Flying coins, Obama, and professional pushers

After our long night of karoke and saki, we woke up bright and early to depart on our tour of cultural Tokyo. Our first stop was the Meiji Shinto Shrine. Shintoism is the prominent religion in Japan. The religion has over 8 million gods. The shrine was absolutely beautiful and very large. On New Year’s Day over 3 million people come to visit the shrine. Because they cannot reach the box for offering by foot, the worshipers throw their coins from over 100 feet back trying to reach the box. Many have to wear helmets to avoid the flying objects! A traditional Shinto prayer involves first bowing, then 2 claps, followed by the prayer, and then a final bow. It was really interesting to witness this sacred custom. While touring the shrine, we were lucky enough to see the progression of a conventional Japanese wedding. The wedding party is very small, just immediate family members, and the bride wears a traditional Japanese kimono.





After the shrine we set off to visit the gates of the Imperial Palace. The Imperial Palace houses the Japanese Emperor. Only on New Years day are people allowed to go within the confines of the palace. Here is a picture of the gates. The bridge is the entrance to one gate, which is guarded around the clock by two soldiers. The structure in the background is yet another gate following the bridge gate.




Finally, it was time for shopping! We went to Akahusa, and there was the mecca for Japanese tourist shopping (as well as some pretty cool Buddhist shrines). The streets were crammed full of vendors selling anything from sushi to samari swords to Barack Obama face masks (the Japanese LOVE Obama!).






Our last stop on the tour, and perhaps the most visually impressive was the Roppongi Hills Tower. On the 52nd floor is a 360-degree floor to ceiling window that overlooks all of Tokyo. Even though it was a little on the cloudy side, the view was absolutely incredible. Additionally, the tower hosted an art exhibit from London that critically and artistically examined scientific innovations in the manipulation of aging. The exhibits were extraordinary and gave an interesting view on how we perceive aging and the scientific breakthroughs in DNA recreation and adjustment.



I was able to snag this picture before being told picture taking was prohibited. This is a revolutionary device that enables those who have very limited walking capacity to move freely. You sit on the ledge and the legs guide you.



After the tower, we went back to Shibuya to meet up with a group of friends for dinner. We enjoyed a delicious Japanese meal, while sampling the native beer and whiskey. Afterwards we were off to the Tokyo Tower in Roppongi. It was a beautiful sight at night. Once we left the tower, we set off for a karaoke bar in town. After three hours of walking in the rain, getting lost in Tokyo, eight whiney teenagers in my ear, and a minor emotional breakdown(hey it had to happen at some point), we were in bed at our hostel. Whew, I really enjoyed the sights, but I'm glad that night is in the past.

Tokyo Tower:


Here is a picture of our hostel. The rooms slept eight people, we put our own sheets on our bed, and they provided showers and internet access. Not too shabby for 25 bucks.



Annecdote:

2/10/2010: On our tour our guide informed us that in Tokyo station there are 200 professional "pushers" who each morning push the enormous crowds onto the trains. I wonder how well that would go over in America....?