Sculptures And Installations In Wellington

There are sculptures everywhere. Here are some of my favorites: 

Invisible City – This art has two giant stainless steel blocks with braille markings, a tactile statement of urban communication issues. 

Location: Corner of Lambton Quay and Grey Street

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Woman of Words – This sculpture celebrates the local author, Katherine Mansfield. 

Location: Midland Park, Lambton Quay

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Kumutoto Stream – This is an audio installation where you walk into a tunnel to the sounds of a stream running through the bush.

Location: Pedestrian tunnel under “The Terrace” 

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Many of the sculptures evoke Wellington’s Maori and colonial heritage, as well as the natural environment. 

Kaiwhakatere: The Navigator – Located near the Parliament Building has a Maori navigation theme – a manu (bird’s head), a waka (canoe), and a tuahu (a stone altar of the type that Maoris traditionally built when landing at a new place.) 

Location: Opposite of “The Terrace” 

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Rugby World Cup Sculpture – Located on Jervois Quay, this art of rugby players reaching for the ball shows the city as “dynamically caught between the sea and the sky.”

Location: 88-94 Jervois Quay, Wellington Central

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Exploring Cuba Street

Cuba Street is Wellington’s liveliest street with street performers, shops, and restaurants. It has its own artwork to admire. 

One of the first things you see is a massive multi-colored umbrella propped up on the pavement. 

Location: 51 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

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Then you come to the Bucket Fountain, a fast-moving mechanical sculpture with tumbling buckets of water.

Location: Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

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But Cuba Street is a work of art in itself, a dazzling mixture of architectural styles with a preponderance of pastel-colored Art Deco buildings. 

In fact, you will find Art Deco architecture all around Wellington; around 200 new buildings were constructed in the 1920s and 30s. 

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Close to Cuba Street is Luke’s Lane, where you can see a quite different sort of art. The sides of the buildings – including a multi-story car park – are covered with vibrant graffiti and street art.

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Galleries And Public Buildings

Not all of the art is outside. Wellington has a wealth of art in public buildings. 

Pick up the Secret Art Walk leaflet at the Wellington i-Site Tourist Information Office to discover murals like Music has Charms in the foyer of the City Chambers, or Colours of Fun in the New Public Trust Building. 

Location of I-Site: 111 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

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Of course, like any major city, Wellington has plenty of art galleries. 

I enjoyed the exhibitions at The City Gallery with its mixture of New Zealand and international art. 

Location: Te Ngākau Civic Square, Wellington 6011

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Then I moved on to Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand.

One of the highlights here was Te Marae, a stunning contemporary interpretation of a Maori meeting place. It was a modern take on an old tradition by a city with a modern approach to art.

Location: 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

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Final Thoughts

Wellington’s public artwork, street art, and outdoor sculptures are worth exploring when you’re here. 

I recommend walking to these artworks as many are close together. Also, NZ Herald had an article stating that “Wellington is the most walkable city.”

Since the art scene changes often, you may find new and exciting public art on your next visit. I would love to hear about your latest finds in the comment section below. 

Check out WorldWideWriter for my travel adventures. 

In Search Of The Bridal Veil Falls

It took us longer to find the Bridal Veil Falls than it should have done. That’s mainly because we took the “scenic” driving route via Kawhia. 

I don’t recommend this, unless you have a penchant for long drives along unsealed roads, with no phone signal for emergencies.

As we discovered when we left, it’s much easier to drive the 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) from Raglan, a laid-back surf town on the west coast.

Click here for the map to the Bridal Veil parking. 

However you get here, the easy track from the car park (parking lot) to the upper viewing platform is a pleasant 10-minute walk through the native forest. 

Note: The track used to be wheelchair-friendly, but according to the Department of Conservation, the track needs to be repaired due to weather damage. We recommend checking out the Department of Conversation website for updates. 

If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk the 261 steps down to the bottom of the waterfall. This takes another ten minutes, but don’t forget that you have to come up again!

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The Magic Of The Waireinga Falls

The descent is well worth the effort. 

The Bridal Veil Falls have a 55 meters (180 feet) drop from the result of ancient volcanic activity. As the water cascades it sends out spray, creating the perfect environment for ferns and mosses. 

Rainbows play at the base of the waterfall, birds chatter, and you are surrounded by lush vegetation on all sides.

Swimming and rock climbing are not allowed. 

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The Maori name for the falls is Waireinga, meaning “leaping waters.” This refers to the wairua, or spirits, that leap through the water. According to tradition, the area is protected by Maori fairies or Patupaiarehe. It is all part of the magic of the Wairenga Falls.

