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Category Archives: Japan, Travel & Culture
Finding My Destination on Tokyo Transit
At first—and even after some experience—deciphering Tokyo’s transit map can be much like navigating a Jackson Pollock painting. Continue reading
Staring at Marie-Gabrielle
After nearly a week in a culture where people avoid making eye contact, a woman holds my gaze in challenge. How refreshing to stare at each other without being thought rude.
Ueno Park, Tokyo
The broad, tree-lined avenues of Tokyo’s first public park are alive with dappled shadows, visitors and street artists. A most popular spot in spring for its cherry blossoms, the sakura leaves are not yet gold on this autumnal day. However, … Continue reading
Sensoji Pagoda & Tokyo Sky Tree
Because of its slower pace and older character I chose to stay in Taito, a working-class neighbourhood around Asakusa Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple sacred to Bodhisattva Kannon, goddess of mercy. From my hotel balcony I see the spire of Gojyunotou, … Continue reading
Finding Sushi
The narrow street is dark but for the dim glow of lanterns. Anywhere else as a woman alone I’d stick to broad, well-lit thoroughfares. However, so long as you’re not blazingly stupid about it, Japan is safe after dark. By … Continue reading
Evening in Tokyo
An intensely orange sunset plays out across the sky. Tokyo’s traffic-fugue floats upward into the high-rise canyons. The city’s 24-hour, open-throated roar—akin to a fog-horn blast—plays pedal tone to random pizzicato horns. Three-beer laughter from the salary men at the … Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Evening in Tokyo, Tokyo neighborhoods in the evening
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Taito’s Traditional Craft Museum
Drawn in by bright red posts festooned with crimson maple leaves arching over a covered street, I decide to follow wherever it leads. Japan has many shotengai like it, covered avenues filled with tiny shops of every sort. From inside … Continue reading
Bicycle Menace
While chatting at breakfast with a career diplomat on leave from Kabul, he says: It’s nice to be back. It’s so safe. No worries about suicide bombers. You’re right, I answer. You’re more likely to get killed by a bicycle.
Learning to get around
In seconds it’s possible to become disoriented in Tokyo’s snakes-and-ladders streets. Sometimes it’s much easier to haphazardly wander than find a specific location. Doorways often aren’t numbered in Arabic numerals. Outside the major tourist hot-spots, signs are primarily in Japanese.
Body Language: A Surprise
Every time I enter a crowded elevator or the hotel breakfast room it happens. Immediately everyone shrinks slightly and turns away from me, a subtle but noticeable shift. As a non-Japanese travelling most mostly among nationals I’m not sure how, … Continue reading