Used the start of Golden Week to put on the tourist hat and explore some of the old battlegrounds, see what has changed and what remains the same, and finally make it to the resting place of the 47 Samurai, buried beside their master Lord Asano in the grounds of Sengaku-ji Temple in Shinagawa.
The picture is of a young woman buying a set of incense sticks beside the graves of the 47 Samurai. Following the ritual, she'll place one on every grave to pay homage. Chushingura, the guidebooks say, is a tale of revenge, loyalty and self-sacrifice, of heroism in obedience, but also of when justice demands that you disobey.
From Sengakuji I moved toward Shimbashi, where I first learnt my Tokyo. Whatever you think of the companies setting up shop in Shiodome, it's good to see Shimbashi undergoing a revival. Shimbashi's been down on its luck since I came here. For years it has been like an old drunk, charming, unbelievable and clearly sad, telling stories of past glories to whoever will listen. With the new Shiodome development, Shimbashi is finally standing proudly again.
Following Shiodome came a stroll through Hama Rikyu Gardens to the terminus of the Water Bus, and a ride down the Sumida River to Asakusa. Accompanying me on the boat were the folks from the country up to see the big smoke during Golden Week. Like in any country, these folks have their own special look, their unabashed lack of chique serving as a refreshing contrast to the gaudy protocols followed religously and at all costs by Tokyo's Louis Vuitton crew.
More photos from can be found in my newly-installed Gallery here.
Posted by Setsunai at May 3, 2004 5:27 PM | TrackBack