TravelswithCharie

On a recent unexpected layover in Tokyo, we were lucky to find a hotel in Shinagawa with a beautiful strolling garden. I would have missed it had I not caught a glimpse of greenery from the lobby after my morning walk. Since there was not much time before checkout, I skipped to the back door to discover this secret garden in the shadow of towering buildings. I wanted to learn more about Japanese gardens after this trip and found that t here are several elements  defining a Japanese garden.  First of these are the trees and plants which are especially chosen to provide texture. Various types of shrubbery, grasses, moss, conifers and trees are carefully selected depending on the type of garden. There are no shade trees. Subtle use of color is achieved with flowering trees and shrubs like azaleas, camellias and hydrangeas. A stone pagoda lantern completes the picture. Water and carp. The Japanese garden is a refuge of calm especially for city dwellers weary of the daily grind a

The Grand Kaminarimon Gate Learning to navigate around Tokyo using the subway system was a liberating experience. I could explore with no qualms of getting lost in this mega city. The possibilities were endless. Except for the fact that I would get tired sooner rather than later because I was trying to do too much in one day. In the morning I strolled up and down Omotesando, shopping for gifts at Oriental Bazaar and checking out the Hiroshige exhibition at the Ota Memorial Museum of Art. Refreshed and rested after a big lunch, I took the subway across town to Asakusa to see Sensoji Temple once more. Nakamise Street Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, dating back to 628.  The Grand Kaminarimon Gate leads visitors to temple grounds. This is a favorite spot for meeting friends or photo ops with the massive red lantern in the background. Nakamise Street extends 250 meters from the gate to the temple. It is lined on each side with tempting stores but on this Sunday, it was impo

It's fun shopping in Asakusa though the prices may not necessarily be cheaper than in the Omotesando district. There are hundreds of stalls on side streets and on the main alley leading to Sensoji Temple. But it's hard to get close to some stalls  (like the cookie shops) on Sundays when it seems a third of Tokyoites are congregating in the area. No wonder the cookie stalls are mobbed. Check out these goodies which are wrapped so attractively. Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive a box of these freshly baked treats? The cute knick knacks above are cell phone accessories or possibly something you can put into your key ring or hang from the handle of your handbag. I like the miniature wooden Japanese dolls best though I didn't buy any. These cloth made dolls are beautiful to behold. Note the price for each doll - from 2,000 yen to 5,250 yen or US$24 to $64.00 at $1 to 82 yen. Behind the dolls are paddles with two feather shuttlecocks. There are also many kimono

Spinshell.TV dispels all the myths about capsule hotels and even lists a capsule hotel that admits women in Tokyo.

Cherry blossoms at Ueno Park It's late March and the temperature is in the low 70's, enough to motivate local residents to get the picnic basket out and sit under the cherry blossom trees in Ueno Park. There's a full week to go before the white blooms turn pink but some trees are already showing a preview of Barbie pink blossoms. It's a wonderful time to enjoy this shortlived phenomena. If you decide to go on the spur of the moment and brought no snacks or provisions for a meal, not to worry. There are food stalls and restaurants nearby. There is also a zoo, rides for children, and the Western Art Museum where Auguste Rodin's Thinker contemplates on what to wear for Spring. * * * Image by Rosario Charie Albar