The first two images capture our first impression of Tokyo: a pervading sense of serenity amongst the busyness of 7 million people working and living. The first picture is the lobby of our hotel on the 25th floor, a simple pot set on an uncluttered, pristine counter. No phones ringing or people clamoring. Are we affected by our surroundings - glass cases containing two or three pieces of art, walls adorned by modern or ancient pieces of fabric sculpture, small tables holding a single candle or vase? It would appear so. Jerry seems to be absorbing the peace after a breakfast that was just as simple and elegant as the environment.
Our first day of touring included the Meiji Jingu Shrine and the Senso-Ji Buddhist Temple. We purified ourselves with water at the shrine and with incense at the temple. We prayed for the special needs of friends who are going through treatment for cancer and received a good fortune (for only 100 yen. If it had been bad, we could have returned it, and losing the yen would have been our only bad luck.) I love the words of the first part of the fortune: "In your dream, you met a major gentleman superior to thousands, ten thousands people. (Jerry!) The fortune came to you like flowers smell so sweet on warm days in spring. It is a happy looking that should be celebrated, the decayed branch got flowers open again." [sic] And it continues: "Any request will be granted to you: The patient get well soon." Yay!!
Not too many ladies in kimonos these days, but the ones we see catch our attention - and our breaths.
A familiar figure! A few years ago Tokyo dedicated a year to French culture, and France donated their replica of the gift they had given the US. When it was time to take it home, the people missed it so much that they made their own replica so "the Goddess of Liberty" could stay. She welcomes people to the manmade island of Daiba, a rather futuristic place where, for instance, there are no garbage trucks. Waste is sent by a large vacuum tube to the mainland where it's processed and used for energy.
A highlight of our tour was a a stop at the mall and seeing these kittens and puppies, highly valued. The kitty cost $3,000 and the chihuahua $6,000! Not sure how much the cocker spaniel was, but I would have paid at least --- $200?
And after they're purchased, they are obviously pampered. This pup has his own stroller with access to a store full of outfits, something for every day of the year.
Hamarikyu Garden surrounded by high rise buildings. See the small white object in the center?
According to our son the birdwatcher,
it's probably some kind of Japanese heron.
The architecture is fabulous, spilling over into the realm of fantasy. This clock entrance to a hotel was designed by the artistic genius, Miyazaki, animator of the movies "Spirited Away" and "Howl's Moving Castle,"
A visit to the East Garden of the Imperial Palace where the Emperor and Empress still live. Would love to have had tea with them, but our time was short. (We wish :) All that remains of the original grounds are the stone ramparts.
Famous calligraphy artist, Kouncha, is another highlight. She gave us each a painting based on her insight into our characters and needs. She is deeply spiritual, an intuitive genius. This was a mystical experience.
From the sublime to the ridiculous. The Japanese seem to love Tommy Lee Jones. Here he is in the subway station advertising - coffee?
Night scene of the Tokyo harbor from the 46th floor of the Coretta Hotel. And so --- goodnight.
Location:Tokyo
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