Narita-san Park

I’d walked through Narita-san Park two decades back, but all I remembered from that time was a frozen pond. Although it hadn’t been snowing, it was an icy January 1^stday.

Naritasan Shinshorji Temple

When I first entered Narita’s temple more than twenty years ago, a New Year’s day ceremony was in full force. I climbed the steep steps to find there was no way I could squeeze into the main hall. Worshippers sat shoulder to shoulder while the sound of a drum beat a hypnotic rhythm.

A memory from two decades ago

Although I took no photos, I still remember walking along a narrow street in Narita where crowds made it impossible to tread at more than a snail’s pace. I was unaware of the importance of January 1^st in Japan until I reached the temple and saw the crowds gathered before a monk.

Shinjuku’s neon night

I first visited Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district in the day time and noticed the seedy side. Countless massage parlours and huge billboards of women in suggestive poses lined narrow lanes where men lingered outside waiting to lure customers.

A cloudy view

I reached Kawaguchiko Station in the hope of viewing Mt Fuji. Who doesn’t want to see Japan’s most famous mountain? On my final full day in Japan I knew my chances weren’t great. The sky was cloudy, and as I drew nearer, rain dampened the sidewalks. But this was my last chance.

Trains anyone?

I know I’ve  posted about Japan’s Shinkansen, and thought I’d never write about trains again. They didn’t  interest me until I spotted the Thomas trains on the way to Mr Fuji.

Yokohama’s skyline

Yokohama was a network of modern skyscrapers along the Bay of Tokyo. I took a waterfront hike to Rinko Park passing nearly as many cranes operating on building sites as completed structures.

The home of Nissan

Only a half hour train ride away from downtown Tokyo was Yokohama. It was a huge change from being in the midst of tourists, and as I left the train station and headed towards a park I’d earmarked, I stumbled upon my first eye catching sight.

Cruising on the Sumida

A cruise along the Sumida River seemed like an easy way to see more of Tokyo. I boarded a ferry at Asakura Pier and glided beneath countless bridges. While the trip was relaxing, there wasn’t much that drew my attention until we reached Hama Rikyu Garden.

By the Sumida River

I stood in Sumida Park by the water’s edge and stared across the Sumida River, but wasn’t quite sure what I was looking at. Was it a building?