Tokyo from the Top

Roppongi Hills
Tokyo, Japan
October 10, 2014


Right in the heart of Tokyo is Roppongi Hills, a modern cultural complex with 220 shops and restaurants and an art museum. Its rooftop observation deck is also a popular spot to savor a bird's-eye view of the city. 

The panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset, viewed from Roppongi Hill's Sky Deck.

We were there in October and so it was no surprise that the main grounds featured a giant spider as a tribute to Halloween.

Yikes! A giant spider in Roppongi Hills.

It was already late in the afternoon by the time we arrived here. Knowing that sunlight would soon be gone, we went straight to the top floor to get an aerial perspective of the Japanese capital. Behind picture windows of the Tokyo City View Observatory, we had an amazing and expansive view.

With Tokyo Tower and 360 views of the city as backdrop

Although I didn't expect to see Mt. Fuji, I longed to get just a glimpse. This was definitely on my bucket list! I was warned that she can be elusive. While I was on this observatory and scanning the horizon, my eyes landed on a distinct figure in the distance. I could vaguely distinguish a mountain peak.

"Is that Mt. Fuji?" I asked some other tourists nearby. They nodded and smiled at me. I couldn't believe it. Ahh, another wish fulfilled! I was sooo happy!

Tokyo city view with a faint Mt. Fuji's peak in the background.

A bird's-eye view of the Japanese capital from the Tokyo City View Observatory in Roppongi Hills.

From there, we went even higher... up on the rooftop's open-air Sky Deck.  Right in the center of the outdoor space is a large helicopter landing pad. It is encircled by viewing areas where you could get a 360-degree view of beautiful Tokyo.

This is it! The view of Tokyo from the rooftop deck.

Focusing more on Mt. Fuji in the background.

Fantastic Tokyo city views from the Sky Deck.

We couldn't wipe off our smiles after seeing Mt. Fuji.

This place couldn't possibly run out of fun things to offer. Before leaving the complex, we ventured into the Mori Art Museum and viewed an art exhibit, ogled at interesting pieces on display in hallway galleries, went inside shops and looked at items that piqued our interest.

Pretty dolls on display in the hallway gallery of Tokyo City View Observatory

Curious finds inside some shops

We also searched for the reputable L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. We already secured lunch reservations for an upcoming celebration there. More on that story later.

Found it! We're scheduled to celebrate here at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Roppongi Hills.

Visiting Roppongi Hills was so much fun! And all night long I was giddy, relishing the fact that Mt. Fuji unexpectedly revealed itself to me.

I spy Mt. Fuji!

This story continued from The Dog and The Scramble, part of a travel series about Japan.

The Dog and The Scramble

Shibuya, Japan
October 10, 2014


I've heard of the heartbreaking story of Hachiko, the loyal dog. He didn't know that his master was no longer coming home, yet he faithfully waited for him at their usual meeting place at the train station every day.  Read the story here. The meaningful bronze statue of the Akita dog was on my list of "must-see" attractions in Japan.

Had to hug the statue of Japan's beloved Hachiko, the loyal Akita.

A wall of art dedicated to the faithful pet, Hachiko, at the Shibuya Station exit.

The statue and the wall of art are hard to miss because they can be found close to the Hachiko exit of the Shibuya Station.

They are also right next to the famed Shibuya Crossing. Also known as "The Scramble," it is an unbelievable collection of pedestrian crossings at a busy intersection. It's an organized chaos of commuters walking from all directions. It's insane!

The famed Shibuya Crossing. This pedestrian crossing is crazy!

The Shibuya Crossing

Looking up at the big advertising screens, I was struck by one of the video ads. I don't know what it means, but it sure had a catchy tune. It sounded like "Doon Shoo Pa! Doon Shoo Pa!" I waited for the ad to rotate one more time just so I could sing along to it. Haha!

Dxun Tsuku Pa!

Alan and I had a great time observing everything around us. It was a lot of fun walking around here as well and just taking in the sights. I heart Japan!

These bronze statues also caught our attention.

Walking along the streets of Shibuya and loving it!

I also enjoyed Shibuya's sense of fashion.

This story was continued from In Search of A Geisha and part of a series about Japan travel adventures.

In Search of a Geisha

Yasaka-jinja Shrine
Gion, Kyoto 
October 9, 2014


I knew that coming back from our tour of Nara, we would still have a few hours to go to Gion, the famous Geisha district.

Pointing to a map, I asked our cab driver to take us to the Yasaka-jinja Shrine. Also known as the Gion Shrine, it is open 24/7 and is beautifully illuminated at night.

Yasaka-jinja Shrine or Gion Shrine is always open and beautifully lit at night.

I was told that while it is always open, there might not be enough light to enjoy the gardens of the shrine grounds at night. Alan and I were content with just gazing at the Gion Shrine and taking photographs of it.

It started to drizzle but that didn't deter us from strolling around the town. We came prepared with our folding umbrellas. We continued down the streets of Gion to look for a place to eat. In the process, I secretly hoped for a geisha or maiko sighting.

Traditional architecture around the streets of Gion

It started to drizzle as we were exploring around the Gion district.

