After a slow start due to the early market trip, we got out to explore two contrasting neighbourhoods: Shibuya first, and then Asakusa.
Taking the Yamanote line brought me memories of my first trip, but also made me so comfortable as I got so used to it from my previous trips. With the JR railway pass, the Yamanote line was the most useful train line as it goes around Tokyo in both ways, covering so much sightseeing I forgot there were other train lines!
So from Ikebukuro station, which neighbourhood deserves a tour in itself, we went to Shibuya to experience the crowded crossing, the loud jingles that surprised my Dad (he probably turned off his hearing aid) and the maze like corridors in the train station that was being modernized.
We visited Tokyu Hands (only 2 floors of it), where my parents got a wooden game I still haven't played, and I got a hair drying band and a few bath salts and small umbrella, we also popped into a puricula store (always wanted to go). It was funny how everyone else in there were teenage girls. Yet there we were.
Those pictures make hilarious souvenirs and highly recommended.
After that tiring loud crowd immersion, we rode the Yamanote line again to Ueno station to walk to Asakusa old alleys and attractions.
It was a long walk, and I regretted not taking the bus or not transferring to anon JR line. Eventually though we got to the dinner ware street with all the pretty bowls and plates that wanted to get into our full suitcases (why full? no idea).
As the sun set we chanced upon a nice view of the new Sky tree.
Eventually we saw the pagoda appear and strolled on the shrine ground, even made some incense offering. I must say the night view is prettier than the day view.
And finally the not to be missed view from the Kaminarimon gate. I like this gate as the kanji character written on the chochin (lantern) is the one for lightening/thunder, which combines the character for rain and rice field.
There is a lot of history surrounding the temple and this area of Tokyo, close to the Sumida river, but it was interesting to witness how history was continued around the river, with the new attraction, Sky Tree, built across the river. This superposition of old and new is what fascinates me in Tokyo and what keeps me coming back. This impression that I was walking through palpable history. I wished back in Madagascar we could cherish history as much and be more grateful of happenstances and not so much constraining superstitions. But it must be also because Japan is a country of abundance and people got something to cherish and pour their hear and feelings into. In comparison people in Madagascar only barely have enough to live, and people's existence is the only proof of their existence. Artifacts such as art, sculptures, buildings only remain but not so celebrated in the collective minds. maybe I should make more efforts to find out about those next time.
As we were changing hotel that day we dragged our luggage to Ikebukuro to the b Ikebukuro and explored the small alleys nearby the station, full of drinking places and restaurants to cater to workers before going home. I quite enjoyed my stays with this hotel chain, both in Ochanomizu and Akasaka in 2009.
We had a bit of small nabe in the alley shop before going to sleep it off and rest from the long day.
Taking the Yamanote line brought me memories of my first trip, but also made me so comfortable as I got so used to it from my previous trips. With the JR railway pass, the Yamanote line was the most useful train line as it goes around Tokyo in both ways, covering so much sightseeing I forgot there were other train lines!
So from Ikebukuro station, which neighbourhood deserves a tour in itself, we went to Shibuya to experience the crowded crossing, the loud jingles that surprised my Dad (he probably turned off his hearing aid) and the maze like corridors in the train station that was being modernized.
Those pictures make hilarious souvenirs and highly recommended.
After that tiring loud crowd immersion, we rode the Yamanote line again to Ueno station to walk to Asakusa old alleys and attractions.
It was a long walk, and I regretted not taking the bus or not transferring to anon JR line. Eventually though we got to the dinner ware street with all the pretty bowls and plates that wanted to get into our full suitcases (why full? no idea).
As the sun set we chanced upon a nice view of the new Sky tree.
And as we approached the main Asakusa Senso-ji temple we passed by the cute old shops that gives Asakusa its charms.
There is a lot of history surrounding the temple and this area of Tokyo, close to the Sumida river, but it was interesting to witness how history was continued around the river, with the new attraction, Sky Tree, built across the river. This superposition of old and new is what fascinates me in Tokyo and what keeps me coming back. This impression that I was walking through palpable history. I wished back in Madagascar we could cherish history as much and be more grateful of happenstances and not so much constraining superstitions. But it must be also because Japan is a country of abundance and people got something to cherish and pour their hear and feelings into. In comparison people in Madagascar only barely have enough to live, and people's existence is the only proof of their existence. Artifacts such as art, sculptures, buildings only remain but not so celebrated in the collective minds. maybe I should make more efforts to find out about those next time.
As we were changing hotel that day we dragged our luggage to Ikebukuro to the b Ikebukuro and explored the small alleys nearby the station, full of drinking places and restaurants to cater to workers before going home. I quite enjoyed my stays with this hotel chain, both in Ochanomizu and Akasaka in 2009.
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