Zojoji and Tokyo Tower

5/15/16

Dina and I had coffee this morning near Ginza before Yoshio and Yasue arrived to take us to Zojo-ji Shrine.

While riding the subway, Yoshio informed me that there are 13 train lines criss-crossing Tokyo. No wonder the train maps look like an close-up picture of a bloodshot eye.

"I Don't Drink Boss Coffee,

But You Should"

Speaking of bloodshot eyes, here is a famous dissipated American movie star who has sold his soul to a Japanese coffee company.

I can't bring myself to even say his name. I think the title above him says "manishita" which is Japanese for "phony" or "shoddy" I don't know. It's a very subtle language.

Back to the trains; the train system is very difficult to navigate even with the dual English/Japanese signage. There are many options to choose from when trying to decide which alley to take, which platform to stand on, which ticket to buy.

I think it could easily take a month or more for a person of average intelligence to have a reasonable command of the system. Dina said she and I could do it in three.

Yasue and Yoshio Buying Tickets.

Note the Maps Above Them

On the way to Zojo-ji, we stopped for lunch at a nice little sushi place. After gorging ourselves on delicious and delicately flavored fish, we marched on to the temple. Zojo-ji has been standing since 1622 a.d. It is a buddhist temple. It is said that if you pass through the gates you can rid yourself of 貪 ton; "greed", 瞋 Shin; "hatred", 癡 Chi; "foolishness". I have to say, it worked.

On the Way to the Temple

With Yasue, Dina, and Loren

Old Temple Gate

After visiting the Temple, we trekked to Tokyo Tower. It is billed as "Tokyo's Navel". I'm not kidding. At 333 meters high it is 9 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower. Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958.

Many of you may remember when Japan imitated and re-created lots of what was made in the west. In the last 50 years however, they have been on the cutting edge of technology and innovation.

We parted ways with Yoshio and Yasue about an hour ago.The Takanishi's returned home and we went back to the Royal Park. Tomorrow, another adventure awaits.

Tokyo Tower from Zojo-Ji

Looking Straight Down