Christina’s Journey Journal

Tag: Buddha

  • Tokyo touring continued

    Tokyo touring continued

    After Meiji Shine, we continued our tour and the day kept getting better and better, even as the rain fell…

    The Imperial Palace is beyond this moat and the Nijunashi Bridge, which means “Double Bridge”. There are actually two bridges—the stone arch bridge in the front, which is called Meganebasgi (or Eyeglass Bridge in English), and a steel bridge behind it. The name comes from the original wooden bridge it replaced, which was two-levels.
    The emperor of Japan is symbolic, serving as the head of state and a symbol of the Japanese people. The imperial dynasty dates back to 660 BCE with the legendary emperor, Jimmu, descended from the sun goddess, Amaterasu.
    The Kusunoki Masashige was a loyal samurai dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo. He ultimately sacrificed his life in battle.
    Next stop was the man-made island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay, across from the Rainbow Bridge. Originally built for defensive purposes in the 1850s, it’s now a major recreation area. There’s even a 40 foot Statute of Liberty in the Odaiba Marine Park, given by the French in 1998 as a sign of friendship between the two nations.

    After stops at the Imperial Palace and Odaiba, we ate a buffet lunch at a local hotel by the airport. Then we went to my one of favorite places in Asakusa, Tokyo—the Buddhist temple called Sensō-ji. Built in the 7th century, it is Tokyo’s oldest temple and draws some 30 million visitors each year. It is also known as the Asakusa Kannon.

    The grounds are as colorful as they are stunning and it’s difficult to capture the beauty with my camera. The entrance is called the Kaminarimon or “Thunder Gate”, and showcases a massive paper lantern painted in red-and-black tones symbolizing thunderclouds and lightning.

    The beautiful koi pond on the grounds of the Senso-ji temple. The stone bridge, built in 1618, is considered the oldest stone bridge that remains in Tokyo.
    Hozomon Gate (Treasure House Gate) is the inner of two large entrance gates that lead to the Senso-ji. The outer is the Kaminarimon.

    The Kaminarimon, known as the Thunder Gate, marks the entrance to the historic Senso-ji Temple.
    Entering the Main Hall (Hondo)
    Inside the Main Hall (Hondo), which is the primary building where the statue of Kannon is enshrined. This statue is not visible to the public.

    Five-Story Pagoda is a prominent landmark on the grounds and stands 55 meters tall. It houses the relics of Buddha.

    Buddha’s Breath—The smoke from the incense burner (jokoro) at Senso-ji symbolizes purification and healing. We use it to cleanse the body and mind. You’re supposed to direct it toward a part of your body you wish to heal or toward the head to gain wisdom.
    Directly the smoke to gain wisdom.
    Fortune time! You pay a small fee, shake the box, draw a stick with a number on it and then draw your fortune (omikuji) from that numbered box. My fortune was the best…yes, it said it was The Best Fortune. If you get a bad one, then you “kami wo misubu”—fold the paper and tie it to one of the designated racks to “leave behind” the bad luck.
    One of the Buddhas on the temple grounds
    The Nakamura-dori is the historic 250-meter-long shopping street that runs from Kaminarimon to the Hozomon Gate (Treasure House Gate) leading to the main hall. It is lined with shops selling souvenirs and traditional snacks —where I bought delicious senbei!

    What’s the difference between Shinto and Buddhism? It was explained to me while we were in high school by my friend, Kayoko, and I have referred back to this teenage explanation many times—Shinto is Japan’s native religion that focuses on this life while Buddhism centers on the afterlife and enlightenment.

    Interesting observations: When you travel to Japan, it’s best to bring your own hand towel in your bag. This towel can is used to wipe your hands after you wash them in public restrooms as many times there are no paper towels nor dryers. 

    Our day concludes on the next post…