|
Land of the Samurai,
Sumo, Shogun and Sushi
|
 |
Nowhere else does
the modern world of high technology and constant change show itself more
poignantly than in Japan. Few people in the world are not affected in
some way or other by the ideas, culture and economy of Japan, yet this
country remains for many an enigma, an unsolved riddle.
Although one might
have been exposed to many different cultures, Japan embodies a totally
different presence of a different world: Both a contrast and balance
between sincere religion and unemotional business sense, friendly, but
yet elusive.
Appearances are
often deceptive in Japan, obliging foreign visitors to keep adjusting
their perceptions of the country. An exit at a large train station like
Shinjuku, with 2 million commuters per day, might deliver
you to street level or just as likely funnel you through a modern,
high-rise department store, selling the latest in technology items. It
feels as if the millions of commuters never go to sleep. |
Once
you arrive at Narita International Airport, it seems as if you
have stepped out of a time machine: it seems strange, and yet so familiar.
At first one feels a total stranger from a different world: busy like a
swarm of bees, almost with militaristic precision, everything is organized
and precise, and yet in almost total contrast to this, the people are so
friendly and assist you as a stranger wherever needed.
|
The Tokyo-Yokohama
area is the largest urban concentration in the world, with almost 70% of
Japan’s 130 million people live along the coastal stretch between Tokyo
and Kyushu.
Everyone knows
something about Tokyo. This is a dizzyingly dynamic, post-war reinvented
metropolis, where the input of international culture is transformed into
output that is uniquely Japanese. Japan’s capital is situated on the
banks of the
Sumida River,
forming Tokyo Bay. |
 |
Tokyo has always been
the most expensive city in the world; however, recently it moved to second
place, after Oslo. But if you plan your visit properly, you can still enjoy
an affordable stay: avoid tourist traps and move with the locals! For
instance, to stay in Ginza, you will pay almost double to similar
accommodation in Shinjuku. When considering accommodation, take public
transport into consideration. In Tokyo the Metro system, consisting of 13
lines, is run by various operators, for instance the Japan Railways (JR
lines), the Tokyo Municipal authority (Toei) as well as private owners.
Active sightseers can save by buying a Tokyo Combination Ticket, a one-day
pass that can be utilized on all JR and Toei lines, for about R80.
|
 |
If at all possible
avoid taxis, especially from the airports: you can easily spend up to
R1500 on a single journey!
The different areas
of Tokyo all have totally contrasting sights and places of interest to
offer to the first time visitor. Just to name a few: the traditional
Imperial Palace region; the Marunouchi business district; the Ginza area
for high fliers and kabuki theatres; “eclectic leisure” in Ikebukuro;
Aoyama, Tokyo’s “Paris quarter”; Shibuya and Roppongi for the younger
generation and night life; or Ueno with its park and shrines and cherry
blossoms! |
Some interesting
experiences during our stay were, to highlight only a few:
-
Our unforgettable
day-trip to the Hakone region on the EXE 30000 Express, the well
represented open air sculpture art museum, and of course, the highlight of
the day: Mount Fuji, at first totally covered by clouds, and
late afternoon, when the blanket of thick clouds slowly opened up to
expose the most impressing scene of the magical mountain, reflected in
Lake Ashi (Ashino-ko)!
-
As an architect,
the architectural expressions found in the diverse examples of the
contemporary architecture of Kenzo Tange (Olympic Games’
stadiums, Tokyo’s Metropolitan Government Offices in Shinjuku, St
Mary’s Cathedral in Mejirodai, the futuristic Fuji TV building in
Odaiba), LeCorbusier’s National Museum of Western Art,
the Tokyo International Forum by Rafael Vinoly, and the
Mori Art Centre in Roppongi Hills with the giant spider environment
sculpture of Louise Bourgeois, and the Ebisu Gardens
Palace at twilight, built on the site of the old Yebisu brewery.
-
The late afternoon
river cruise on the Sumida River, starting at Asakusa with Phillipe
Starck’s distinctive “golden sperm” at the Ashi Beer Company and
ending near Tokyo’s well known Tsukiji fish market.
|
|
- But
the one thing that will always remain imprinted in our memories of Japan,
are the people: Disciplined, energetic, honest and friendly
|
|
Visit
www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp for all the latest tourist information on
Tokyo. When in Tokyo, it is also advisable to visit one of the many tourist
info centres in the city, of which the one in Tokyo International forum is
conveniently located at Daimon Station, near Tokyo Main Station.
- Johann & Monique
Beukes
|
