Hoppin’ around Tokyo | Custom Tour
“Sample taste of Tokyo please!”
Day 2: Checking out different scenes of Tokyo and fitting in as much as we can in one day!
Also, two new members joined in on the fun!
“I want to give my Dad a lifetime experience and make unforgettable memories in Japan. But Tokyo seems so hectic to get around. Help?”
The plan:
Tsukiji Outer Fish Market in Tsukiji
Sengakuji Temple (Tale of 47 Ronin)
Gotokuji “Lucky Cat” Temple in Setagaya residential area
Harajuku’s Takeshita Street
Drop off back to hotel
Yakitori for dinner!
Tsukiji Market
Loaded Inari Cone Sushi
Sweet egg roll
“I would like to try some seafood”
Need a virtual walking tour of my favorite spots at Tsukiji Market? Here’s some history as well.
Coffee Break at John Lennon’s fav spot
They have a variety of drinks for every tea, juice, soda, hot cocoa, coffee drinker
This moment was so cute!
Sengakuji Temple | 泉岳寺
Watch the short documentary here on Japan’s history of “The 47-Ronin”
There are many perspectives on who was right or wrong. In my opinion, I think the 47 Ronin, masterless samurai, of the Ako Clan (there were a total of 260 men) took out an innocent man (Kira who was just trying to fix Asano’s misbehavior) and killed themselves over nothing to avenge the death of their samurai master, Asano, who acted out of character and got what he deserved… the honorable harakiri self-suicide death penalty.
But this was the Samurai Bushido Code of Honor… What do you think? Reckless or nah?
The movie with Keanu Reeves was… strange to me. The acting was fine, but the production choices were clear that it was a white-washed Hollywood production.
I feel it did not portray Japanese culture well.
TBA on my review of “Blade of the 47 Ronin”!
“Do these samurai have families? ”
I had to look this one up since I wasn’t sure… the short answer is YES.
It was expected of samurai to have children.
It was important to have heirs carry on the family name, since legacy was considered important.
A samurai warrior’s number one priority is to serve in battle and the Lord, and follow the code of honor known as Bushido.
Their families had to be second to that. Most will write goodbye letters instead of properly saying goodbye in case they do not survive.
If you were the head of the household, wouldn’t you do anything for your children and family?
Having family to protect gave more meaning and purpose to these samurai.
There are 47 graves lined next to Asano’s and his wife
Everyone got the memo on the outfits LOL
There is a small museum worth checking out. Rob and Bekah were fascinated to see the receipt of Kira’s severed head.
Them: ”You need an invoice for that??”
Website: http://www.sengakuji.or.jp/
Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya | 大谿山 豪徳寺
“It all started when a cat invited the lord
to the temple…”
One day, a lord on his way back from falconry was beckoned by a cat at the temple gate and decided to stop by.
While spending time at the temple, thunder suddenly rang out and rain began to fall. Having gotten well out of a thundershower with an enjoyable conversation with the temple master, the lord was impressed by this luck that the cat brought.
The lord was Naotaka Ii, the lord of Hikone domain.
Financially backed up by Naotaka, Gotokuji temple was rebuilt in 1633.
This is my favorite group shot <3
Take home a cat figurine, make a wish or manifest a goal. When it comes true, bring it back and put it with the rest. Then buy another!
FATHER-SON MOMENT <3 Pet the cat for good luck
What do these cats mean?
Manekineko of Gotokuji holds no coin.
The usual Manekineko, or beckoning cat, brings luck and happiness, but not these cats!
These cats in Gotokuji Temple bring you opportunities to link to people who may bring you what you need.
They say, if you live in constant gratitude, luck and happiness come to you spontaneously. Take home a cat statue to remind you of that.
We got in the car just in time for the quick rain shower!
Final stop: Harajuku
Harajuku is known for kawaii fashion. You’ll see people dressed in funky, kawaii, lolita, pastel colors.
We strolled through Takeshita Street, which is lined with shops from cosmetics to retail stores to unexplained cute things for sale. This is where I usually get my bunny ears!
Despite the chaos, everyone made it to the finish line on the other side.
The ladies were able to window-shop real quick, the men got a coke at McDonald’s and waited when they were done.
“Rob’s father looked like he had the time of his life! He and I took cute selfies haha”
Purikura Booth