From what I've read, the Gion District was developed to accommodate those who are visiting the Yasaka-jinja Shrine. Soon it became one of the most popular geisha districts in Japan.

Walking around Shijo Avenue

Though we didn't run into a geisha, we were delighted with other fun things to see like the traditional building architecture, upscale shops, specialty restaurants, and other interesting finds.

This is the closest thing to a geisha that we found in the Gion District.

This story continued from Illuminations and part of a series of travel adventure stories about Japan. 

Illuminations

Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Nara
October 9, 2014
JTB Tour 2


A highly revered site by Shinto devotees, the Kasuga Taisha Shrine is famous for its thousands of lanterns. We proceeded to stroll here after touring the mind-blowing Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha Hall.  The Kasuga Grand Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Japan and one of the oldest.

Stone lanterns in Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Main entrance to Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Approaching the main entrance, you'll find stacked barrels of sake on the right hand side...

 

...And a wall of wooden plaques inscribed with Japanese prayers and dedications on the left hand side

"In Japan, there are two major religions: Buddhism and Shintoism. But at Christmas, everyone becomes a Christian," our JTB USA tour guide said with a wide grin.  On a serious note, she later explained that 80% of Japan's population practice Shinto.

The Kasuga Taisha is considered the head shrine of all 3,000 Shinto shrines in Japan. Shinto followers believe that spirits or "kami" exist in natural places such as animals, plants, stones, rivers, and mountains. It's no wonder the beautiful and serene grounds of this most celebrated shrine is purposefully located at the Kasugayama Primeval Forest.

The pathway leading up to the main hall is flanked by numerous stone lanterns, some swathed in moss.

The lanterns symbolically provide a guiding light, illuminating one's path in life.

I caught her taking a selfie by the row of stone lanterns. Adorable!

A variety of bronze and golden hanging lanterns

Numerous lanterns hang along the corridors of the complex

In many years past, all the lanterns were lit every evening. I could only imagine how spectacular it must be to see all the glowing lanterns here. Nowadays, they are only lit during two big annual festivals.

Lanterns abound leading up to one of the main buildings of the shrine.

Here, worshipers make offerings and pray for peace, happiness, and well-being.

Some of the donated stone lanterns that have accumulated over the years

Details on a stone lantern

Lined up like soldiers guarding the hall.

There are three main buildings in this shrine: the Haiden (Worship Hall), Heiden (Offering Hall), and Honden (Main Hall, which houses the kami). When we were here, the Main Hall was under restoration but you can find photos and learn more by visiting these helpful sites:

Japan Guide
About Kasuga Taisha
Japan Travel



This story continued from Daibutsu and Divine Messengers.

Daibutsu

Great Buddha
Todaiji Temple, Nara
October 9, 2015
JTB Tour 2

The Nara Daibutsu or the Great Buddha of Nara

Inside the Todaiji Temple's main hall, the prominent Nara Daibutsu or Great Buddha of Nara is an incredible sight to behold.  On an elevated stage directly in front of it was a group of monks chanting. They were rehearsing for an important prayer event.

Here's a short video clip.

The monks working hard in preparation for a special occasion.

The lower platform is neatly laden with tatami mats and instruments.

I was in awe of the large statue. With my eyes, I traced its every intricate detail. Behind its bronze body is a shiny gold backdrop embellished with tiny buddha figures. I'm guessing it's the halo.

To give you an idea of the enormous size:  the bronze lotus petal next to the Great Buddha is 10 feet tall.

With this photo, you can gauge the enormity of this building and the Great Buddha.

The Vairocana Buddha is the Todaiji Temple's chief object of worship. It is known to be the "Buddha that shines throughout the world like the sun." Though it has been damaged several times due to fires or earthquakes, it has always been repaired. It's astounding to realize that the current statue dates back to 1692.

For scale, I took this picture showing tourists taking photos of the Great Buddha.

Seated next to the Great Buddha is a Bodhisattva or enlightened one, known to help people overcome their obstacles.

To the left of the Great Buddha is Kokuuzo Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of wisdom and memory.

Look at the exquisite and gilded back side of the Bodhissattva statue.

One of the most imposing statues inside the hall is the a highly detailed wooden carving of Koumokuten, a Celestial guardian and protector of Buddha's realm.

The giant statue of the guardian Koumokuten is a detailed wooden carving.

Near this giant statue is the popular "healing pillar." The wooden pillar has a small opening where visitors endeavor to crawl through. If successful, one is believed to find lasting enlightenment and a guaranteed place in heaven.

The Great Buddha Hall or Daibutsuden, the largest wooden structure in the world.

The Daibutsuden has also been destroyed many times in the past because of fires of war and natural disasters. But it was always rebuilt to house the Great Buddha. The current building is only about 1/3 smaller than the original, yet it is the world's largest wooden structure.

A closer look at the Octagonal Lantern, one of the oldest treasures of the temple.

 

The monks walking back to the monastery after their rehearsal.

 

Some fun facts:

Great Buddha Hall
Height = 159.89 feet

Great Buddha
Height of Body = 48.91 feet
Length of Head = 17.39 feet
Length of Eye = 3.34 feet
Length of Ear = 8.33 feet

Octagonal Lantern
Height = 15.15 feet

This story continued from Divine Messengers