A wish board at the Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine used to request electoral support for Obama's campaign.
After decompressing in my Tokyo hotel on Friday night…I met up with my friend and colleague Patrick Ramage, a frequent visitor to Japan…who provided both outstanding conversation and insights on where to eat, shop and gawk.
After a wonderful dinner and some sleep, we visited a couple of Shinto shrines…including Meiji Jingu…which according to the brochure is “dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken.”
After the first stroll down the wide boulevard that leads you towards the shrine itself, we were asked if we would like a free tour of the area by some local volunteers of the Hibiki organization…which according to their brochure encourages the learning of Japanese values and traditions through cultural exchange programs.
Patrick and I were given a free tour by some Hibiki volunteers.
They passed on quite a bit of information about Shinto tradition, the shrine and were even kind enough to help Patrick inquire about a pair of glasses he had misplaced in the park a couple of months prior.
Some pretty fantastic elements at the Shrine including the largest Torii gate in Tokyo or perhaps even Japan…the detail escapes me…in any event a very pleasant experience…even if Patrick wasn’t able to recover his spectacles.
Patrick also suggested visting the Tsukiji Fish Market, which is one of the largest of its kind anywhere in the world. I think we’re on for that very early in order to catch the tuna auction at 5:30 AM…and then beat the rush for Sushi and beer…Patrick says it’s the best Sushi in the world…and I’m pretty sure I believe him.
