Tokyo Must See - Pt. 1

Tokyo is a fantastic destination that is a mix of historical and modern culture. Visiting Tokyo can not only give you the impression of visiting a foreign country but also probably visiting another planet. From the historic sphere influenced by the Edo era, the mesmerizing animation world of Ghibli Studio museum to the timeless Meiji Shrine. All will be briefly introduced in this week post.

Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine)

Constructed in the late 19th century, Meiji Shrine is known as one of the most important as well as popular Shinto shrines of Japan. Tokyo is known for its concrete jungle with a lack of green within the city, 100,000 trees that were planted in the Meiji Jingu's forest during its construction is surely a place of tranquility and to escape from the hustle of every day busy life of Tokyo.

At Meiji Jingu, you can toss the coin into a box, clap twice, bow once and clap once more for wishes and good luck. Also, you can write wishes on provided paper and tie them on the prayer wall.

The shrine is located 10-minute walk from southern entrance near Harajuku Station and northern entrance near Yoyogi Station.

Ghibli Studio Museum

As a foreigner. obtaining ticket to Ghibli Studio Museum is slightly more difficult and expensive. If you are from Australia, you can buy the ticket from JTBtravel - a Japanese travel agency. However, they just have a limited amount on hand so you have to book for the tickets 1 or 2 months in advance as they are sold out very quickly. Or else you can get them at govoyagin for last minute tickets but it surely will be a lot more expensive. Luckily, I got my Japanese friend buy them for me in Japan since they are sold wildly in Japanese convenience store.

Unfortunately, due to the no photo policy of the museum, I could not take much photos. However, if you are a fan of Mr. Hayao Mizyazaki animation like Totoro, Spirited Away or Howl's Moving Castle, it is a must go destination. The experience there is truly amazing that I would recall it as one of my favorite place in Tokyo.

To get to the museum, take the Ghibly schedule bus from Mitaka Station (Bus stop #9).

To be continue..

Anne