Welcome to the blog about University of San Diego 2015 Tokyo Program!
We all left San Diego, and have arrived at Tokyo. Most of us had easy flights, but some encountered a little difficulty (thanks to some US-based carriers), but we are now all here!
23 June
ReplyDeleteToday’s learning experiences centered around the Japanese culture as we embarked on a tour of Tokyo. Meeting up at the hotel a little before 8 AM, we were transported from the Keio Plaza Hotel to Hamamatsu-cho Bus Terminal to meet our tour bus from Hata Bus Company (The Yellow Bus Guys!) Our tour guide Haruko (“Harry”) kept us informed the entire trip about the various sites we were seeing and going to during the 4 hour tour.
Our first stop was the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife. He was Emperor from 1868 to 1912 and was the main catalyst in opening Japan’s doors to outside influences. The Shrine is home to the largest Torii Gate in Japan (Otorii) which is made of cypress wood from a HUGE tree brought to Japan from Taiwan. After we participated in the traditional water purification ceremony, we proceeded into the temple grounds. Our Guide informed us of many of the traditions associated with the Shrine, perhaps the most interesting being the small dents found on the front side of the six pillars in front of the ‘altar’ area. These dents are from coins people throw toward the offering box during the New Year since they are not able to get close due to crowd sizes.
More to follow about the Imperial Gardens, Asakusa, and the Ginza - our schedule is packed!
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