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The Glossary

Washi - "Rice paper."

From Japan Glossary

Tantalizing Tokyo, literally teases you, as you gape at its wonders! Plunge into Tokyo's palette, which is a wondrous assortment of natural and manmade wonders. What Tokyo is endowed with, is God's gift to the land, but what it has become shows the people's gift to God! It's a paradise of sorts, with pretty cherry blossoms, resplendent in the various gardens dotting the land, marvelous mansions and shining shrines.

An unforgettable place is the Tokyo Tower, a broadcast tower, designed after the Eiffel Tower. It's the world's tallest self-supporting tower which looks simply awesome at night, when illuminated. An aquarium and a wax museum occupy the ground floor.

The Rainbow Bridge connecting mainland Tokyo with Odaiba, is an architectural marvel. Illuminated with multicolored lights, gives the name-Rainbow Bridge. The Sony Building giving you a peek into the modern virtual world of sophisticated technology. Within are various showrooms, shops and cafes.

The Tokyo Dome City is a glamorous place with an elegant luxury hotel known for its world-class hospitality. An amusement park, multi-cuisine restaurants and exclusive boutique shops within, make it a haven for the well-heeled. Don't miss the luxurious treatment at the spas at La Qua.

Another memorable landmark is the bronze statute of Hachiko-a dog, which greets you at the Shibuyu Station! History has it that a university professor had this pet that followed him everywhere and greeted him at the station. Despite being given off to relatives after the master's death, the faithful dog awaited the master's return at the station! The devotion and loyalty of Hachiko serves as a reminder today. The dog's dead body is stuffed and preserved at the National Science Museum, Ueno.

Home to Japan's royal family, The Imperial Palace, known as Kokyo is impressive, located within a huge park, surrounded by moats and stone walls. The enchanting palace gardens Kokyo Higashi Gyoen has a pretty Nijubashi Bridge. The museum here, exhibits articles used by the Imperial family.

In southern Tokyo, is the awesome Buddha Statue Kamakura, dedicated to Amida Buddha. Dating back to 1252, the original was built in wood and now is in bronze and is 13.35 meters high. Located behind the statute is the Kangetsudo Temple, within which is the statue of Sho Kanon and nearby is the stone-marker of poetess Akiko Yosana.

The Gokukuji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo. Built by Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi for his mother Keishoin in the year 1681, it's picturesque. This is the main temple in charge of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, held even at other temples. The temple is a magnificent example of Japanese architecture, with a bell-tower and pagodas. Within the precincts are also the graves of Aritomo Yamagata, Mitsuaki Tanaka and other chief politicians. A blanket of snow enveloping the place in winter and the cherry blossoms on the trees in spring, entice even natives who enjoy meditating in the calm surroundings. The 7th century Sensoji Temple houses a gold statue of Kannon which the fishermen got form the sea.

Another place revered in Japan is the Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the first emperor of modern Japan and his empress Shoken, who were instrumental in modernizing Japan. A museum exhibits articles of the emperor. The place is surrounded by 365 varieties of 120,000 trees!

The highlight of your visit to Tokyo is the famous Mount Fuji, situated at the west of Tokyo. Known by many names, like Fiji San in Japanse and Mount Fuji Yama, (Yama meaning mountain), it is Japan's highest mountain, standing 3,776 meters high! With five beautiful lakes vying for the attention of the titanic mountain, the place is simply breathtaking! The calm exterior belies a dormant volcanic eruption within. The last eruption was in 1708. At the foothills is the Aokigahara Forest, hiding numerous caves within, filled with ice even in summer! Nearby are the Fujikyu Highlands a theme park, famous for the world's highest roller coaster and the Hakone hot springs. Japan's major pilgrim spot the Sengen Shrine, dedicated to Princess Konohanasakuya, is nearby.

Give yourself a visual treat at the Bonsai Park, housing the finest collection of miniature trees. Hidden among pretty cherry blossoms, the Kaneiji Pagoda in Ueno Park is worth a visit. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is a Japanese garden, done in the Chinese style. A peony garden, plum tree grove and cherry blossoms greet you at the Hamarikyu Gardens.

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