The Tokyo Traveler

Today is the first article in the 23 part Wednesday’s Ward series where I will be provide a little bit of history and some of the things to do and see in each of  the wards, or neighborhoods, of Tokyo.  This week’s ward is Adachi, which is located on the northernmost boundary of Tokyo and is home to over 650,000 people.  Adachi-ku, or Adachi City, is the third largest ward in Tokyo and occupies a 53.2 square kilometer area that is bordered by Chiba and Saitama Prefectures to the north and Kita, Katsushika and Arakawa Wards to the south.
A Brief …read more

3 Comments

The other day while visiting a shrine in the Kagurazaka area of Tokyo I ran across the adorable sign below that illustrates the correct way to pay your respects, or say a prayer, at a shrine.
The sign gives you a pretty good idea of the process visually but here are the steps in English.

In front of the main building of the shrine approach the offering box and bow to the altar twice
Then, clap your hands together twice.
Lastly, bow once again before you turn to leave.

Between steps one and two feel free to say a little prayer.  Even if you are …read more

3 Comments

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

6 Comments