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Final Thoughts

Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful waterfall to visit when you’re exploring New Zealand. The easy access to the viewing platform or the bottom of the waterfall is a great way for everyone to enjoy the waterfalls. 

If you’re looking for another place to visit in Waitomo region, check out my experience at Ruakuri Cave.

Read more about my travels at WorldWideWriter. 

The Former Capital Of New Zealand

Formerly known as Kororareka, Russell was a Maori settlement for some centuries before the arrival of Europeans. 

But in the early 1800s it started to be frequented by whaling ships, and later by commercial vessels from around the world. Sailors spent their shore leave in Russell and the town soon adapted to provide the traditional activities for sailors with time to spare and money to spend. 

It is no wonder that when the naturalist Charles Darwin visited in 1835, he reported that it was full of “the refuse of society.”

For a short while, Russell was the capital of the new colony of New Zealand. 

However the capital soon moved southward to Auckland, and Russell went into decline. 

Poverty and violence followed, and the flagstaff on nearby Maiki Hill fell by Maori warriors on four separate occasions as a protest against the British.

But Russell has come a long way since then. Perhaps the first step towards its rehabilitation was the landing of a swordfish in 1913. 

This might not seem like a significant event, but it led to the Bay of Islands becoming an important destination for big game fishing. 

The American writer Zane Grey, a keen fisherman, was a regular visitor and helped to publicize the area. Although many of the old buildings remain, Charles Darwin would hardly recognize the place now. 

It still attracts hordes of outsiders, but today the visitors are tourists keen to explore the town’s heritage and to frequent its restaurants.

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Following The Russell Heritage Trail

We picked up a Heritage Trail booklet at the Information Centre (The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand). 

There are many trails to choose from, covering the surrounding coastline, countryside, and the town itself. 

We followed the town trail, taking in sites of Maori significance, historic buildings, and the site of the old fish factory. 

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Stop #1: Russell Museum 

Our first stop was at the Russell Museum, where we watched a video showing the town’s history and learned about the area’s settlement, first by the Polynesians and then by the Europeans. 

I particularly enjoyed the displays of Maori art in the museum.

Address: 2 York Street, Russell 0202, New Zealand

Admission & Hours: Click here for details

For More Information: Facebook | Instagram

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Stop #2: Pompallier Mission 

Then it was to the Pompallier Mission, built in 1842 to house the Catholic Mission’s first printing press, which printed hundreds of books in the Maori language.

Although the building was later converted to use as a tannery, its religious origins were still apparent. It was slightly disconcerting to see Catholic icons side by side with the old machinery!

Address: 5 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand

Admission & Hours: Click here for details

For More Information: Facebook | Instagram

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Stop #3: Lunchtime at The Gables

Like all good walks, this one ended with lunch. We had an excellent meal at The Gables, on the waterfront. 

As I enjoyed my pea and ham risotto with scallops (highly recommended), I studied the history of the building. 

Built in 1847, it was once a hiding place for sailors who had jumped ship. It was later used as a shop, then as a Salvation Army boys’ home, before becoming the smart restaurant that it is today. 

Not too dissimilar to the changing fortunes of Russell itself.

Address: 19 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand

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Final Thoughts

Even with a few hours of exploring Russell, it was well worth walking through the former capital and seeing the Maori and European influences. The historical places and museums were interesting as they delved into Russell’s history. We hope you get to visit on your next New Zealand trip. 

Follow my adventures at WorldWideWriter. 

This article is now featured on GPSMyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Russell on GPSmyCity.

Sacred Waters Of Waiotapu

Waiotapu means “sacred waters” in the Maori language. Although the area has long been uninhabited, it was once home to the Ngati Whaoa tribe. 

As you walk around the park you come to a path known as The Sacred Track, passing the probable site of the early settlement.

Today Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is run as an eco-reserve. It seeks to protect the geological landscape and provide a safe environment for the plants and animals that live there. 

Since 2012 the site has been owned and managed by a Maori company, preserving the physical and cultural heritage for future generations.

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Geological Formations Of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is an 18 sq km volcanic zone, full of craters, hot springs, and weird geological formations. The landscape was formed 160,000 years ago, but it remains a work in progress. 

The newest addition, the Thunder Crater, emerged as recently as 1968, and there are signs everywhere urging you to keep to the paths as the volcanoes are still active.

Not all of the park is accessible to the public, but visitors can choose from three waymarked walks through the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

We took the longest, 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) of varied and sometimes steep pathways. 

This led to a panoramic viewpoint, looking across the massive Kaingaroa forest to a geothermal power station in the distance. 

