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| Cover photo: Statue of Ichikawa Danjuró IX, one of the most famous Kabuki actors in Asakusa |
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So, we had already experienced an earthquake, and in addition to that, Tokyo saw for a very unusual phenomenon in November - snowfall. Specifically, for the first time in 54 years. However, the snow melted quickly, and the weather was downright miserable, so it didn't bring much joy.
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| View from our hotel room, while it is snowing outside |
Of course, they closely followed this natural phenomenon on the TV in the news and devoting at least as much coverage to it as they had to the earlier earthquake.
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| 24th November 2016 - first snow in Tokyo in November after 54 years |
On that wet and gloomy day, we decided to visit the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno.
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| On the way to the museum in Ueno park |
Some exhibits were interesting, but overall I expected more from the museum.
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| A samurai sword - katana |
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| Golden and bronze historical currencies |
Not to forget, the day before we visited the enchanting Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. Studio Ghibli is the most famous Japanese animation studio renowned for its hand-drawn masterpieces and imaginative storytelling. Its co-founder, director and screenwriter Hayao Miyazaki, is a true legend in the world of animation. His most famous works include the Oscar-winning Spirited Away (2001) - known in some countries (including Slovakia) as Journey to Fantasy. A little more about Miyazaki and his work can be found here.
Everyone knows that Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world - but nothing prepared me for the sheer human tide I encountered in Shibuya. Shibuya is a meeting place for young people in particular, a hip neighborhood pulsing with fashion, cafés and entertainment. With huge illuminated signs, it's practically a Japanese Times Square. The famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, just outside the train station, has been featured in many films, including Lost in Translation with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. Nearby is a statue of Hachikō, a loyal Akita dog who waited for his master in front of the station for nearly 10 years.
Everyone knows that Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world - but nothing prepared me for the sheer human tide I encountered in Shibuya. Shibuya is a meeting place for young people in particular, a hip neighborhood pulsing with fashion, cafés and entertainment. With huge illuminated signs, it's practically a Japanese Times Square. The famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, just outside the train station, has been featured in many films, including Lost in Translation with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. Nearby is a statue of Hachikō, a loyal Akita dog who waited for his master in front of the station for nearly 10 years.
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| The iconic Shibuya crossing |
Shibuya thus completes the image of Tokyo for many foreigners. For those who haven't been to Japan, this bustling district is often what comes to mind when Tokyo is mentioned. But personally, I prefer a quieter, more serene side of the city - like the one captured in the image below.
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| The quiet Tokyo |
A bit closer to heaven
On the last day of our visit (25th November), unlike the previous day, the weather in Tokyo was sunny, and we enjoyed seeing the city from above - from a rather respectable height...
Tokyo Skytree (634 meters) is Japan's tallest structure and the second tallest free-standing tower in the world (surpassed only by the 828-meter Burj Khalifa in Dubai). Completed in 2012, it features two observation decks at heights of 350 and 450 meters, offering panoramic views of the city. The entire complex beneath this broadcasting tower includes a metro station, a wide array of shops and restaurants, as well as a planetarium, a museum and even an aquarium (!). Interestingly, the name "Skytree" was selected through a national public vote.
Tokyo Skytree (634 meters) is Japan's tallest structure and the second tallest free-standing tower in the world (surpassed only by the 828-meter Burj Khalifa in Dubai). Completed in 2012, it features two observation decks at heights of 350 and 450 meters, offering panoramic views of the city. The entire complex beneath this broadcasting tower includes a metro station, a wide array of shops and restaurants, as well as a planetarium, a museum and even an aquarium (!). Interestingly, the name "Skytree" was selected through a national public vote.
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| On our way to the sky |
The view from above was just amazing - it truly felt like being up in the sky. Visibility was great, although Mount Fuji remained hidden behind a veil of haze.
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| Skytree and the building of Asahi brewery headquarters with 'golden flame' (or rather a golden poop :-)) |
The design of the Skytree tower is reminiscent of a traditional Japanese five-story pagoda (Buddhist tower). This also helps the tower blend into the historic Asakusa district nearby.
Asakusa is home to the grand Sensō-ji temple - the oldest and most visited Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The approach to the temple is lined with a variety of shops, creating a lively market atmosphere. Here, visitors can find everything from traditional crafts to quirky souvenirs, with clear focus on tourists. Sensō-ji attracts over 30 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular spiritual and cultural sites in Japan.
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| Hózomon gate leading to Senso-ji temple |
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| Main hall of Sensó-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo |
This truly impressive and beautiful place marked my farewell to Tokyo. Each of us leaves with different experiences. We are a little wiser, with broader perspectives and a clearer sense of what Japan is really like. This image, however, cannot be produced by any document or blog, but only a direct visit to this exceptional country. Still, I hope that I have managed to reveal at least something about Japan to you and perhaps also sparkle the interest to see it there with your own eyes.
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| Zen |
Lastly, please check out this video I made, which summarizes my first visit of Japan:
👉Japan - November 2016👈
Last short vids are of historical snowing in Tokyo and famous Shibuya crossing:
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