Tranquil Tokyo
Nov 9, 2004, 12:41
In the buzzing metropolis of Tokyo, it's often hard to find a moment's peace and experience some of the 'zen' that the Far Eastern country of Japan is so renowned for.
Nevertheless, a look behind the flashing lights of the capital city's karaoke bars, noisy Pachinko parlours (a popular game involving ball bearings) and abundant arcades will reveal some of the most heavenly havens of tranquility to be found the world over.
The gardens at Shinjuku Gyoen right at the centre of the city's largest business and entertainment district, should be the first port of call for any visitor looking to experience the quieter side of Japanese life.
Arguably the most beautiful of Tokyo's parks, Shinjuku Gyoen epitomises the antithesis between peace and productivity that underlies most of Japanese society, as beautifully cultivated zen gardens with tranquil lakes and a traditional temple structure laze against a backdrop of sky-scrapers.
Inside the austere temple of Meiji jingu, astride the Olympic Park and Harajuku - the home to the weird and wonderful of Japanese teenage fashion - it is difficult to remember that you are at the heart of one of the world's busiest cities.
Dating back to the Meiji era, the Meiji jingu's simple but satisfying structures should be at the forefront of any Tokyo itinerary, with frequent traditional Japanese weddings proving a fascinating bonus to the tranquil environment contained within Tokyo's largest temple.
Situated in dense forest, hours can be spent admiring the temple's giant gates, examining the brightly coloured sake containers stacked at the entrance or simply taking a moment to observe the rituals of Meiji's monks.
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