As we went we passed craters and pools with evocative names. There was the Inferno Crater, where we could hear the mud pounding at the bottom, and the Devil’s Bath, full of evil-looking green water.

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An Artist’s Palette

Walking through Wai-O-Tapu is a slightly unreal sensory experience. There was a strong smell of sulphur everywhere and we breathed in hot steam as we walked. 

It was a dull wet day, and we went from being cold to hot depending on where we were standing, a bit like being in a sauna. 

We could hear bubbling mud and hissing steam and birds chattering in the trees.

But it was the colors that were remarkable. Oxides in the ground have given their colors to the rocks and the water. 

Rainbow Crater has bands of red and yellow rock, and the orange water of the Champagne Pool is fringed with grey and yellow silica. 

At the center of the park is the Artist’s Palette, a vast pool with a whole range of colors from green and yellow to orange.

The trees and bushes soak up the minerals too. Some of them are blackened, giving them a burnt appearance. Elsewhere they are tinted with shades of mauve and yellow, like something from a sci-fi movie set.

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Lady Knox Geyser

*Recommended by Life Of Doing

Before entering the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland attraction, you may consider checking out the Lady Knox Geyster. 

Located about a 5-minute drive from the main parking lot, this is a geyser that starts erupting at 10:15am. The full eruption is at 10:30am. The eruption is not natural since it needs extra chemicals to expedite the process.

But it’s a fun and child-friendly interactive show. Member participation is highly encouraged, especially to make the geyser erupt magically. 

The show is free to watch. (You’ll need to pay for the Wai-O-Tapu tickets at the main entrance.)

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Final Thoughts

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a vibrant and bubbly geothermal hot spring in Rotorua.  

It’s worth the visit to walk around and witness the colorful springs such as the neon green Devil’s Bath or the multi-colored Artist’s Palette. The walkways are well-maintained and have plenty of signage to direct you to various areas of the nature reserve. 

We hope you get the chance to visit!

Check out WorldWideWriter to see my latest travel adventure. 

Featured Photo Credit: Life Of Doing

Whale Watching In Kaikoura

Much of the wildlife of the Kaikoura Peninsula lives in the water. 

This means you have to go offshore to see it, so we booked ourselves onto a whale watching tour with Whale Watch Kaikoura. The tour takes about 2 hours, but you’ll need at least 3 hours for check-in and safety briefings. 

They reckon that they have a 95% success rate in spotting whales (in fact they are so confident that they offer a partial refund if no whales are sighted!). 

They say that on an average trip, you will see two whales; anything more is a bonus. 

We equipped ourselves with some “all natural” sea-sickness pills (surprisingly effective) and braced ourselves for a bumpy boat ride.

We were lucky on two counts. 

Firstly, with the weather. It was brilliantly sunny with just a little bit of cloud hovering over the coastal mountains, meaning that the boat didn’t toss around too much. 

And, secondly, because it was not very long before we saw our first whale. Our guide, Ellie, gave us a running commentary as we went. She said, “It’s a sperm whale. But it’s a bit lazy and it’s not going to dive for us.”

She went on to explain that sperm whales were resident here all through the year but other varieties, including blue whales, visited at other times. 

Today we would only see sperm whales, and they would all be males as “it’s too cold for the females.” 

As if on cue, another one appeared and obligingly did a great dive for us, its tail swishing in the air.

Another whale rose to the surface, and then another. 

“Look with your eyes as well as the camera,” said Ellie. 

By the time the fifth whale was sighted, I heeded her words and put the camera away. I was rewarded with a magnificent view of the fluke.

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Albatrosses and Seabirds

History of Barry Brickell And The Driving Creek Railway

The story of the construction of the Driving Creek Railway is almost as fantastical as the railway itself. 

It all started when Barry Brickell, who was to become New Zealand’s most famous potter, moved to Driving Creek, a few miles north of Coromandel Town. 

In 1973, he purchased a tall mountainside to ensure a source of clay for his work. 

Two years later he started building a railway line to move clay and other raw materials down the hill.

Barry Brickell built the railway himself, using reclaimed materials including a narrow gauge track from abandoned coal mines and bits of his own pottery. 

The line reached the clay after a few hundred meters. However, he had some track left over so he just carried on going until he got to the top – 35 years later. 

The result was no mean feat of engineering: the railway includes three tunnels, ten bridges (including a double viaduct), and several steep inclines.

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Visiting The Driving Creek Railway

The story doesn’t stop there. 

In 1990, when the construction was still not complete, Barry Brickell’s bank manager gently reminded him that he had not repaid the original loan for the purchase of the mountainside. His proposed solution was that the railway should start to generate income as a tourist attraction.

