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January 6th 2008
Published: January 6th 2008
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Tokyo National MuseumTokyo National MuseumTokyo National Museum

Japanese and some pan-Asian art.
I’m sitting in a nice internet cafe in Shibuya (think Times Square, but twice as crowded, it’s amazing to see). There’s a lot of hi-tech in Tokyo. I’ve got photos up for my first Tokyo entry, please go look.

Today’s sights:

Tokyo National Museum - Japanese art and archeology.

Yakusuni Shrine - A Shinto shrine dedicated to Japan’s war dead, including a war museum that attempts to justify Japan’s aggression in WWII (apparantly, circumstances forced them into it). Many Shinto shrines have tons of food stalls and gift shops, striking me as a little blasphemous.

Sengakuji Temple - A Buddhist temple dedicated to 47 Ronin (masterless samurai) who tried to avenge their master. Includes their graves and a museum I didn’t have time to see.

Shibuya - Wow. Coming into Shibuya is shell shock. It makes Times Square look like the boondocks. Also contains many nice stores, video arcades (and internet cafes like this one). I bought some ice-cream filled crepes, a wonderful Tokyo take on a French classic.

Tomrrow morning I leave for Kyoto, Japan’s religious centre and pre-Tokyo capital. I feel like I just arrived and already I’m leaving Tokyo. It was spectacular, but so will be where I go next.


Additional photos below
Photos: 6, Displayed: 6


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Musicians from the AndesMusicians from the Andes
Musicians from the Andes

All the way from South America to play indiginous music for crowds.
Yasukuni ShrineYasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine

Its museum is a great place to learn Japan’s take on its role in WWII.
Sengakuji Temple TombsSengakuji Temple Tombs
Sengakuji Temple Tombs

Dedicated to 47fallen ronin,their graves are on the temple grounds.
HachikoHachiko
Hachiko

The statue of Hachiko celebrates a dog so faithful that when his master died, he spent the rest of his life waiting for his master to come back.
ShibuyaShibuya
Shibuya

Japan’s Times Square, but beats the pants off it in terms of crowds.


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