Tokyo Summer

I can’t help but think of Tokyo Japan as one of the best places in the world I have ever visited.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going in the month of August like I did because as it turns out, it’s typhoon season and we did have one hit while in Tokyo, but thankfully, it moved through the city overnight and was gone by the next morning. Unfortunately, the rural areas just outside of Tokyo are usually hit harder during this season.

I stayed at the Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo in the Ikebururo District across the street from the local metro station and shopping mall. The rooms are beautiful and spacious.  Lots of shops, restaurants, a gym, spa and bakery on hotel site plus a major shopping mall, cafes and restaurants within walking distance.  Thankfully, all street and subway signs as well as the majority of menus are in English and Japanese.

Highlights of my trip:

1. Senso-Ji Temple is Tokyo’s most sacred temple. It was built in 628 AD.  Thousands of people visit daily to practice the rituals of burning incense for good health and to pay their respects by lighting candles and throwing coins.

2. The National Sumo Wrestling Stadium and the Sumo Museum in Ryoguku.

Sumo Wrestling has progressed from a martial art into a professional sport.  I just happened to go to this stadium (which is off season in August) to see that the public were allowed free entrance in to see the professional wrestlers practicing as well as tournaments of teen wrestling competitions.  I stopped by the the Sumo Museum next door afterwards.  It gives a detailed history of the martial art that dates back 2000 years.

3. Traditional Japanese tea ceremony is offered by a few Hotels in Tokyo and has to be pre-booked in advance. The traditional name is Chanoyu, Sado or Ocha in Japanese.  Our host went through the tea ceremony history which dates back to the 9th century  when it was first conducted by Buddhist monks after a visit to China.  We went through the ritual of cleansing our hands and feet before making powdered green matcha tea served with a traditional dessert (see below).

4. The Tokyo National Museum has over 110,000 pieces of art that makes up the best and largest collection of Japanese art in the world.  This museum is made up of several buildings within a large compound.  A full day is needed to fully enjoy and explore all of the exhibits on hand.

5. Shopping in Tokyo has been rated as the best in the world by American Vogue. There are several districts to choose from depending on the budget and type of products/services required.

•  Takeshita-Dori market in the Harajuku district.

• The upscale Ginza shopping district.

• Shibuya District is where all of the young and trendy fashionistas go for the latest fashion, food and music.

6. Shiba Park and Tokyo Tower. Standing at 333 metres in height, the tower is the second tallest structure in Japan,

7. The Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in Japan. Unfortunately it was getting dark by the time I got there.

8. Koishikawa Korakeuen Garden is one of the oldest gardens in Tokyo and was built in the 1600’s. It is so peaceful and quiet here; easy to connect with nature. Lots of butterflies and fish ponds too which was nice.

9. Noh Traditional Theatre dates back to the 1500’s. Below are pictures I took of a display of this tradition at the Tokyo National Museum.  I did attend a traditional show at the Kabuki-za Theatre but photos were forbidden.

Other highlights.

A wonderful trip full of rich culture, great food and hospitality.