Our first stop is the landmark you can see from anywhere in the city – an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, except that it’s orange (and slightly taller). From the observation deck, there’s a 360° panoramic view.
…in honor of the holiday that used to be known as Boys’ Day but is now called Childrens’ Day
Every weekend and on special days, Tokyo Tower is lit up in different colors from 8:oo -10:00 at night. Schedule for the current month here.
If we skirt Tokyo Tower and head down the hill, we’ll arrive at Zojo-ji Temple.
No fewer than seven Tokugawa shoguns are buried in the private graveyard at this magnificent temple. the graveyard is only open on special holidays, but you can sneak a peek over the wall from the side with the Jizo figures.
I never get tired of seeing the long avenues of stone Jizo figures, dressed in red bibs and caps and holding pinwheels.
These little guys make me a little melancholy, because they are dedicated to the souls of lost children, but the ones at Zojo-ji are so lovingly clothed and cared for by the families that put them there, they’re cheery as well. Their pinwheels send prayers to heaven on every breeze.
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 