Tradition, Tokyo

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The 7th birthday marks an important year in a girls life, according to Japanese tradition, and no better place exists in Tokyo than the Meiji Shrne for observing this. Apparently, the seventh year can be dangerous for young girls, so they should visit a shrine to pray for protection during the next 365 potentially hazardous days. Some girls do their best to ensure this protection by dressing in elaborate kimonos and have their picture taken by various family members (as well as passing tourists like me!). It's quite a colorful sight!

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It is possible to see women wearing tradtional clothing wandering the streets of Tokyo. In fact, if you want, you can even buy kimonos in stores (see me shopping tip). That's because many Japanese people still will wear traditional clothing on ceremonial or festive occassions. I saw these two women in line for something appararently important in Asakusa. Even though it was a Saturday morning, all of the men were in suits and a few of the women were in kimonos (others were dressed very nicely). In the Ginza, you can see other traditionally-dressed women whose mployment might require it -- maybe they're geishas! However, if you want to see real geishas with their faces painted while, Kyoto's Gion is a better place.

We were missing our pets back home when we got out of the station at Shibuya, and found the statute of Hachiko, the "most loyal dog in Japan" -- an akita whose master was lost in the war, but who waited patiently for his return. The statue is a great place for meeting people in case you get separated! As an aside, Richard Gere was recently in my home state, Rhode Island, filming a movie about Hachiko. I somehow doubt it will resonate! The surrounding district is full of shops, many youth-friendly restaurants, and interesting sights.

Rice is consummed in Japan for more than 2000 years. Even the word used for "rice" means also "meal". Well..everyone is familiar with rice, the only difference in Japan it's quite sticky, but from the other hand it's easier to pick it up with chopsticks. Please never pour soy sauce into the rice, it's not japanese tradition, it's chinese. Also when you eat sushi, better before dumping it into soy sauce turn it upside down, that keeps the rice from crumbling.

Tokyo in summer is facinated with all sorts of Matsuri.
you can simply enjoy Hanabi (Fire Crackers) at Sumida River and then to other Matsuri elsewhere in Tokyo.

Came and exploring yourself in this wonderful city.

Shrine visitors write their wishes on these wooden plates and then leave them at the shrine in the hope that their wishes come true. Most people wish for good health, success in business, passing entrance exams, love or wealth. You may write in any language from English, Chinese to Japanese.

Before you entering a shrine in Japan, you must get yourself clean before doing the prayer. Refer to my cutie face picture you will know what should you do before you entering. You can find this on every entry of the shrine....is a Japanese culture. Found near the entrance, the water of these fountains is used for purification. You are supposed to clean your hands and mouth before approaching the main hall.

Put the incense into the incense burner and fan some smoke towards yourself as the smoke is believed to have healing power. For example, fan some smoke towards your shoulder if you have an injured shoulder.