Back in Tokyo we were greeted by some sunshine. We decided to stroll through Ginza and then we walked across to the Imperial Palace area. Before we reached the gardens in the East, we came across some lovely Sakura trees. They were in full blossom and lots of people were walking past those trees, taking… Continue reading Tokyo: Sakura next to the Imperial Palace
Category: Japan
Kamakura: Hasedera Temple
Our final temple during our visit to Kamakura was my favourite one - the Hasedera Temple. It is famous for its large Kannon statue, the goodness of Mercy. It is one of the largest wooden statues made from camphor wood and gilded in gold in Japan. It has 11 heads, each of which represents a… Continue reading Kamakura: Hasedera Temple
Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple
From the Kenchoji Temple we walked downhill to the main site in Kamakura. The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine is about 15 mins by foot and is the most important Shinto shrine. Therefore it is also the most crowded and packed place that we visited in Kamakura. Everyone wanted to see the lucky charm in the shape… Continue reading Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple
Kamakura: Kenchoji Temple
After we left the Engakuji temple, we continued our journey along the rail tracks. They took us to a small street, from which we followed the signs to the Kenchoji temple, which is all together 1km away. It won't be difficult to miss, you just follow the tourists! The Kenchoji temple was constructed in 1253… Continue reading Kamakura: Kenchoji Temple
Kamakura: Engakuji Temple
Finally, the rain over Tokyo stopped and the forecast for the next day was blue sky and clear view. We decided to take a JR train from Shinjuku on the Shonan Shinjuku Line to Kamakura, which is about 50 kilometres south-west of Tokyo (the train takes about 50 minutes). Kamakura is a small city but… Continue reading Kamakura: Engakuji Temple
Tokyo: Tuna at Tsukiji Fish Market
I did not make it to the tuna auction, but if you are willing to wake up early enough then go to the Tsukiji Fish Market at around 4am. Foreigners who wish to view the auction have to apply at the Osakana Fukyu Center (Fish Information Center) at the Kachidoki Gate, starting from 5am on… Continue reading Tokyo: Tuna at Tsukiji Fish Market
Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market
It was still raining the following day and we decided to visit the most famous fish market in the world. The Tsukiji Market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind. We left the hotel at 6.30am in the morning… Continue reading Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market
Tokyo: Edo Tokyo Museum
Because of all the rain we had to find ways to explore the city, while staying dry. So we figured, we should go and see one of the museums. We consulted our guide and quickly realised that the Edo Tokyo Museum is the most interesting one. So off we went. From the outside, the museum… Continue reading Tokyo: Edo Tokyo Museum
Tokyo: Kabuki-za theatre is open again
While writing yesterday's post about Ginza I looked at my blog post from our previous visit (here) I remembered that the Kabuki-za theatre was still a large building site. This time, when we visited in early April 2013, it was different. It was opening day and lots of people went there to visit the old… Continue reading Tokyo: Kabuki-za theatre is open again
Tokyo: View from the Hilton
From Matsumoto we took the Super Azusa train to Shinjuku Station. The travel time is 2,5 hours and it is a another very scenic ride. Upon arrival in Tokyo Shinjuku, we just walked to the Hilton Hotel, where we were staying. We arrived too early, before 3pm, so we could not yet check into our… Continue reading Tokyo: View from the Hilton
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