Today, visitors can ride on custom-built trains right up to the quirkily-named Eyefull Tower, with its spectacular views across the water towards Auckland. 

The train climbs up through a spectacular natural environment. The hill is covered with native vegetation, including tea trees and newly planted kauris. And the loud chatter of cicadas follows you up the hill.

It isn’t just a railway: it is a work of art in itself. 

Barry Brickell made extensive use of recycled materials for decoration and reinforcement, especially broken pots and green glass bottles. 

There are sculptures and specially designed structures too. These include the trackside figures who greet you as you pass and tunnels with grinning faces.

The railway tours last 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it’s a family-friendly ride. It’s recommended to reserve tickets ahead of time here.  

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A Pottery Community

Barry Brickell himself had unfortunately died just a couple of weeks before we visited (his body traveled by train to its last resting place on the mountain). 

However he had managed to establish a thriving pottery community at Driving Creek, and this is still very much in evidence. 

Our train driver, Paul, was himself a potter. We spotted one of his pieces beside the Eyefull Tower, and several more in the gift shop.

You will see more pottery as you wander around the sculpture park and the bushwalk at the bottom of the hill. 

It is a bit like a pottery graveyard: nothing, however imperfect, is allowed to go to waste. 

There is even a collection of disused kilns, one of them bearing a sign that says, “Old retired kilns become shrines… we never demolish our old kilns”. 

It seems to sum up the philosophy of the place.

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Other Things to Do

While the train ride and pottery exploration were the highlights of my visit, there are other fun activities to try. I didn’t get an opportunity to do them, but they look exciting to do in the future. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy ziplining through 8 canopies and passing through the gorgeous forest area. The forest is human made yet there there are over 27,000 native trees hand planted in the forest. Zipling is safe and is a family-friendly activity. You’ll need 2.5 hours for this activity. 

For those who prefer the creative side and want to practice pottery skills, there are beginner-friendly pottery classes. Each class is 1.5 hours and you’ll get clay, access to the pottery wheel, apron, and a teacher. Advanced pottery classes are available as well. 

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re riding the railway, ziplining through the forest, or creating a piece of clay artwork, a trip to Driving Creek Railway will be a memorable experience in Coromandel. 

Visit my blog at WorldWideWriter to read about my travel adventures. 

Featured Photo Credit: WorldWideWriter

Waitomo, a Sacred Maori Site

There are several caves in the Waitomo complex. They have been sacred to the Maori for centuries, but the interior was explored in the late 19th century. 

The first exploration was by a Maori chief and an English surveyor, and tourism soon followed. It was inevitable that disputes over control of the site would arise, with both the government and the Maori claiming ownership. 

Finally, in 2005, the caves were returned to the Maori owners of the land, and guided tours became possible again.

Ruakuri means “den of dogs.” 

The legend is that it was first discovered by a Maori hunter who was attacked by dogs close to the mouth of the cave. After successfully fighting and subsequently eating the dogs, the hunter expressed his desire to be buried inside the cave. 

Whatever the legend’s truth, the cave was certainly used as a Maori burial place, and there are still some bodies there today.

Historically, the Maori never entered the cave as it was regarded as the entrance to the underworld. 

It remains sacred today, and visitors cannot touch any part of the rock or incur a $10,000 penalty.

The exception to this is a stone with running water at the very bottom of the cave where you are allowed to wash your hands as a mark of respect to the dead who lie buried in the depths of the cave. 

Although the actual burial place is closed off, we saw the “ghost walk.” This is the route that dead people are said to have followed to the underworld.

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Natural Wonders Of The Ruakuri Cave

But it is the natural spectacle that draws tourists to Ruakuri. 

On our 1.5-hour tour, we were shown around by Wayne, himself a keen caver. 

He started by leading us down a long spiral ramp to the bottom of the cave. This is the only one of the Waitomo Caves that is wheelchair friendly.

Then we entered a room full of stalactites, fantastical limestone formations created over millions of years. Some of them were covered with a kind of coral, known locally as “popcorn”. 

Some of the limestone formations are covered in coral. Photo credit: WorldWideWriter

We passed underground rivers, and in the distance, we heard the sound of a tremendous waterfall. 

“The waterfall is only around one and a half meters deep,” Wayne told us. “But it sounds much louder underground.”

It is hard to imagine that anything could have ever lived down here, but the caves are full of fossils, a remnant from the time when the area was beneath the sea. 

And Wayne showed us the skull of a moa, a group of flightless birds that have been extinct, which presumably just flew into the cave and didn’t manage to get out again.

But there are still living creatures here: the glowworms for which the Waitomo Caves are famous. 

