What would you do if you only had a day in Tokyo ?
Cramp as many activities as you can into a day … everything goes by in a blur … remember some; forget the rest … or take a leisurely tour of select iconic sites and cherish those memories.
Where is Tokyo
Located on east coast of Honshu Island, at head of Tokyo Bay … Japan’s capital, population of over 14 million in city; divided into special wards, cities, district and sub-prefectures. Ultramodern structures beside historic buildings, temples … expansive, manicured public gardens … classical museums with kabuki theaters. There is no greater contrast and harmony.
Originally known as Edo, seat of Tokugawa shogunate in 1600s; Tokyo is world’s second largest metropolitan economy after New York.
Imperial Palace
Visit Imperial Palace, with Seimon Ishibashi bridge leading to palace main gate …
Walk around 1.15 sq-kilometers (0.44sq.mi) palace grounds, admire beautiful gardens, ancient trees.
Made up of several buildings – Fukiage Palace, residence of Emperor, Imperial Family; main palace where ceremonies, receptions are conducted … archives, museums and administrative offices.
Limited access to public, but when available, is well worth a visit.
Senso-ji Shrine
Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple in heart of Asakusa, city’s north … get omikuji fortune slip at shrine, (with English translation); burn incense for good health. Temple complex includes main hall and three others, five-storied pagoda, three gates, gardens and shopping street.
Temple attracts over 30 million worshippers yearly. Annual events held here including Hatsumo (First temple visit of year), Setsubun (Spring Celebration), Honzon Jigen-e (Appearance of Bodhisttva Kannon), Hana Matsuri (Celebration of Buddha’s Birthday), Shiman-rokusen-nichi (Day worth 46,000 visits), and Osame-np-Kannon Geonnichi (Last Festival of Year).
No matter when you visit, there will be plenty of activities and of course plenty of people in temple too!
Visit Keihin Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fox Shrine)
Tucked in middle of high-rise residences between Tokyo and Yokohama is the Keihin Fushimi Inari Shrine; vibrant Shinto shrine with numerous fox (kitsune) statues … messengers of Inari.
Dedicated to Inari, deity of fertility, rice, agriculture, industry, worldly success, prosperity and good fortune.
Absorb the peaceful ambience as you step into surrounds – localised spiritual spot … in Kamata.
Attend a Sumo Show
Nothing can compare to Sumo Show – an experience like no other. Well-built Sumo wrestlers come together for a 4-minute wrestle, yes, each round only lasts about 4 minutes ! Seems impossible to tackle each other within such a small circle …
Check out Sumo meal – each sumo can consume 4-5 such meals at each sitting.
Rest of us can consume one such meal per sitting …
Have a Teppanyaki Dinner
Complete day with a Teppanyaki dinner overlooking Tokyo’s skyline … simply magnificent !
Delicious fresh seafood, wagyu beef, crunchy vegetables cooked the way you like it … fried rice or udon noodles; miso soup, accompanied by sake – warm or cold, still or bubbly !
Perfect meal to complete a wonderful day in Tokyo.
Conclusion
Modern lifestyle mingle with traditional outlook and culture … quaint temples amidst high-rise residences … oldest temple complex situated among stylish modern buildings … traditional imperial palace located in centre of bustling downtown … sumo wrestling houses tucked between narrow alleys …
This is as unique as you can get – this is Tokyo !
