Tokyo

We climbed into the plane in South America during the night of the 17th August and didn't leave the airstrip until two days later ('tour the world in 30 flight hours').

After we settled in a traditional Japanese guesthouse, we started our adventure through Tokyo. Coming from South America (where most of the public structures seem to function only by pure coincidence) the well planned organization in Tokyo was a good change. Most of the artefacts here are cleverly thought-through (for example an extra baby seat in the toilet when the carer needs to use the loo, many clean high-tech public toilets, special reductions on the 'fresh food boxes' in supermarkets starting at 8pm in order to not waste the food, many free water fountains, free plastic coating for wet umbrellas in front of every restaurant/shop to avoid dropping inside of the building and many more).

The food in Japan (at least the meals we tasted) was delicious and (most of the time) very healthy. Especially from the sushi we couldn't get enough and didn't let one single day pass without the raw fish bits (either for breakfast, lunch or dinner). But also their soups (f.ex. the traditional ramen with noodles, eggs, slices of meat, seaweeds and spring onions), their 'shabu shabu' (Japanese fondue) or their 'bento boxes' (boxes with departments filled with tasty bits of different kinds of food) transformed our stay into a culinary pleasure.

Tokyo itself is huge and the distances are often further than expected (it's wise to buy a Pasmo/IC card to avoid calculating each single fare while traveling with the immense metro system).

There are a lot of religious temples and shrines hidden between the modern buildings but most of them are reconstructions (as the majority of them was destroyed either by fire, during the Second World War or due to the many earthquakes). The shrines are always marked by a big entrance gate (without fences around it) to delimit the sacred from the unsaintly space.

Some neighbourhoods are 'slightly' crazy (with dog and cat bars, maid cafés, people dressed up like manga characters, etc.) but everywhere we went, the things were running smoothly. Every single person we met/asked on the street, in the shops or at restaurants were extremely polite and eager to help, which makes Japan (according to our humble opinion) the most custom oriented country we visited so far.
On the other side, people seem quite introverted (no loud noises, no discussions in the metro, avoiding eye contact, every move in crowded public spaces were coordinated and every breach of the rule was sanctioned with a firm rebuke). This may explain why the craziest TV shows, the strangest toys and the most extreme disguises originate from Japan (to compensate this strict regime in daily life).

We didn't let pass the opportunity to visit the biggest fish market of the world. Unfortunately it was closed for public until 10am (because it is only for wholesalers not for individuals) so when we were finally allowed to enter, the whole action was already over.

Furthermore we got the possibility to witness a Sumo tournament (organized by a big shopping mall to honour this traditional sport) with many of the famous Sumo ringers of Japan (this was a big chance for us because during summer time, there is normally no official Sumo tourney).

On the other hand there are usually a lot of famous festivals in Tokyo during August time, but due to a typhoon and heavy rainfall most of them were cancelled. Nevertheless, we were lucky enough to be part of a very old dance festival, the 60th Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Dance Festival, where more than 10.000 dancers participated and over 1 million viewers came to watch. Awaodori is the traditional dance of Tokushima with a history of more than 400 years. People believe that the smiles of the dancers brighten up the crowd/town surrounding them.

We will see, if and how our perception of Japan will change during our stay here.

After 2 days of travelling we arrived 'dog-tired' at the airport of Tokyo.

Nakamise Dori, the street that leads to the most popular temple of Tokyo (Senso-ji Temple), is considered as one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. It has more than 80 shops with traditional Japanese souvenirs and food.

The Senso-ji Temple in the Old Town of Tokyo attracts locals to pray and tourist to take pictures. Unless many other tourist attractions in the neighbouring countries, people don't hurry here or push their way through the crowd.

To keep in good touch with the holy spirits, you can light up a bundle of incense sticks in front of the shrines.

The three lakes in 'Ueno Park' are covered up by water plants so you can only guess that there are lakes. We found the unique spot where you can see the water :)

The reconstructed Kan'ei-ji pagoda in the Ueno Park.

Next to the shrines you can always buy good-luck charms or good/bad fortune batches. If you draw a bad-fortune-lot, you have to tie it around this construction. Luckily we both got a good fortune ticket, so we could take it along :)

On these wooden plates you write your wishes and if you are lucky enough, the holy spirits will grant them.

Saigō Takamori is considered as the Last Samurai in Japanese History (and probably the first rebel because he wears his everyday Kimono instead of his official uniform)

The constant heavy rainfall makes you feel like witnessing the world's end.

At the Tokyo fish market you can find the widest variety of fresh fish in the world.

Inside of the market you feel like being in a very big warehouse. To keep the fish fresh a huge amount of polystyrene is used.

After the market is finished, a lot of the polystyrene is thrown away.

Cat (or dog bars) are very popular in Japan. Most of the people live in small apartments and aren't allowed to keep pets. Therefore they pay (per half hours) to cuddle the animals (under strict rules) in the cat cafe.

Uobei, one of many fast food sushi chains in Japan. We ate most of the time at the 'Hamazushi' chain, because it was nearer to our guesthouse and the fish was very affordable (unlike most other sushi restaurants).

Ordering a plate at Hamazushi.

The fascinating thing about some of Japan's biggest street crossings is the fact that all the pedestrians have 'green light' at the same time. So on a 4-way-stop all the cars have to wait and the circle in the middle of the street becomes no-man's-land.

Some impressions of the 60th Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Dance Festival

To keep the saints in good mood, each member of the Japanese Sake Cooperative donates every year a barrel of their best sake. The barrels are piled up at the Yoyogi Park (next to the Shinto Shrine).

To discover the trends of the new generation, we entered a maid bar.

You are considered as their master ('The Master is coming home') and the maids will sing or play games with you, if you wish (and pay) for. For those with naughty thoughts: Touching the maids is strictly forbidden ;)

Electric Avenue 'Akihabara'. Here you can get every piece of high-tech you could wish for.

Like the Japanese tourists come to Luxembourg to take a picture of the Grand Ducal Palace, Luxembourg tourists travel to Japan to get a photography in front of the Emperors residence.

Tradition meets modern age.

The winner of the first Sumo Tournament.

People watching the Sumo tournament at a delimited area in the shopping mall.

Like two gorillas fighting for their female mate.

It's impressive when the big meat masses collide.

Sumo ringers are considered as superstars in Japan. We had to 'fight' to get this picture ;)