Tokyo Disneyland aka Wonderland

I reached Disneyland by JR train from Tokyo central station. Exploring Tokyo Disneyland can be a wonderful experience if you have a full day to spare. Single day ticket (called 1-Day passport) costs ¥6,200. Once you purchase the ticket, you will be provided with a brochure containing the attractions and a map to explore those. After the security check visitor is allowed inside Disneyland. Statue of Walt Disney holding Mickey mouse welcomes you. Disneyland is divided following marked areas which consists of various attractions

• World Bazaar
• Adventureland
• Citter Country
• Westernland
• Fantasyland
• Toontown
• Tomorrowland

Only deterrent here is the time. You need to plan your time to explore the attractions you choose best. One must make use of Disney Fastpass. Go to the Fastpass ticketing machine near a major attraction entrance and get your fastpass ticket for the particular attraction after scanning the 1-Day passport. You can visit the attraction within the time indicated in the fastpass ticket. But remember you have only few fastpass tickets to use and not all attractions have a fastpass ticketing machines. Here are some of the photos of Disneyland.

Parade in front of Cindrella Castle, Tokyo Disneyland

Entrance to Tokyo Disneyland

Crystal Palace, Tokyo Disneyland

Splash Mountain, Tokyo Disneyland

Mickey's PhilharMagic

Pooh's Honey Hunt

Cindrella Castle's alleys

Night parade in Tokyo Disneyland

Disney store, Tokyo Disneyland

Around Tokyo : Tokyo Imperial Palace

Tokyo Imperial Palace is one of the prime tourist attractions in the capital city of Japan. But the public entry is restricted to East Garden. The guide who lead us to the garden carried a flag, so that we can spot her in case we lost our way. I thought that was impressive. Here are some shots of the place.

Pond in East Garden, Tokyo Imperial Palace

Variety of flora in East Garden

Japan style roof amidst greenery

Nature blended with modernity

Sculpture of Fish at the entrance of East Garden

Garden lamp in East Garden

Tokyo Travel : Meiji Shrine or Meiji Jingu

Meiji Shrine or Meiji Jingu(in Japanese) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. As part of Tokyo city tour, we visited this place after visiting Tokyo Tower.

Barrels of sake wrapped in straw, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Tokyo

Barrels of Sake : When you enter the premises of Meiji shrine, you notice barrels of sake wrapped in straw stacked up near the entrance. Made from fermented rice, Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage. To know more about these barrels, read the following text which was written on information board put up near these barrels - "During the Meiji Era, Emperor Meiji, whose divine soul is enshrined here at Meiji Jingu, led the industrial growth and modernization of Japan by encouraging various industries and supporting technological development. Due to their grace and virtue, Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken, the beloved mother of our nation whose soul is also enshrined here, are held in the highest esteem by the Japanese people. These sake barrels are offered every year to the enshrined deities by members of the Meiji Jingu Zenkoku Shuzo Keishinkai (Meiji Jingu Nationwide Sake Brewers Association) including the Kotokai, which has made offerings of sake for generations, as well as other sake brewers around Japan wishing to show their deep respect for the souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. In addition to stating our humble gratitude to all of the brewers who have so graciously donated their sake, we also pray for the continuous prosperity of the sake brewing industry and all the other industries maintaining Japan's traditional culture."

Barrels of wine, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Tokyo

Barrels of wine : If you find barrels of sake on the right side when you enter, you will find barrels of wine on the right side. What is this about? To find read the following paragraphs from the information board - "The Meiji period was an enlightened period during which a policy of "Japanese spirit and Western Knowledge" was adopted, to learn from best of Western culture and civilization while keeping Japan's age-old spirit and revered traditions. Emperor Meiji led the way in promoting modernization by embracing many features of western culture in his personal life such as shearing his topknot and donning western attire, and in many other aspects of daily living. Among these departures, His Majesty set an example by taking western food and in particular by enjoying wine with it. The barrels of wine to be consecrated at Meiji Jingu have been offered by the celebrated wineries of Bourgogne in France on the initiative of Mr. Yasuhiko Sata, Representative, House of Burgundy in Tokyo, Honorary citizen of Bourgogne and owner of the Chateau de Chailly Hotel-Golf. Profound gratitude is due to the wine makers who have so generously contributed to this gift to be consecrated here to the spirit of world peace and amity, with the earnest prayer that France and Japan will enjoy many more fruitful years of friendship"

Water font(Temizuya) at Meiji shrine

Etiquette / Rituals : As a mark of respect following etiquette are observed at the shrine. At the shrine archway(Torii), one needs to bow once while entering and once while leaving. Before entering the shrine you need to follow the rinsing ritual near the water font(Temizuya). Using the wooden dipper, rinse your left hand and then right. Pour water into your left hand and rinse your mouth. Again, rinse your left hand and rinse the dipper. Seeing and following these rituals, I found similarities with the Dharmic religious rites in India.