The walls of the glowworm caves were covered with pinpricks of light, giving the effect of a starry night. Unfortunately, the light wasn’t bright enough for a good photograph, so you’ll have to imagine it for yourself.

These glowworms are the larvae of fungus gnats, but they spend most of their lives in the larval state. 

Amazingly they manage to find food – insects that fly into the caves, or occasionally they just eat one another! 

Surrounded by life and light, in a place that should surely be dark and dead, I had to agree with the Maori that there was something special about this place.

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Final Thoughts

Visiting Waitomo’s Ruakuri Cave is an adventurous activity to add to your New Zealand itinerary. Taking a tour to learn about the cave and seeing glowworms is a spectacular experience. 

Besides the Ruakuri Cave, you can explore Ananui Cave, take a boat through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, or go black water rafting. Read more about these experiences here.  

After visiting Waitomo, consider stopping by Matamata to see the Hobbiton Movie Set or Rotorua for colorful geothermal hot springs. 

Check out the blog, WorldWideWriter, for updates on my travel adventures.  

Featured photo credit: WorldWideWriter

What is the Meiji Shrine? 

This is a Shinto shrine, built for the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shöken after the Emperor’s death in 1912. The burial of the Emperor is located in the Kyoto area. 

With the donation of 100,000+ trees from around the country and youth volunteers, the shrine finished construction in 1920. 

It’s located in the heart of the forest, so you can relax, enjoy nature, and escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s city life. 

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Unique Experiences at Meiji Shrine

1. Purification of Hands

I watched as a man approached the purification trough, filled a large ladle with water, and rinsed both of his hands. 

I did the same and followed him towards the main hall, where he entered to make his prayers and offerings. 

I did not go in as this is a place of worship, and I was the only tourist there.

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2. Observing Rituals

At Meiji Shrine, several rituals occur daily and monthly. 

Nikku-sai are daily offerings of food to the deities and for peace and prosperity for everyone. Here, they are done twice a day at 8:00am and 2:00pm. 

Tsukinami-sai are done monthly on the 1st and 15th at 9:00am. This ritual is also for peace and respect for everyone. 

You’ll see people wearing white robes and performing rituals. 

Saitan-sai is to celebrate the start of the New Year. Everyone goes to a shrine on January 1 and for the next three days afterward, so the temples are extremely busy and crowded. 

Meiji Shrine is the most popular shrine to visit for the New Year. Many people visit to pray for a prosperous new year and receive lucky charms. 

Life Of Doing Experience: It took us over an hour to enter the Meiji Shrine when we visited in the New Year time. We didn’t know about the temple visit at New Year’s. Luckily the shrine had people managing the flow of visitors, so the temple wasn’t overly congested. Everyone was cordial and waited in line patiently. It was quite an experience.

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3. Buy and Write An Ema

All temples have the opportunity for visitors to buy an ema. 

These are the wooden plaques on which worshippers and visitors write their wishes and prayers once they have completed their devotions.

At Meiji Shrine, hundreds of emas hung on a stand outside the shrine and next to a tall tree.

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4. Exploring the Inner Garden (Meiji Jingu Gyeon, 明治神宮御苑)

The shrine complex was built around the Meiji Jingu, a garden dating from the Edo Period (1603-1867). This was where the Emperor and Empress sought quiet and solitude during their lifetimes. 

The lake, full of large golden carp, was a favorite fishing spot for the Emperor. 

He had a teahouse built among the irises and azaleas for Empress Shöken (the teahouse burnt down during the war but has since been rebuilt).

I stood by the lake where some boys were putting food on their hands and waiting for small birds to swoop down and claim it. 

Then I walked down to the Kiyo-masa Well, built by a 17th-century warlord. 

According to the guidebooks, the well is a magnet for visitors who believe they can draw positive energy from it, but I had it to myself. It was peaceful, if not energizing.

There is a small fee of 500 yen per person for maintaining the garden. 

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5. Seeing the Outer Precinct Murals

Back in the Outer Precinct, I stopped to look at a collection of murals depicting the lives and works of the Emperor and Empress.    

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6. Sake & Wine Bottles

Further along was a display of barrels, wrapped in straw and brightly painted. 

These were empty sake (Japanese rice wine) barrels, representing the donations of sake to the shrine for ritual purposes. 

And next to this, barrels of red wine (Burgundy wine), as gifts from the wineries of Bourgogne in France.  

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7. Meiji Jingu Museum

Located in the northern part of the Precinct, this museum has treasures from Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken’s time. 

Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to visit. But I read that you can see Emperor Meiji’s carriage, his desk, his portrait, and other special exhibits. 

