Day Two

What a day! After an interesting breakfast we headed back to Senso-ji Temple to get a view during the day light. It was early so the stall holders were just setting up and there were not so many people coming to ask the gods for blessings. We watched as people lit incense sticks and then inhaled and waved the smoke over themselves to purify themselves.





From there we headed to the river Sumida for a boat trip down river to a lovely tranquil garden called Hamarikyu tei-en. This was where the Shogun in ancient times used to come to relax and hunt wild fowl. Today it is an oasis of calm, with a tea house in the centre where you can sit and watch the world go by and daydream of times gone by. It is a strange feeling sitting in a lovely manicured garden whilst surrounded by modern high rise office blocks of steel and glass!




On the way out of the park we came across a little girl and her mother in tradition kimono dress. She was more than happy, if a little shy. to pose for us for pictures before they both shuffled off in their wooden sandals. Another juxtapose of ancient and modern!




From there we took the train to explore a Shinto Shrine called Meiji Jingu. To get there we had to pass through an ultra modern shopping district and hang out for Japanese youth. This was another culture shock for us to see girls and boys dressed to impress. The latest trend is 'Lolita style', quite a difference from the girl in the kimono!



Inside the shrine we were lucky as there were numerous weddings and festivals taking place. It meant a feast of traditional dress and ceremonies. Everywhere you looked there was a bride being escorted through the grounds by a Shinto priest. It was truly atmospheric and very memorable experience.












After a magical few hours we returned to modernity and caught another train to return to our hotel. It was very busy, but no one pushed or shoved or got annoyed with each other. My impression of the Japanese so far is that they are a polite, proud and gracious people who live by a set of rules which induces respect for everyone. This guides their own behaviour and how they fit within their society. It means no litter, immaculate cleanliness of public transport, ordered behaviour and obeying the law. You feel really safe everywhere, crime is very low and if you dropped your wallet anyone would pick it up and run after you to return it - with its contents! If you have to be in a modern large urban city, Tokyo should be it. Within a couple of days of arriving you very easily become accustomed to the code and rhythm of the city.


We finished the day in a local noodle bar. You get a huge bowl of noodles and a bowl of broth - on this occasion a pork broth with small bits of vegetables and a boiled egg! A great way to bring a wonderful day to a close!

Tomorrow we board a 'Bullet Train' and head for Hikone, home of one of Japan's most impressive castles.