Sunday, January 21, 2007

Sunday - A Temple and Electronics

Today I began to explore. I brought a couple travel books with me. One lists the 25 places to see in Tokyo, so I figured I'd start with that. I visited the Zojoji Temple. The Temple is near the Tokyo Tower (Japan's version of the Eiffel Tower). Interesting is the stark contrast between this old-style building and the new concrete skyscrapers that surround it. This is/was the chief temple of the Jodo-Buddhist sect (founded in 1323). I saw was, because much of the structure I visited was rebuilt after WW2. The temple is surrounded by a small park, part of which includes little dolls called Jizo, which is the Buddhist equivalent of an angel. I also took some pictures and walked up to the Tokyo Tower, but because it was a cloudy day, decided to come back when the view was nicer. I did notice that under the Tower crepes were sold (I guess that makes the tower more authentic). Ohhh speaking of authenticity, I almost got a shot of a monk at the temple watching tv on his cell phone, but by the time I pulled out my camera, the door to the room he was in, was closed. Oh well.








Next I traveled north to Akihabara. I could go on for days about this store, but will not. Sufficed to say, it is 9 floors of electronics. Every single electronic device you could imagine can be bought here. I was in this massive building for hours - and I loved every second of it. The only place I've been where I could spend more time is the Vatican.

4 comments:

angelaphotos said...

funny combination.

temple=holy spot for some
electronics super mall=holy spot for you :)

angelaphotos said...

haha... I read it again, and it's even funnier. the only place you could spend more time is another holy building. you're funny

Unknown said...

That last photo could possibly be the funniest thing I have ever seen...not sure why, but it makes me laugh...

And you have no idea how jealous I am of the bestbuy on 'roids. Maybe we can work out an export/import business...!

Unknown said...

jon - the vista countdown is sponsored by microsoft - it is them, & not necessarily the japanese as such who're excited