Entrance to the main shrine, Meiji Jingu

Main shrine at Meiji Jingu

The Main Shrine : The main shrine at Meiji Jingu does not have any images or idols typical of Shinto religion. Here, one can drop coins in the offertory box kept. To offer your prayers at the main shrine, one needs to follow the following etiquette - at first, bow twice and clap with your hands twice. Then, make a wish and bow once again.

Camphor tree and wish tablet, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo

Offerings and Wish Tablet :  Near the main shrine is the camphor tree around which wish tablets are hanged. Visitors can write their wishes on the wooden tablet (called Ema) and hang it on the hooks provided around the tree. One can write their wish in any language.

A Shinto wedding procession at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo

Marriage Ceremony : When we visited the Meiji shrine, we witnessed a Shinto wedding procession which  was led by two priests and two shrine maidens, followed by the couple under a red umbrella and the family and friends. It was delightful seeing the colorful ceremony in wonderful surroundings.

Condolence messages from major countries after the demise of Emperor Meiji, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo

Forest at Meiji Shrine : It is amazing seeing the premises of Meiji Shrine full of greenery. More so, because you find the forest right in the middle of a highly modern and most populous city in the world. The trees here are planted by hand about 90 years ago consists of many endangered plants and animals. This further thrusts the importance of human will and effort in recreating the lost Edens eleswhere in the world!

Tokyo Travel : Tokyo Tower, Shiba Park, Minato

One of the prominent landmarks in Tokyo is the Tokyo tower. It is a communication and observation tower, which is 333 meters in height. It looks similar to Eiffel tower in Paris and is painted with international orange. Here are some photos of the iconic tower. Also, included are pictures taken from Tokyo tower. I visited the tower again as part of the Tokyo city tour I registered.

On our way to Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower, Shiba Park, Minato

Standing on top of the look down window in Tokyo Tower

Rainbow bridge, Tokyo as seen from Tokyo Tower

Minato as seen from Tokyo Tower

View of Minato from Tokyo Tower

Minato, Tokyo

Bird's-eye view, Minato, Tokyo

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Tokyo Travel : Roaming in world's expensive streets!

Ginza is one of the luxurious shopping areas not only in Tokyo but in the world. Needless to say real estate here commands steepest prices in the world. As an upscale shopping area, it houses flagship stores of many leading brands like Sony, Apple and Nissan. Printing major Ricoh is headquartered here.

A street in Ginza, Tokyo

Yamaha Ginza Store : Yamaha which is world renowned for its musical instruments as it is for motor cycles owns flagship store in Ginza. The huge building houses a concert hall, music school, musical instrument store, and studio. So much for music. Definitely die-hard music lovers will not like to miss visiting this store when they are in Tokyo.

Yamaha Ginza store

Hakuhinkan Toy Park, Ginza : One store which every tourist to Tokyo would like to visit is the Hakuhinkan Toy Park in Ginza. When I was in my teens, the word Japan would invoke images of sophisticated electronic toys. Even if you are grown up, I bet craze and fascination for toys would not dry up.

Softbank(telecom major in Japan) and g.u store in Ginza

Wako store in Ginza, wako is a retail giant in Japan

Nissan Leaf on display, Ginza, Tokyo - Nissan Leaf is a hatchback electric car

Ricoh Building, Ginza, Tokyo

Symbol says it all, Apple store in Ginza

Multi-storey buildings in Ginza

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Tokyo Travel : In and around Asakusa

Asakusa is a historical place in Tokyo with its traditional Buddhist temples and you can shop for Japanese souvenirs here. You can also visit the Sumida riverfront and the new Tokyo Tower. We got into Ginza line of  Tokyo metro from Akasaka (Tameike-Sannō station) to reach Asakusa station.

Asahi Beer Hall : The first prominent building you spot when come out of Asakusa metro station is Asahi Beer Hall. This is the headquarters of Asahi Breweries. Shape of the building resembles a beer glass. Giant gold colored structure on top of this building looks like frothy head of the beer. 

