Towers and temples of Tokyo - June 2013
Steve at Sengakuji Temple
Show second night at Club Citta
The flight with band and crew to Japan was through an entirely sunlit night, bound for the 'land of the rising sun'. We were welcomed warmly by Club Citta's Miyuki. It was great to see her again. Having arrived on the 36th floor of a high rise Tokyo hotel, I fell into bed in a virtual coma... Waking up in the evening I was able to appreciate an impressive view from the window of all those lights illuminating the modern city skyline.
The following morning Jo and I went out in search of the other side of Tokyo, those hidden gems from the old world. Not far from the hotel we found the Buddhist temple Sengakuji, which had an extraordinarily mystical and serene atmosphere. A peaceful oasis of calm...
In contrast, the gig that night at Club Citta in Kawasaki took off like one of Japan's bullet trains! The fabulous welcome from fans enlivened the show further.
The next morning Jo and I took a trip out to the Sensoji temple. This was an amazing experience, like a pilgrimage through various stages to a spiritual centre. We walked through a massive colourful gate and continued on through a thriving market lined with lanterns. An even more fantastic gateway led to the temple precinct, replete with bell tower, five story pagoda and a massive incense burner said to have curative powers. The temple itself with its beautiful inner chamber was magnificent, and the path through surrounding magical gardens led us to lush trees, streams, bridges, waterfalls, shrines and statues.
The second and third Club Citta shows were equally as powerful as the first with ecstatic audiences. Somehow I felt an extra special energy kick in on the last performance of Los Endos and the whole show ended on a fantastic high.
As ever, the Japanese were wonderfully welcoming. Bouncy hostess Miyuki smoothed every path and made each day feel like a celebration. Our Tokyo based friend Mikari treated us to a sumptuous meal, and it was heart warming to connect with several other pals too. Roger and I also appreciated receiving a gold disc for the Japanese Genesis Revisited albums 1 and 2. We were able to ignore our jetlag, as the whole experience was unforgettable and we all look forward to returning as soon as possible.
Special thanks to Miyuki and Nobu of Club Citta, Wayne Forte and, as always, the trusty band and team.
Band about to go on stage
Vampire just off stage!
Steve with Nobu and Miyuki
Steve in Sensoji Temple precinct
Sensoji Temple gateway
