AH, Tokyo

 It seems there are differing opinions on Tokyo. I like it, Jane not as much. 

Although we are neither of us big on large cities, this one seems a little different to me. Busy, but not obnoxious. Crowded, but not claustrophobic. Old, but somehow young. 

There are several different areas, all once upon a time, separate cities. Each has a character very separate from the other. Hard to explain that part! Lots of activity, lots of food, lots of shopping, lots of bars etc. in the day it’s all tourists and sightseeing, or so it seems. At night everyone comes out to play. 

Well enough of that BS. Ask me about it later.

We enjoyed food, a Kabuki and Ninja show and a couple Guru Walk tours. 

This one was to the Shinto Shrine dedicated to the late emperor Meiji. He was the person who opened Japan to the west. They refer to it as the Meiji Restoration. He brought Japan into the mainstream of the world, introducing the Japanese to wesrern culture, and introducing the world to the Japanese way.

He liked French wine, apparently Burgundy (my personal favourite), wore western (don’t read this as cowboy) clothing and wrote poetry. There is too much to explain in a short time. Our guide Hiroko was excellent at explaining the period as well as the Shinto/Buddhist juxtaposition of belief in the country.

Here are some views. First the Meiji Shrine gate. Not very old. I believe they erected it in around 1920.

Along the way there are tributes to the man provided by followers who wish to embrace his spirit by asking his blessing with gifts. The oak barrels are from France, mainly Burgundy and the other barrels are Sake (he used to drink a lot of it). 

Not sure about the wine but the Sake barrels are replaced every year!

The Sake above are the barrels of the same Sake that was used at the Emperor’s wedding. It is still served at most Japanese weddings as a tribute and a wish from the Emperor’s spirit for favour on the wedding couple.