The two big religions of Japan are Buddhism and Shintoism, both of which have a fondness for temples. Due to Tokyo's rapid, massive expansion many neighbourhoods are chock-full of historic sacred sites, ranging from tiny roadside shrines to huge complexes. We decided to go big for our first, and wandered into Zojoji Temple, the main one for the Jodo-shu sect of Buddhism.
We were lucky enough to arrive just as a service started, when eight monks appeared in the gold-leafed interior and intoned chants while banging drums. I couldn't understand a word, of course, but reflected on the shared pattern of all religions with our bells, incense, hymns, candles, collection boxes, etc. Why can't we all just get along?
After that it was time to jump forward into cutting edge tech at The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, a huge place on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, accessed by a driver-less fully automated train, naturally. The highlight here was a demonstration of Asimo, the world's most advanced humanoid robot. As the curtain lifted and the robot sprinted towards the seated crowd I barely stifled a scream! I've seen documentaries like The Terminator and Blade Runner and know where this ends. Thankfully the rest of the museum was less nightmare inducing.
Continuing our theme of bouncing between the sublime and the ridiculous, we continued on to Ooedo-Onsen, an incredibly cheesy and hilarious hot bath complex where they dress you in a yukata (a "summer-casual" kimono) and you can throw ninja stars and eat every type of Japanese fast food before jumping into several hot springs. It was worth it, if only for the photos.
So Japan, I can say, is treating us well. The ease of getting around has been a nice revelation, with Google showing exactly where to stand on which platform in Tokyo's labyrinthine transit system, although if you can survive the London Underground I guess you're good anywhere. The language barrier hasn't been one, thanks to restaurants that offer buttons and iPads to order by. Brits and Japanese share a love of passive-aggressive politeness and being on time, making Japan less alien than the USA. I think it's time for Chevron Tokyo to recruit a certain manager from Houston...
Rid yourself of Pokemon and regain balance.
Inside.
Statues for blessings on children, each with a hat crocheted by an attentive parent/grandparent.
Pete dives into sushi.
Killer robot! Run!
Admittedly, this one might be more terrifying.
I can cope with a robot seal.
Pete plans how to take over the world.
Ooeda-Onsen.
Dressing up.
Outside at the foot baths.
It looked nice, but there were hundreds of little sticky-up stones at the bottom! Good for you, I suppose, although it didn't feel like it.
Ladies who onsen.
More ouch!
Ready to attack.
While out the back of the dining room a singing idol contest was taking place. Because why not?
Oh, and it turns out my favourite Californian coffee has a cafe in Tokyo! Several, in fact, but none in Houston. Hmph.
Final bonus picture of Oscar on his way to Japanese Kindergarten. Don't be fooled by his extreme cuteness!
