Tokyo

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Panda Video

Tokyo, wow what a lovely place, full of lovely people


Spent probably about a week in Tokyo trying to explore as much as possible, but perplexing and beguiling I found Tokyo to be a city that comfounds simple translation. With a really low crime rate and really freindly helpful people I couldn't stop myself from liking this city with its bumper-to-bumper traffic and and packed in 12 million people.


I visited many places such as Asakusa and the buddist temple Senjo-Ji, Ueno, home to a famous Japanese park that I walked through on a lovely sunny day and saw numerous staues and temples (Including the Great Saigo), and of course Ueno Zoo. Also Meiji-Jingu where I was able to escape from the busy city into the grounds of Tokyo's most venerable Shinto shrine.



The Imperial Palace the home to the emperor lies at the centre of Tokyo, but is pretty much blocked off by the Imperial Plaza, which forms a protective island in front of the modern royal palace. Have pictures from probably the most photogenic part, which is called Nijubashi where two bridges span the moat, and beyond a watchtower stands behind which dates back to the 17th century (one of the few original castle structure lefty after WWII).



Met up with fellow traveller Marcus in Tokyo, and we trekked the steets in search of the next temple or site described in our rough guide tour books.



Each Shrine or Temple in Japan has a Gate that leads up to the entrance, one of the ones leading to Meiji-Jingu shrine is a great example. This shrine was originally built as a symbol of Imperial power and Japanese Racial superiority. It was rebuilt in 1958 after being destroyed in WWII............



As the pictures show, some of the locals had some weird ideas about fashion, but the signs were helpful, especially when you were trying to get around at night.



Even ended up having a fight with Spiderman in my last night in Tokyo, in a local bar where there was a fancy dress party to celebrate Halloween.........

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Photos

"Great Saigo"
Leader of the restoration army that helped bring Emperor Meiji to power, later committed ritual suicide.

Kiyomizu Kannon-do
Temple dating back to 1631!

Locals
Some of the signs were in English, so they were very helpful when trying to meet the locals.

More Locals
Some of the local Japanes folk were a little different from the UK!!

Nijubashi (Imperial Palace)
The two bridges spanning the Imperial Palace moat and the 17th Century watchtower perched on its grey pedestal beyond

Tokyo Tower
Opened in 1958, hmm looks like a replica Eiffel Tower. One in the eye for the French, its several meters taller, lol.

Senso-Ji
Tokyo's most Venerable Buddhist temple

Meiji-Jingu Gateway
Gateway to Tokyo's premier Shinto Shrine

Fight with Spiderman!!
His spider senses couldn't help in out here!!

Comments

[Tom]

Good Time
Looks like you having a great time.......

[Craig]

Glad to see you have got to know some locals!! You appear to be having a good time. Looking forward to your next update.

[Gust]

Spiderman
Funny that the best ever Toby Maguire look-a-like should have his picture taken with spideman! Seems like you're living the dream out there. Best wishes, Shad!!!