We were excited to begin our journey, but a ferocious snowstorm in Toronto delayed the entire Canadian delegation’s arrival at Narita International Airport by more than three hours!
Thankfully, our destination was Japan, the land of the hot-and-cold drink vending machines. Desperately needed instant coffee (or milk tea) was readily available from vending machines at the airport — and in every alley and major building, and konbini (convenience stores) in Tokyo.
On our first day, we were woken up from our downtown Tokyo hotel beds at 7 AM, ate our buffet breakfast and shuttled to an important briefing on Japan’s international diplomacy with Hideki Yamaji of the North American Affairs Bureau of Japan.
What is Japan’s place in the world? As a student of Asian Studies, I was keen to hear some of Mr. Yamaji’s views regarding Japan’s foreign policy.
Mr. Yamaji emphasized that although Japan had an important role in international peace keeping operations, the facts suggested that the issue was not black and white. “Realistic pacifists” were gaining more influence in government; these are individuals who support using military force, not negotiation, to defend Japan’s sovereignty. We were surprised to learn there was such a large political will to re-militarize Japan — and it was certainly a large concern for us.
As a Canadian and a stranger to the Cold-War fears that continue to plague some east Asian nations, the idea of a militarized Japan was in stark contrast to the peace-loving diplomatic image of Japan that many of us are familiar with. We were learning that political opinion in Japan could be just as diverse as the people who live there.
Toranomon Hills
Inside the Toranomon Hills complex is a stylish coffee house, gift shop and life-size reproduction of the building’s mascot, Toranomon.
For lunch, JICE took us to Oto Oto , a posh washoku bar located in the Toranomon Hills complex. The impressive 52-storey skyscraper, built for the 2020 Olympics, is located in Tokyo’s Toranomon (tiger gate) business district.
One of the best things about Japan is that you can get sizeable quality meals at an affordable price, even at nicer establishments. The chicken karaage at Oto Oto was crispy and fresh, and it came with a generous helping of rice, miso soup and various side dishes. If you’re looking for an eatery with upscale decor with a view and casual Japanese fare and a view that doesn’t cost more than 1000 yen (11.24 CAD), I highly recommend checking this place out.
Chicken karaage lunch set from Oto Oto.
Sensoji Temple
After lunch, we paid a visit to Sensoji temple in Asakusa. Sensoji temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and is known and for its massive red gates and lanterns.
Sensoji temple with Jokoro in the foreground.
Japan is very big on the idea of purity and cleanliness. Rinsing your hands and mouth as you enter the temple grounds is a part of the misogi ritual, to cleanse one’s body and mind before standing before the deity. At Sensoji, we saw a large crowd of visitors standing before a large incense burner known as Jokoro and wafting the smoke over their heads, but it was not for the smell.
The Japanese have a belief that the smoke from the Jokoro has healing properties that can make you smarter and healthier. I don’t know if the smoke did anything for my brain, but the heat coming from the burner was pleasant and helped to warm my ice-cold fingers.
Temple goers try to draw a “Great Luck” omikuji.
We had some free time afterwards and wandered around. We got ice cream sandwiches from the adjacent Nakamise shopping street–because it’s never too cold for ice cream–prayed at the temple for luck and tried the our hand at paper fortune telling or omikuji. Our group was quite lucky–no one drew a Great Curse (大凶) and someone even managed to draw a Great Blessing (大吉)!
Joey Go 