20 Dec Christmas in Tokyo
Japan, destination Tokyo.
Spending Christmas in Tokyo was definitely a great idea, because this city can give so many good memories. In fact, arriving in the late afternoon, I head to the hotel in the Asakusa area and immediately get catapulted back in time seeing the main entrance to the district, the Kaminarimon.
Asakusa is magical with its quaint buildings, full Japanese-style establishments, and Christmas lights that lend a Western touch. I remember very well that first evening between good food and curiosity to learn more about this enchanted place.
The colors continue in the neighborhoods of Akihabara, a neighborhood literally animated by video games, manga and cartoons, and in the neighborhood of Shibuya Where consumerism reigns supreme.
But the most beautiful and delightful colors were definitely those of the "mochi": delicious riceo.... treats to try!
Just as the many dishes that go far beyond sushi are worth trying-it's like foreigners who think we Italians eat pizza from morning to night!
In short, this city is one discovery after another! The spiritual dimension is very much present with the countless temples and various statues of the Big Buddha (in Kamakura) and yet I am stunned to discover that there is no longer any trace of the ancient practice Reiki which was founded in Japan itself by Master Usui. He is buried in Tokyo and I decide to go personally to pay my respects to his memorial.
Another constant in Japan is definitely the famous gardens. Quiet and landscaped to the smallest detail, I think they mirror the soul of the Japanese. One gets lost in contemplating them for hours! In autumn it is not flowering time but the colors from yellow to red give an equally remarkable effect.
Nature, temples, technology and stellar modernity, and one constant: everything is in miniature:-) even the Statue of Liberty (in the Obaida area) and the Tokyo Tower are small; not to mention Tokyo Disneyland: a Japanese-sized amusement park where the rides seem smaller and less exciting; hotel rooms where it is impossible to open a suitcase completely; cars; parking lots; restaurant seating; food portions; Christmas-lit attractions; skyscrapers that aren't so tall after all!!!
