Japan Travel: Tokyo Tower & Skytree
Tokyo Tower
Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower is situated in the Shiba-kōen zone in Minato, Tokyo. Built in 1958 as a symbol of economic rebirth, with its 333 meters it has a double function. It is in fact a tower for telecommunication and scenic landmark!
Completely built in steel there are two observatory that will let you have one of the best views in the world. At the first floor, situated at 150 meters from the ground, there's the main observatory offering you a scenic view on the city. At 250 meters there's another special observatory that will allow you to see the Tokyo Sky Tree and up till mount Fuji.
Obviously the Tokyo Tower is not just this. Inside there is a souvenir store, a very elegant bar and a stage where every week you can enjoy musical events. Even the younger ones can enjoy shows during holidays also thanks to "Noppon", the Tokyo Tower mascottes.
At its feet there's the Highball Garden Rooftop Genghis Khan: a terrace bar opened between March and September that serves specialties and exclusive cocktails.
From June 1st and August 31st there's a very peculiar and fascinating event called “Milky Way Illumination”. The stairs that go from the ground up to the observatory are enlightened with blu lights. On the roof a lot of starts will appear and it will make you feel as if you are in space. Furthermore, during the full moon nights, the Tokyo Tower lights up in a pink shade!
Even today, the Tokyo Tower serves the purpose it was built for. Thanks to the antenna on top, it takes care of the transmission of the signal for the main Japanese TV networks.
Tokyo Skytree
More recent than the Tokyo Tower is the Tokyo Sky Tree. Symbol of Tokyo architecture with it's shapes that reminds us of the ancient temples of the Heian era, it fills the sky with its 634 meters of height. A number that is not casual: the signs mu (6), sa (3), shi (4) they form the word "Musashi", ancient name of the region where the Tokyo Sky Tree is.
This is the highest telecommunication in the world, with one of the most beautiful sceneries thanks to the Solakara Point. Here the floor and the glass walls gift the feeling of belonging to the sky.
The Tokyo Sky Tree mixes modern and ancient times. From the fourth floor of the tower you can see the SUPER CRAFT TREE where the designer Yukio Hashimoto showcased his creations. The artist mixes the modern techniques with the Edo period craftsmanship. A proof of this is the TEMBO SHUTTLE, the lift with crafted panels that represent the miyakadori (the bird symbol of Tokyo), Sakura trees and the Sumidagawa river.
As custom in Tokyo, also the Sky Tree has its own mascotte, the Sorakara-chan (daughter of the Sky). Naturally, the main function of the tower is the distribution of the radio and tv signal at a regional leve.
Photo Credit: gaijinpot.com; tokyo-skytree.jp; tokyotower.co.jp; google image;
Japan History: Zojoji Temple
Zojoji Temple
The Zojoji temple was founded in 1393. Relocated to the present site in 1598 after Ieyasu Tokugawa, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, entered present-day Tokyo in 1590. After the start of the Edo Period, Zojoji became the family temple of the Tokugawa family, one of the most powerful houses in all Japan. The cathedral, temples and the mausoleum burned down during the air raids during World War II. However, most of the structures got rebuilt. Today Zojoji continues to serve as the main temple of the city. Due to its position of favour, this is not just one of the main religious spot but also one of the main landmarks for tourists. The view of the Tokyo Tower on its background is just breathtaking.
Zojoji's Peculiarities
THE GATE
The main wooden gate is peculiar for its vermilion color. Measuring 21 meters in height, 28.7 meters in width and 17.6 meters in depth, it was built in 1622. Today the gate is one of the most important remains of the Edo Period architecture. Its name is Sangedatsumon and it means a gate (mon) for getting delivered (gedatsu) from three (san) earthly states of mind: greed, anger and stupidity.
THE BELL
With a diameter of 1.76 meters, a height of 3.33 meters and a weight of 15 tons, this bell is one of the Big Three Bells of the Edo Period. Tolled twice a day for 6 times each, in the early morning and in the evening. Its name is the Daibonsho (Big Bell). It serves to purify 108 earthly passions (bonno), which lead people astray. Furthermore, legend says ti gives profound equanimity through an exhortation, repeated six times a day.
THE STATUES
When you walk around in the Zojoji Temple, one of the first thing you might notice are these statues representing babies. They are the Ojizo-san, or Ojizo-sama. These little statues are characterized by bright red clothing and handmade crochet caps. They might just seem cute ornaments, but tradition says they protect the spirit of unborn children and little ones that passed away.
Photo Credit: Japan Italy Bridge
Zojoji Official website: Click here
Japan Travel: Asakusa & Sensoji Temple
Asakusa
Asakusa is one of the most famous district of Tokyo. Situated in the north-east side of the city and delimited by the Sumida river. Asakusa is a very interesting place mostly thanks to the Sensōji temple dedicated to Kannon Sama, Buddhist goddess of mercy.
Passing the Kaminarimon, the door of “thunder” with its big red paper lantern called Chōchin, there’s the famous Nakamise Dori. This is a peculiar street is full of stands where you can find many items and traditional clothes together with toys for children. For all the food lovers, here you can taste the traditional meals like Senbei (rice crackers in soy sauce), the amazing Yakisoba (buckwheat noodles) and Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).
If you are looking for a place where to rest, buy souvenirs and feel completely submerged in Japanese history and tradition, come to Asakusa. Here you can find a little bit of everything. The ambience is even more peculiar thanks to the porters in traditional clothes and the rickshaws.
Asakusa is also a wonderful place for kids. Around here you can find the oldest playground in Japan, Hanayashiki.
Opened since 1853 and completely abandoned afterwards after the Second World War. Due to this, in 1949, following a couple of years of restoration and update for safety measures, the playground re-opened. Something very cute to see is the mascotte of the playground, the Panda Car and the kids can have fun driving it.
Sensō-ji Temple
The Sensō-ji is a temple dedicated to the boshisattva Kannon (Avalokitesvara). Legend says that the golden statue of Kannon found in the Sumida river by two fishermen, Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari in 628. The statue was then preserved from the head of the village Hajino Nakamoto in his house in Asakusa.
The house became a temple but the actual shrine was built in 645. Restored after the destruction of World War II, the temple is now a symbol of rebirth and peace for all Japanese. Furthermore, a tree was born inside the trunk of a previous one destroyed by the bombing and became another symbol of rebirth.
The Sanja Matsuri, the most important Japanese festival, takes place at Sensō-ji in spring. It lasts 3/4 days and it attracts a lot of people between tourists and in loco. This festival has been transformed quite a few times. Originally it started as “funamatsuri”, a ceremony taking place on a ship. However, after changing to the use of “dashi”, ceremonial carts, it took its modern form with three “mikoshi”, altars, shown in a procession.
In the temple you can find omikuji dispensers, tickets containing a divine prophecy. Also it's famous for its zen garden in typical Japanese style.
Asakusa in pills:
Where: North-east Tokyo
Peculiarities: Sensō-ji Temple, Kaminarimon, Hanayashiki playground, Nakamise Dori
Food: Senbei, Yakisoba, Yakitori and other specialties of the Japanese cuisine
Photo Credits: Google Images & Japan Italy Bridge
