The Tokyo Traveler

A 1,000 mile overland race, La Festa Mille Miglia, will kick off from Harajuku on October 11th and traverse through Tokyo, Fukushima, Tochigi and Kanagawa prefectures before finishing in Yokohama on the 14th. 
One hundred and sixteen classic cars will compete in the 12th running of this race where the average driver is 50 years old and no replica automobiles or cars built after 1967 are permitted to race.  A 1923 BUGATTI BRESCIA T22 is the oldest car in the race while a 1967 TOYOTA 2000GT MF10 is the youngest.  Ferraris, Aston Martins, MGs and Alfa Romeos are also among …read more

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Upon approaching the main building of a shrine in Tokyo you may notice a number of wooden plaques tied to a simple structure or tree.  These are ema and visitors purchase them from a stall on the shrine premises, write a prayer on the back, and then leave them behind in the hope that their prayer might be answered.  People employ ema to pray for good health, bountiful harvests, prosperity in business, success on exams, overall happiness and just about anything else you can imagine.
The literal translation of ema is “horse picture” and it is a tradition that dates back …read more

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The Meiji Jingu Shrine is beautiful Shinto shrine located within a 175 acre forested area in central Tokyo.  As you walk about the grounds it’s hard to imagine that you are in the middle of the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. 

The deities (spirits/souls) of the Emperor Meiji and His Consort Empress Shoken are enshrined at Meiji Jingu.  Empereor Meiji (1852-1912) led Japan out of isolation by promoting international ties and encouraging cultural pursuits.  His reign marked a very prosperous time in Japanese history.  Empress Shoken (1850-1914) was an advocate of education for women and was a contributor and supporter …read more

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