wanted one with me. As much as I've always wanted some mystery about my genetics...I am fairly certain at this point that I can rule out any connection to Japanese genes. I'm ginormous compared to her!
After lunch, we headed to our last site of the day...the Sensoji Temple, a Buddhist Temple located right next to a Shinto Shrine and built in the 7th century. It's located in a part of town, Asakusa, that remains true to its past. It's easy to navigate the streets on foot or on a rickshaw, aka man powered vehicle.
The fusion of old and new.
Most of this area was once outside the city of Tokyo, but provided a strong entertainment district to the Japanese near here. Many of the buildings were destroyed during WWII. This Temple was rebuilt and its popularity soared, the entertainment district all but dissipated after the war.
As you can see, there were thousands of people out to celebrate Japan. They take the time to visit and pay homage to their heritage every chance that they get. They don't need a holiday for an excuse, but because of their strong work ethic, it often takes that to allow them the time to relax and reconnect.
Here we are toward the end of our day of touring Tokyo. Overall, we only did 2 days here, but they were jam packed full of sights, sounds, and experiences. This was one of my favorite parts of my Mom's visit. Like I mentioned before, I hadn't been to any of these sites before and was super glad to experience them with my family!
