When I’m abroad I love to go to zoological gardens. You can learn a lot about a society when you see how they treat animals. And in Tōkyō, Japan I was really surprised: those silent and emotion-free Japanese people started to laugh and smile at the zoo.
Continue reading “Onshi ueno dōbutsuen”Sawanoya Ryokan
The Sawanoya Ryokan in Tōkyō, Japan was my first traditional ryokan hotel ever. It still has the spirit of past times, you’re welcomed by a very friendly family and the best of all are the two Onsen baths.
Continue reading “Sawanoya Ryokan”Sensō-ji
The Sensō-ji (or Asakusa-dera) is the biggest and most important Buddhist temple in Tōkyō, Japan. It’s history goes back to the year 628 when fishermen found a statue in their nets. From 645 on a temple was built at this place that has later been extended.
Continue reading “Sensō-ji”Tsukiji fish market
It is the biggest fish market in the world and it’s a good reason to wake up early: the Tsukiji fish market in Tōkyō, Japan. 2200 tons of fish and seafood are traded here each day; including big tuna fish used especially for sushi. It roots back to the 16th century and was created to provide the Tennō and his house with fresh fish.
Continue reading “Tsukiji fish market”47 Rōnin
At the Sengaku-ji temple in Tōkyō, Japan you can find same graves that have a special meaning for the Japanese people. The story of the 47 rōnin (samurai without a patron) is a national myth every child in Japan learns.
Continue reading “47 Rōnin”Hamarikyū garden
An oasis within the metropolis: the Hamarikyū garden in Tōkyō, Japan is a vast garden I stumbled open when looking for the Tsukiji fish market. You’ll find vast greenfields, ponds and a wonderful tea house here where you can have a traditional tea ceremony.
Continue reading “Hamarikyū garden”Tōkyō Imperial Palace
It is the home of the current Tennō and an important place in Tōkyō, Japan: the imperial palace was built after the year 1873 when the former castle of Edo at this site burned down. Most parts are protected and guarded, you can only enter them after registering for a guided tour.
Continue reading “Tōkyō Imperial Palace”Suidōbashi Grand Hotel
The Suidōbashi Grand Hotel is a typical hotel in Tōkyō, Japan. During my visit to a scientific conference I was staying here and had the smallest hotel room of all times – only a bed fitted into with very little space surrounding it.
Continue reading “Suidōbashi Grand Hotel”Tōkyō Dome City
When I was going to my hotel in Tōkyō, Japan I found a giant wheel and a rollercoaster in the center of the city. As I was quite surprised by this I decided to have a small walk and found the Tōkyō Dome, a baseball stadium used for the favorite sports of the country.
Continue reading “Tōkyō Dome City”Akihabara
Akihabara – also called Electric Town – is a city quarter of Tōkyō, Japan. Many tourists get here because of the special atmosphere created by shops for electronic devices, selling freaky gadgets in addition the ordinary stuff.
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