There is an admission fee to visit this place. It cost 1000 yen for adults and 900 yen for high school students and younger. 

Opening Hours: 10:00am to 4:30pm (last admission at 4:00pm). Closed on Thursdays.

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How to Get to Meiji Shrine

The most convenient way to get there is to take the train and walk into the shrine area. 

TIP: Wear comfortable shoes since the walking path between the main torii gates and the shrine has small rocks and dirt. 

Here are the closest stations: 

• Yoyogi Station (JR Yamamote Line)

• Harajuku Station (JR Yamamote Line)

• Kita-sando Station (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)

• Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)

• Sangubashi Station (Odakyu Line)

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Meiji Shrine?

You can visit the shrine at any time of the day. It’s typically open from sunrise to sunset. Click here to see the opening and closing hours by month. 

It’s recommended to go early in the mornings or late afternoons on weekdays as there will be fewer people. 

As mentioned earlier, if you’re visiting Tokyo or any areas of Japan for the New Year, you should avoid the first few days of the New Year holidays. 

The temples will be extremely crowded, especially the Meiji Shrine. But if you want to see what the rituals and crowds are like, then definitely visit. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter?

• Meiji Shrine: Free to visit. Donations are accepted. 

• Meiji Garden: 500 yen for a maintenance fee

• Meiji Jingu Museum: 1,000 yen for adults and 900 yen for high school students and younger

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How much time is needed here?

You’ll want to spend at least 30 minutes to over an hour here. It’s a beautiful place to get some fresh air and nature in the middle of the city.  

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Is there a dress code to visit the Meiji Shrine? 

No, but please be respectful with your clothes. 

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Are drones allowed at Meiji Shrine?

According to the shrine’s website, drones are not allowed here. 

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Final Thoughts

Meiji Shrine is a memorable place to visit with its history, nature areas, and spiritual experiences. 

If you have the chance to visit, it’s a fantastic addition to any Tokyo itinerary. I hope you love it as much as I did! 

Follow my travel adventures at WorldWideWriter.

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For other posts on Tokyo, check out these from Life Of Doing:

• Unique things and attractions to do in Tokyo

• Tokyo day trip options

• Hiking Mount Takao

• Visiting Hello Kitty at Sanrio Puroland

• Visiting the fun Unko (Poop Museum)

Top Reasons to Visit Tokyo

1. Urban Sprawl Or City Of Beauty?

It is said that the Japanese have a great sense of beauty, but no sense of ugliness. 

I pondered this as I took the airport train to Tokyo. 

From the window, I could see a hodgepodge of houses, some elegant and well-designed, others less so. There seemed to be no planning oversight, just houses built to individual tastes and specifications. 

The result was a massive urban sprawl: concrete blocks with rusty fire escapes, thick ugly cables running separately to each house, and garish adverts pasted to the sides of buildings. 

But every so often there was a glimpse of a house with a carefully tended garden, or a graceful pagoda rising above the skyline. 

It may be true that Tokyo is a fast-moving modern city full of cars and mismatched buildings. 

But you don’t have to look hard to find the careful design, both modern and traditional, that makes it a city of beauty. 

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2. Beautiful Parks And Gardens to Visit

It’s not long before the other side of Tokyo starts to reveal itself, the side where every effort has been made to please the eye. 

This is a city of parks and gardens, with sculpted landscapes of bridges, lakes, and flowering plants. 

Even apartment blocks seem to have roof gardens – I spotted one with its own greenhouse!   

I walked around Ueno Park at sunset, when trees and other features were festooned with colored lights. 

The ornamental lake was filled with plants, sadly dormant when I was there at the end of winter, but they would become a riot of color in spring and summer. 

The path was lined with illuminated lanterns, each with an individual design to light the way of passers-by.   

Then there was the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which was exactly as I had imagined a traditional Japanese garden. 

It’s worth the visit during the cherry blossom season with hundreds of trees bursting in pink and white blossoms. 

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3. Peaceful Shrines And Temples In Tokyo

Gardens and religious buildings are often interlinked here: you’ll find pagodas in the gardens and the shrines and temples may be set in their parkland. 

Here are some of the city’s most impressive religious sites:

• Meiji Shrine in Shibuya 

• Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

• Takaosan Yakuoin Temple on Mount Takao summit

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4. National Museum Of Modern Art

The National Museum of Modern Art is a must for any art lover. 

Here you will find traditional Japanese woodblocks and painted screens with delicate pictures of birds, mountains, and cherry blossoms: timeless expressions of perfection. 