New Tokyo Tower(Tokyo Skytree) and Asahi Beer Hall, Asakusa

New Tokyo Tower : New attraction in Asakusa now is the new Tokyo Tower. Also called Tokyo Skytree this is the tallest tower in the world (height 634 meters). When we went it was not yet open to the public. There was a count down display put up near the Sumida river front. It read 36 days. On May 22, 2012 it was opened to the public. 

Sumida Riverfront, Asakusa

Sumida Riverfront : Modern cities proudly boost of their riverfronts, which are clean and well maintained showcasing modernism. In Tokyo, Sumida riverfront is one of them. You can get into a cruise for a drive in the river here. I could spot multiple bridges cutting across this river.

Kaminarimon Gate, Asakusa

Kaminarimon Gate(or Thunder gate) : Our next stop in the picnic was Kaminarimon gate. It is the entrance gate which leads to Senso-ji temple. In the gate, you will find statues of Shinto gods - Fujin(god of wind) and Raijin(god of thunder). Entering through the gate, you will find both sides of road called, Nakamise Street  filled with shops selling souvenirs. I went on a shopping spree buying Japanese dolls, paintings and Japanese fans.

Shinto god at Kaminariomon Gate

Reaching Asakusa from Akasaka by Tokyo Metro : 

• Get into the Ginza line. 
• Purchase the ticket for the price given on the price chart for the current station to Asakusa.
• Station Number of Asakusa is G-19 (it is the last station of in Ginza line.

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A shopping street in Asakusa

Asakusa

Tokyo Travel : Electronics shopping spree in Akihabara and its aftermath!

It was the month of April when we visited Tokyo this year. On our arrival, rains welcomed us in Tokyo. Our first major task was to get ourselves new cameras. Japan known for its electronic brands like Sony, Nikon  tempted us with wide range of electronic gadgets. 

Akihabara and Yodobashi Camera : Akihabara is major shopping area in Tokyo for electronic, computer gadgets. Yodobashi Camera, a chain store has a 8 stories tall building in Akihabara. It was our shopping destination in Akihabara. Yodobashi Camera is one stop destination for all your electronic needs. Right from the tiniest SD memory cards to the trendy new i-pad, you will find everything here.

Flyover Junction, Akasaka, Tokyo (高架道路ジャンクション、赤坂、東京)

Which Camera? With wide variety of options in front you, you are often get confused - which is the right product for you. Well, I faced the same situation when I was in Yodobashi. My primary criterions for buying included sleekness and higher optical zoom. After toying with the idea of buying mo dels from either Sony or Canon, I was unable to make any decision. Finally my friend suggested to go for a DSLR. I was dead against it initially thinking of carrying it like a baggage. But finally decided to go for it and bought a Nikon D5100 though it was heavy which I hated, had to carry two lenses(zoom and normal) which was another reason for worry. To make matters even, my friend also bought a DSLR - Canon EOS model with two lenses :) 

Flyover junction in the evening, Akasaka, Tokyo (夕方には高架道路のジャンクション、赤坂、東京)

Akasaka : With newly acquired photo capturing tool in my hand, I soon got into photo clicking spree and the first target was Akasaka which was also the first area we explored in Tokyo. Akaska means red slope in Japanese. The first photo I clicked was that of the junction of the flyover junction. I was amazed by the kind of robust road infrastructure they have with multiple flyovers crossing each other. Have look at the photo to find out. Also, as someone said Tokyo grows vertically unlike other cities in the world which grow horizontally. Huge multi-storey buildings bear testimony to that fact.

Trees lit up, Akasaka, Tokyo (木はライトアップ東京赤坂)

Roppongi Street : In the evening, I went exploring the nearby areas in Akasaka. Walking up the Roppongi street I witnessed the modernism in all its glitter in Tokyo. Apart from the electric dazzle, the trees on both sides of cross roads were lit by electric bulbs giving the ambience a heavenly look! With no destination in mind, I was roaming around suddenly to get a glimpse of a lattice tower in all its glow! Though I had heard of Tokyo tower, I had not known that it was so near. Now, I found my destination.  

