Japan on my mind

Another good, long day that began with bright, sunny skies, and because Monday, no open museums, so I took myself to Asakusa to the Sensoji Temple. I vividly remember coming here 20 years ago and I’m certain all those tourists weren’t there. It was a zoo. To the right of Sensoji is Asakusa shrine, an oasis of peace with very few tourists. I saw a number of marvelously clothed children who were there for the 3-5-7 ceremony.

To the right of the temple is a pagoda and a small park, also peaceful places. I did finally visit the temple. That wasn’t too bad. Most the tourists were photographing the gates and the souvenir shops that line the street leading to the temple.

The temple is very close to the Sumidagawa River. I wandered down and found the port for the river cruise, which was lovely, but not nearly as much fun as the cruise in Matsue. This was a large boat, lots of passengers, too much noise. The best place seemed to be at the back of the boat, so I stayed there and photographed.

Some of the architecture in Tokyo is really weird, some of it is elegant. The bridges were wonderful, especially the Shin Ohashi

and the Chuo Ohashi bridges.

The boat lands at the Hama Rikyu Garden, the highlight of which is a 300 year old pine tree.

Amazing, particularly that it’s still growing in Tokyo.

My next destination was Sengakuji Temple, a small site surrounded by large buildings, with a fascinating history. This is the burial ground of the 47 Ronin of Chushingura fame.

He is lighting and selling packets of incense to be placed at each of the graves. He places the burning packet in a bamboo tray.

I learned the story of the Chushingura a couple of years ago in Florida, when I went to a show of Ukiyo e prints by Kunisada. The story, a tale of loyalty and revenge, first became a Bunraku and then a Kabuki play. Prints about the play were made by Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi, as well as Kunisada, and others. Some of the prints are obviously scenes from the Kabuki. Others, like the Kunisada, portray Kabuki actors within landscapes based on reality, and not within the framework of the proscenium.

I had made plans to meet Shalmit for dinner and go to one act of Kabuki. I finished at the temple about 4 and decided to go over to the Ginza and hang out there. I went back to Mitsukoshi, had a few samples, including another kind of great chocolate, and walked around a little on the street. It’s really an unbelievable area.

The play was really good. I saw a Kabuki performance years ago in Chicago. Knowing nothing about it, I really did not appreciate it. Tonight was really different. Also, we got English earphone guides that whispered to us about the action throughout the performance.

This is my last night in Japan. After I check out of the hotel tomorrow I’ll go to Tokyo Station and leave my assorted belongs in a locker, then check on the train to Narita, which I plan to take about 3 pm. From there I’ll spend time in the National Museum of Modern Art and the Crafts Gallery. Then the train, retrieve my large suitcase that I sent to Narita on Sunday and on to the plane.

I won’t post again for a couple of days, but I have several posts in progress and many, many more photos. I have not decided how to handle the pictures. I may post them on Fat Old Artist, because I like the way it handles photos, or I may go to Flickr. Any suggestions would be welcome.