But there is also an eclectic selection of modern paintings. In particular, impressionist influences are evident, and 20th-century styles are much more aligned with what was happening across the rest of the world. 

I was intrigued to note that some artists had tried to copy the style of Van Gogh – with only black and white prints for inspiration – with a surprising level of success.

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5. Food Galore In Tokyo

Food is another part of the Tokyo experience. 

Delicately laid out platters of sushi with flowers carved from vegetables, or plates of meat and noodles, each element of the meal carefully positioned to create an aesthetic whole. 

And one evening my Kirin beer arrived topped with a sculpted head of granita. You don’t get that anywhere else!   

Life Of Doing Editorial Tip: You can also find incredible cheap sushi at conveyor belt sushi places such as Sushiro or Kura Sushi. Read more about these cheap sushi places here. 

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6. Fun Themed Places and Theme Parks

*Life Of Doing Recommendation*

Tokyo has some of the most fun and unique things to do and places to visit. 

From the kawaii (cute in Japanese) clothes and toys on Harajuku’s Takeshita Street to the arcades and claw machines in Akihabara to the themed restaurants and cafes such as Pokemon or pop-up anime cafes, you can check out these places.  

Here are the attractions that we’ve visited – 

• Sanrio Puroland theme park to see Hello Kitty and friends

• Unko (Poop) Museum in DiverCity Shopping Center for super cute poop exhibits

• TeamLab Borderless (or TeamLab Planets) for the illuminating interactive digital artwork 

• Pokémon Poké Lids for the cute manhole covers of your favorite Pokémon characters

If you’re a Disney fan, check out Tokyo Disneyland or Disney Sea theme parks on a day trip. 

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How To Visit Tokyo: Some Practicalities

There are two airports to consider – Narita International Airport (airport code: NRT) and Haneda International Airport (airport code: HND).

Narita Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture, outside of Tokyo. From Narita to Shinjuku Station, it’s 83 kilometers (51.5 miles) and will take between 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours by train. 

Haneda Airport is located in Tokyo. From Haneda to Shinjuku Station, it’s 23 kilometers (14 miles) and takes 50 minutes by train. 

Trains, buses, and taxis are available as transportation options. 

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If you plan to use the train, consider buying an IC transportation card. 

It’s a debit card that you add money to and can use on trains, buses, and even for purchases at the convenience markets. 

In Tokyo, Suica and Pasmo are popular IC cards. Or, if you’re in the Kansai area, then it’ll be an ICOCA card. 

The physical card may be difficult to obtain due to a chip shortage, but you can download the Suica or Pasmo app and use your phone as the IC pass. 

You can use your IC card throughout Japan. It’s not only for the regional area.

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Accommodation options include international hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, and capsule hotels are available based on your budget.

Pricing and accommodation options vary, so have a look at the options on Booking and Agoda.

You can also consider Airbnbs for large groups. 

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A frequent question that visitors ask is, do you need to speak Japanese? 

While it’s true that the language can be a bit of a barrier, the city is perfectly navigable without it. I certainly managed to use the metro/train to get everywhere I wanted to go. 

However, to make the most of your visit you might want to try one of the many guided tours offered by companies such as GetYourGuide, Klook, or Viator.

One area where I might have appreciated some assistance was in choosing restaurants and making reservations. ByFood offers a restaurant reservation service, acting as an intermediary to enable you to choose and book a restaurant. 

Or, you can ask the front desk at your accommodation if he/she can help call the restaurant to make a reservation on your behalf. 

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Final Thoughts

Even though Tokyo is crowded with incoming tourists, it’s still one of the best places to start your Japan travels. Hope you are inspired to now visit Tokyo after reading this post. 

Happy travels! Follow my travels at WorldWideWriter.

Like this post? Pin it to your Japan Travel Pinterest board.

About Singapore Chinatown

Singapore’s Chinatown dates back to 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles established a British colony here. 

He decided that separate areas should be set aside for each of the ethnic communities who moved onto the island. 

In the early days, Chinatown was full of brothels and opium dens, and densely packed housing. 

However, in recent years it has been renovated so that, although still teeming with life, it has a clean and freshly painted feel.

Visitors and locals wander the vibrant streets to buy household goods, souvenirs, or food, or simply to soak up the atmosphere.

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1. Ask Questions at the Singapore Chinatown Visitor Centre

If you’re stumped on where to eat or have any questions about the area, stop by the Chinatown Visitor Centre. 

Located across from the Buddha Relic Temple, it’s a convenient spot to stop by for a few minutes and ask for recommendations from the customer service team. 

You can also purchase tickets to local attractions or do some souvenir shopping here. 

