Visit to Japan - July 2003

Tokyo at night from the 39th floor of Yebisu Garden Place tower

In mid-July of 2003, we had a trip planned to visit our good friends in Guam.  We also had friends living in Japan.  We took advantage of some extra time and stopped in Japan on the way over. 

We arrived in Tokyo in the evening.  It was a long flight from Seattle aboard Singapore Airlines, but the service on the plane was great!  Our friend Jennifer picked us up at Narita.  We didn’t waste any time seeing the sites as soon as we arrived.  We learned how to buy train tickets and headed from their home in Shibuya Ku to Yebisu Garden Place Tower.  The view of Tokyo from the 39^th floor of the tower was amazing!  We also slurped the best ramen I have ever had at the Noodle House to finish off the night.

Arisugawa Park and the old men fishing

We started the next day off with a walk around Arisugawa Park.  It was within walking distance of the Willis’ home.  There were old men fishing in the park, something they do every day.  On the walk around town, we could smell the incense from the local cemetery.  Mourners visit the cemetery often and light incense sticks.

Cemetary in Shibuya Ku



Punks and Baby Dolls

Our next stop was the Meiji Shrine.  As soon as we got off the train, you could see groups of people gathered.  Certain young people were labeled ‘punks’ while other girls dressed as ‘baby dolls’.  It was very interesting. 

           Sake Barrels                      Wedding at Meiji Shrine

cleansing our hands

The Meiji Shrine is the most important Shinto Shrine in Tokyo, where the remains of Emperor Meiji (1868-1912) and his wife are enshrined. Like many other sites around Japan, Sake barrels line the entrance.  The barrels are empty but represent a symbol of drinking the rice wine to feel happy and closer to the Gods.  Sake is often given at temples.  It is also a custom to cleanse your hands and/or drink the water for good health and spirit.  There are three entrances to the shrine, and walking through the ‘Torii’ will bring good luck.  There are also many ways to show respect to the shrine.  You may throw coins in the offering box, bow twice in from of the main shrine, clap your hands twice to wake the gods, or leave a prayer on the prayer tree.  Outside the Meiji Memorial Hall, we saw a wedding taking place.  The entire area is very large, covering 175 acres!

Entering the Torii

Takeshita Dori Street

Busiest intersection in the world!

We got to see some of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.  Takeshita Dori is a pedestrian only street with fancy shops and places to eat.  It’s the hotspot for teen fashion.  Shinjuku houses the busiest train station in the world.  Over 2 million people pass through the train station each day!  Nearby Shibuya has one of the busiest intersections in the world.  At a particular time, 6 pedestrian crosswalks allow people to cross at the same time. 

Stayed tuned for a continuation of our trip to Japan and our early morning visit to the fish market!