History amidst the Cherry trees
Inner Gate (Hanzomon) of Sensoji Temple
Despite having visited Japan several times during the past few years while our daughter was working as a teacher in a town close to Osaka, it was only in April this year that we finally visited Japan’s capital city Tokyo – the world’s most populous metropolis.
Getting there was easy – Sri Lankan Airlines has a direct flight from Colombo that arrives at around seven in the morning at Tokyo’s International Airport Narita, from where convenient train and bus connections are available for the 60 km journey to central Tokyo. We planned to visit in mid-April when the fabled cherry blossoms were still in bloom – and during our stay here we were able to visit some memorable places.
Foremost on our itinerary was the famous Sensoji temple in Asakusa. Legend has it that in the year 628, two brothers fishing in the nearby river netted a statue of the goddess Kannon. The temple was built to house the statue and today is recognised as Japan’s oldest temple. You enter through Asakusa’s most photographed landmark – the impressive outer gate Kamrinomon (“Thunder Gate”) with its massive Chochin lantern and the fearsome gods of Thunder and Wind in the alcoves on either side. You then walk along a 200 metre street – lined on either side by stalls selling all manner of items from traditional foods and snacks to souvenirs and toys – and reach the inner gate Hanzomon from where you can see the magnificent red, white and gold Main Hall.
One of the other major sights one should see when in Tokyo is the Imperial Palace Gardens. The official residence of the Japanese Emperor and his family, the palace is situated in the heart of the city close to Tokyo station in a large park (about three and a half square kilometres in extent) surrounded by massive stone walls and moats. The inner gardens are not open to the public but about a third of the Imperial Palace section is open for visitors on an organised tour, which can be arranged through the Imperial Household Agency – either pre-booked through their website or you can arrive a little early on the day and join a tour as long as it’s not fully booked. Adjacent to the inner gardens are the Imperial Palace East Gardens which are open to the public throughout the year.
On another day we went to Ueno because I was particularly keen to visit the Tokyo National Museum, one of the largest art museums in the world. The museum complex (actually six separate buildings) houses a host of treasures from not only Japan but also from other parts of Asia. I spent almost a whole day savouring the fascinating archaeological exhibits, in particular the fine examples of Buddhist art and sculpture discovered along the ancient Silk Road.The English audio guides you can rent for your visit provide a clear and comprehensive commentary–and will increase your appreciation of the displays.
The Museum is actually situated in Ueno Park, Tokyo’s spacious public park that contains a few other museums, a couple of temples, picturesque fountains, statues, a zoo – in fact something for everyone! It is also one of the best places in Tokyo to appreciate cherry blossoms during the hanami season – there are about a thousand cherry blossom trees here! Just as when you visit the museum, you need a whole day to enjoy even a part of what Ueno Park has to offer. Getting there is simple – the entrance to the park is a short walk from the Japan Rail Ueno station.
In fact getting round Tokyo is relatively easy – the rail system is efficient, has English signs at all the stations, and as in all Japanese transport systems, runs perfectly punctually to time!
More information: https://www.japan-guide.com/