Foto: The Sensoji temple (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Japan - We leave the park to have a beer at its edge. It’s warm again today. There are a few light clouds. Rain is predicted during the night, which might bring some cooling. For now, we seek some relief along the Sumida River. The Senso-ji Temple is located here as well. The path from the Kaminarimon Gate to the temple is lined with numerous stalls on both sides. The travel guide still describes them as traditional Japanese goods, but I mostly see souvenirs. Among the tourists, there are also girls in traditional Japanese kimonos. They’re unintentionally a tourist attraction themselves. They’re taking pictures too. They ask if they can take a photo with me. They tell me they’re out with friends and dressed up in kimonos especially for the occasion. It’s also crowded at the Senso-ji Temple. So crowded, in fact, that it feels a bit like an amusement park. Everyone crowds in front of the gilded shrine. Unfortunately, the five-story pagoda next to it is under scaffolding. We walk back to the Sumida River and take the Tokyo ferry back to the area near our hotel. It’s a 30-minute ride. Tall residential towers line both sides of the river. In the evening, we find a small restaurant near our hotel in the Ginza district. Beneath the railway arches are cozy restaurants and bars. It’s lively and busy everywhere. We eventually choose Thai cuisine.
Ginza and Shibuya district in Tokyo
Japan - This afternoon, everyone does their own thing. I enjoy walking through the city alone for a while. Just some quiet around me. I walk from the bustle of Ginza toward the south. It’s obvious how well-organized everything in Japan is. At construction sites, ...
Himeji Castle
Japan - We drive to Himeji via the toll road. Himeji is home to the largest surviving feudal castle. The castle tower is especially impressive. From the outside it appears to have five floors, but inside there are six levels. This was intended to mislead attackers. ...
The center of Osaka
Japan - After just half an hour, the train pulls into Osaka station. My hostel is within walking distance, but I can’t get my bearings to figure out which direction to go. A kind lady at the information desk draws it out for me on a map. Hostel HIVE is located ...
The Itsukushima Shrine near Hatsukaichi
Japan - The heat and lack of sleep are taking their toll. I go in search of a toilet. Again, there are girls who want to practice their English. Fortunately, they’re also happy to show me where the toilet is. On the way, they ask me a few questions. I don’t ...
The Memorial Park in Hiroshima
Japan - At half past five, we leave Hotel Quel. After some deliberation, we decided to just drive into Hiroshima by car. The alternative of taking a train seemed difficult to manage at such an early hour—especially when you're unsure where to go or where to ...
The temples of Kyoto
Japan - The Toji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kyoto and, at 55 meters high, it boasts the tallest pagoda in Japan. The pagoda is the symbol of the city of Kyoto. Unfortunately, we can’t view the pagoda from the inside. It is only open during special ...