Three Days in Tokyo

Mrs Bear and I flew to Tokyo to take a cruise that circumnavigates the Japanese islands. More on the cruise later … Today I’m going to write about our three days in Tokyo prior to beginning our cruise

We had never been to Japan, but had certain expectations for our visit … We had seen Shogun and the Last Samurai, and read various books about the Orient. We knew that Japan was a Buddhist country, and we were well acquainted with the history of WWII.

But what struck me the most, initially, was the demeanor of the people. They seem so humble, eager to please, and pleasant. They are always smiling and apologetic for any possible problem. I have similar feelings about the people of Southeast Asia, but Japanese exhibit these traits to the max. And this persona is so far removed from the aura of the Samurai and the warlike history of its former ruling class.

I came across this written description:

Rich in ancient influences and culture, the Japanese are an immensely proud nation, practicing simplicity and calmness… successfully alongside great power and success. Organized, disciplined, and efficient, yet gentle and dedicated, the Japanese rely and thrive on their unique historical roots.

It would do us good if all Americans could walk a few miles in Japanese shoes… For example, our local guide was describing a city area that she described as “wild.” She said it was more crime ridden at night, but then backtracked to make sure we understood that it was not an area where we might get robbed. Instead “wild” meant that there could be a pickpocket, or that me might see homeless people !! Japan has very few garbage cans, and yet it is extremely clean. Our guide stated very matter-of-factly that Japanese people do not litter. The people return their trash to the place of purchase, or they transport it home.

It is a part of their Shinto religion that all parts of the earth are holy … the mountains, lakes, trees, as well as the internal souls of the people are holy. Littering or treating others badly is therefore unholy. There is no need for its citizens to bear arms or protect themselves from external threats.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if the United States didn’t need our Second Amendment, viewed our lakes and mountains as holy, and treated all of each others with respect?? Maybe we would find a way to become great again !!

Where we actually visited in Tokyo was, in some ways, anticlimactic… The photo below is from Tokyo’s oldest Shinto Shrine. We are standing in front of the Meoto Kusu, or Husband and Wife trees. It is believed that couples who pray at these trees will have a long and happy marriage !!

On the other side of the Shrine, which is behind us, is the single tree for people to pray for finding a happy relationship.

The three photos above are from our last stop before boarding the ship … Edo Castle, the residence of the Emporer, and the Imperial Gardens. This was also our first real glimpse of the Samurai influence. The black oak tree above was planted by the Shogun 700 years ago. It grew out and various offshoots are supported by wooden posts. It reminded me of Maui’s banyan tree. This photo also shows how close the city is to the gardens and shrines.

The stop at the castle allowed a peek at the statue honoring the Samurai… who ruled the country for 150 years until the emergence of the Emperor rule in the 1800s. Finally there is a picture of the Castle. Twice each year, the people are allowed to enter the grounds via the bridges you see in the photo. The family waves down to them. Kind of like the Pope and Saint Peter’s Square.

Finally, upon leaving the harbor, we were greeted by Mount Fuji in all its glory. We will spend our last day touring a park on the flank of the mountain.