Discovering Tokyo

It's my first full day in Tokyo and I'm looking forward to discover more of this city. After a wonderful morning cup of tea I was on my way to the Hama Detached Garden.

The garden is home to the Nakajima Teahouse. The garden was build in 1654 as a retreat for the Shogun’s family and opened to the public in 1945. All of the original Teahouses and villas, and trees and vegetation burned down after a bombing in 1944. Nakajima Teahouse has been rebuilt, seeming to float over the large pond. Today, you can visit the garden, and enjoy the scenery with tea treats and a cup of Matcha. 

 

After a stroll through the garden, I took the waterbus to Asakusa. Asakusa is home to the Senso-ji temple – Tokyo’s most sacred and spectacular temple. The temple itself was under construction but the area is a must see never the less. Leading up to the temple is Nakamise-Dori. This street is home to many traditional Japanese stores. The lanterns underneath the gate are the largest paper lanterns in the world.

      

Before entering the temple, most people wave incense over their body, to improve health. Then they purify their body by washing their hands and rinsing their mouth. I can only recommend to stop at this temple when you come to Japan.