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5 Free Must See in Tokyo
1. Meiji-Jingu Shrine – A most venerable Shinto Shrine is right in the
middle of Tokyo. Just a train station from Shibuya, the best time to visit is
on Saturdays when you’ll likely see a wedding ceremony. There is no entry fee
as it is a shrine in use.
The entrance is just steps from Omatosendo Exit of the Harajuku Station on JR or the Meiji Jingu Station of the Metro. From the streets, you’ll have to walk about 10- 15 minutes on gravel to reach the shrine. You’ll first see a big Tori Gate from the road. Bow once when entering and leaving. Walk a few meters and you’ll reach the gift stores and other facilities on the right. Tour groups usually start from here. There are barrels of Sake and Wine as offerings. Walk onwards and head left to the main shrine.
Here are some reminders to express
respect at the Meiji Jingu Shrine:
At the Temizuya (fountain with wooden
dippers) on the left before the Main shrine is where you cleanse your hands as
preparation for entering the shrine. First, you take the dipper on your right
hand, scoop some water and rinse your left hand. Transfer to the left hand then
rinse the right hand. Then pour water into your left hand and rinse your mouth.
Rinse once again your left hand and rinse the dipper by tilting it up letting
the water run down the handle of the dipper. Don’t touch the dipper with your
lips.
At the Main Shrine, you can’t take
photos when close to the main shrine. A good reminder is when there is a roof
above your head you’re not allowed to take photos.
Inside you’ll see small wooden boards
surrounding the tree on the right near the main hall. These are Emas which are
wooden tablets used to your wishes and prayers. You can purchase one for Y500
at the side of the shrine. You are suggested to write the date and your name
with your message. After, you hang it
among the others near tree. The Ema designs usually vary depending on the
shrine. Sometimes they have the zodiac signs or the crest of the shrine.
Bride getting ready |
For more information you can also
visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine website: http Meiji Jingu
Train Station: Meiji-jingu Station or
Harajuku (JR Yamanote line)
2.
Sensoji Temple “Asakusa Kannon” is the oldest and most popular Buddhist
temple. The temple is about 3 to 5
minute walk from Asakusa Station.
Once within the temple grounds, you’ll
notice many small drawers on the side, these are fortunes. To get your fortune,
pay the 100Y, then shake the wooden box while asking your question or wish in
your head until a bamboo stick comes out. Look for the number of the stick from
the drawers and get your fortune inside. If you receive a bad fortune, it is
believed you can delay it by tying it in the rack near the temple.
Train
Station: Asakusa
3.
Tsukiji Market
Famous for its tuna auction, the
Tsukiji Market is great to visit to sample fresh and affordable sushi. If you’d
like to watch the Tuna auction that starts at 5am, you’ll need to line up early
and get one of the limited slots (120 persons/day) each morning. You’ll need to
be there even before the trains start running so you should either take a cab
or stay nearby. To get more information about the Tuna Auction you can visit:
www.tsujiji-market.or.jp for more
details.
You can visit later in the morning
though and still enjoy the fresh seafood on sale. There are small stalls around
the market and restaurants you can enjoy sushi.
Grilled Tuna |
Train
Station: TSUKIJI Station
4.
Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue
No trip to Tokyo is complete without
visiting the busy intersection of Shibuya. Right near the Hachiko Statue, the
Shibuya Crossing is an interesting sight. Best place to watch is from the
second floor windows of Starbucks. It’s usually packed with people though so
you’ll have to be lucky to get a seat on the bar looking straight at the
intersection. You can also view it from the second floor of the Tokyu
Building.
Hachiko Statue |
view from Tokyu Building above Train Station |
View from the 2nd floor of Starbucks |
Train
Station: Shibuya: Hachiko Exit of JR Train Station.
5.
Government Metropolitan Building – Get a great view of Tokyo for free from
the observation decks of the Northern or Southern Building of 45th
floors of the Government Metropolitan Building in Shinjuku. Views of the Skytree, Mt. Fuji, and Meiji
shrine can be admired depending on the day’s visibility. Get a glimpse of Tokyo
at night from the North Observatory Deck, which is open until 11PM. The
Southern Observation deck is only open until 5:30 PM. For more information you
may also visit: www.metro.tokyo.jp
Train
Station: Shinjuku Station