Thursday, January 1, 2015

An alternative New Year's Day

By now the world is slowly waking up to 2015 or just about to get there. Hangovers will have been suffered or be in the process of creation. Wherever you are I hope you both enjoying and have enjoyed the close of one year and the beginning of the next. There's light snow in Tokyo and the TV new year quiz shows are in full swing.

If you're looking for something slightly alternative for the day and you're in the Tokyo area, one of the most interesting places to visit is the Gaijin Botchi, the Yokohama International Cemetery near Motomachi Station. I know it sounds strange to visit a grave yard at New Year but you've probably already exhausted all other options.

Three reasons to go there though. First, it's on the bluff overlooking Yokohama bay with stunning views all around. Second, it's actually a really interesting piece of history having been created to inter the remains of a young sailer from Commodore Perry's fleet that opened Japan in 1854. Third, the air in Tokyo and surrounding cities is now clear. The cars are gone and the pollution with them. And so Fuji has never looked better. And here's the view from the top. Happy New Year.




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