Roppongi Street, Akasaka, Tokyo (六本木通り、赤坂、東京)

View of Tokyo tower from Roppongi street (六本木通りから東京タワーの眺め)

Hard Rock Cafe, Tokyo (ハードロックカフェ東京)

Tokyo Tower : I took a deviation from Roppongi street and walked towards Tokyo tower. En route I found the famous restaurant Hard Rock cafe. I was unaware of the streets which lead to the Tokyo tower. Though it remained elusive for some time on the way, I continued walking to find the Eiffel-tower inspired Tokyo tower painted with international orange. In the excitement I took multiple photographs of the iconic tower in different angles. Tokyo tower is a communications and observation tower broadcasting television and radio signals. Though this was little like an adventure, I could have easily lost my way in the night, which I realized much later.

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Tokyo Tower hidden among trees (東京タワーは木々の間に隠れて)

Tokyo Tower (東京タワー)

Multi-storey buildings, Tokyo, Japan (複数階の建物、東京、日本)

東京旅行：エレクトロニクス買い物秋葉原でまくるとその余波！ (Google翻訳を使用して日本語翻訳, 免責条項：www.raveeshkumar.com翻訳の誤りについて責任を負いません)

それは、我々は今年東京を訪れ、4月だった。私たちの到着時に、雨が東京で私たちを歓迎した。私たちの最初の主要なタスクは、自分自身に新しいカメラを取得することでした。日本はソニーのような、その電子のブランドで知られ、ニコンは電子ガジェットの広い範囲で我々を誘惑した。

秋葉原ヨドバシカメラ：秋葉原は電子、コンピュータガジェットの東京の主要ショッピングエリアです。ヨドバシカメラ、チェーン店は秋葉原の8階建ての建物を持っています。それは秋葉原で私たちのショッピングの目的地だった。ヨドバシカメラはすべてのあなたの電子ニーズのためのワンストップの目的地です。右の最も小さいSDメモリーカードからトレンディ新しいi-パッドには、ここですべてを見つける。

どのカメラ？: 正面をにおけるさまざまなオプションを使用すると、しばしば混乱してしまいます - あなたのための右の産物である。私はヨドバシにいたときによく、私は同じような状況に直面していました。買うための私の主なcriterionsは滑らかさと高い光学ズームが含まれていた。ソニーやキヤノンのいずれかからmoのDELSを購入するという考えをいじるの後、私はどんな決断を下すことができませんでした。最後に私の友人はデジタル一眼レフのために行くことを提案した。私はそれが最初に荷物のようにそれを運ぶことを考えに対して死んでいた。しかし、最終的にそれのために行くことにしました、それは私が嫌われて重かったけどニコンD5100を買って、心配のもう一つの理由であった​​2枚のレンズ（ズームとノーマル）を運ばなければならなかった。でも困ったことは、私の友人もデジタル一眼レフを買った - キヤノンEOSモデルを二つのレンズ:)で

赤坂：私の手で新たに取得したフォトキャプチャツールを使用すると、私はすぐに写真をクリックしまくるに乗り込み、最初のターゲットはまた、我々は東京で探求最初の領域であった​​赤坂でした。 Akaska日本語で赤坂を意味します。私がクリックした最初の写真は高架の接合部の接合部のことでした。私は彼らが互いに交差する複数の立体交差で持っている堅牢な道路インフラの種類に驚きました。見つけるために写真を見たことがあります。また、誰かのように東京が垂直水平に成長する世界の他の都市とは違って成長すると述べた。巨大な多階建ての建物は、その事実を証言する。

六本木通り：夕方には、私は赤坂の近隣エリアを探索に行きました。六本木通りを歩く私は東京で、そのすべての輝きにモダニズムを目撃した。別に目をくらませる電気から、交差道路の両側の木が雰囲気を天国の外観を与える電球に照らされていた！頭の中には、宛先と、私はそのすべてのグローの格子塔を垣間見るために、突然周りにローミングしました！私は東京タワーの話を聞いたが、私はそれがとても近くにあったことを知らなかった。今、私は私の目的地を見つけた。

東京タワー：私は、六本木通りからの偏差を取って、東京タワーに向かって歩いた。途中で私は有名なレストランハードロックカフェを見つけました。私は東京タワーにつながる通りのことは知らなかった。それは途中でいくつかの時間のためにとらえどころのない推移しているが、私は国際的なオレンジ色で塗らエッフェル塔インスパイア東京タワーを見つけるために歩き続けた。興奮で私は別の角度で象徴的な塔の複数の写真を取った。東京タワーは、通信や観測塔放送テレビやラジオの信号である。これが冒険のように少しでしたが、私は簡単に私はずっと後に実現している、夜に自分の道を失っている可能性があります。