Also, another reason to visit is to enjoy the air-conditioning. Singapore is humid and hot all day long, so finding a place to cool off is sought after. 

Address: 2 Banda St, Singapore

Opening Hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm

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2. Explore the Shopping Streets Of Chinatown

The area between Sago Street and Mosque Street is packed with shops and places to eat. The streets are hung overhead with trademark red lanterns. 

Here you will find all manner of goods on sale from cheap clothes to food and incense. 

Souvenir hunters can buy chopsticks, brightly colored fans, adorable luggage tags, good luck charms, and much more. 

If you want Singapore-branded t-shirts, magnets, handbags, hats, and other souvenir items, then you’ll have many opportunities to find these items here. 

Prices are listed on the items, so you don’t need to haggle. But you may need to use your bargaining skills if there aren’t any prices shown. 

There are many bespoke tailoring shops and as you pass you are likely to be requested to buy a made-to-measure suit or silk gown.  

Walk along the narrow pavement behind the street stalls to find more conventional shops selling jewelry, electronic goods, or traditional Chinese medicines.

This area is still very much the home of the Chinese community in Singapore. You will see brass plates advertising the presence of lawyers and accountants in the upper apartments. 

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At the end of Sago Street, you will see the Chinatown Complex, a large concrete building housing a busy food market (also known as the hawker centre). 

It’s a popular place to eat as there are hundreds of stalls selling a variety of foods. Whether you’re looking for foods such as laksa (coconut spicy noodle soup), biryani (mixed rice), or char kway teow (fried noodles), you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. 

One of the entrances to the Chinatown Complex has street art of Bruce Lee, a famous Hong Kong-American martial artist, holding nunchucks and a durian. 

Address: 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335

Opening Hours: 6:00am to Midnight (Please contact individual stalls for specific opening times as they will vary)

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The square outside is a meeting place where people talk, eat, or sit down for a leisurely game of checkers.

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3. Wander Through The Temples Of Chinatown Singapore

Even in Chinatown Singapore’s multiculturalism is apparent in the number and variety of places of worship, encompassing Buddhism, Hindu, Islam, and Christianity.

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Sri Mariamman Temple

As you walk towards the end of Pagoda Street, the ornate exterior of the Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple provides a striking contrast to the bustle of Chinatown and the highrise offices of modern Singapore in the distance. 

This temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Mariammam, was built in 1843 and is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. 

Visitors can walk around the courtyard and admire the vividly painted friezes and statues, and the paintings of Hindu deities on the ceiling of the inner sanctum.  

In the autumn, the dramatic Thimithi ceremony takes place, in which people demonstrate their faith by running barefoot across a patch of burning coals in the temple’s courtyard. 

Even at other times, there is always something going on. At the time of my visit, the temple reverberated to the sound of horns and drums. 

TIP: If you are entering the temple, you need to remove your shoes. It’s advisable to have thick socks with you as the floor can be very hot.

Address: 244 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058793

Opening Hours: 6:00am to 12:00pm, 6:00pm to 9:00pm 

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Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The impressive Buddha Tooth Relic Temple stands opposite the Chinatown Complex. It’s free to visit. 

Walk past the candles and statues in the entrance hall to enter the magnificent One Hundred Dragons Hall with its giant statue of Buddha and hundreds of miniature Buddhas lining the walls. 

You may see monks performing their rituals in the central area. 

Go upstairs for the Buddhist Cultural Museum and the teashop and for a view of the golden tooth relic.

TIP: Please cover your legs and shoulders before entering this temple. There are shawls available at the entrance.

Address: 288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058840

Opening Hours: 7:00am to 5:00pm

More Information: Website

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Thian Hock Keng Temple

As Singapore’s oldest Hokkien temple, Thian Hock Keng Temple is dedicated to Mazu, a sea goddess. Other deities worshipped here are Goddess of Mercy and Confucius. 

Built in 1840, one of the unique aspects of the temple’s architecture is that the structure is made without using nails. 

Unfortunately, this is one temple that I haven’t visited yet. Yet, the beautiful and intricate architecture and stone sculptures will be interesting to see. 

Free admission. 

Address: 158 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068613

Opening Hours: 7:30am to 5:00pm

More Information: Website 

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4. Nonstop Eating And Drinking

There is a vast range of food available, from street stalls (hawker stalls), cafés, and restaurants. 

Singapore food is a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisines but you will also find Thai and Vietnamese restaurants in Chinatown.

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Street Stalls

Offerings from the hawker street stalls are inexpensive and include traditional Chinese dim sum, satay sticks, and roasted chestnuts. You can also find cakes, fresh fruit, freshly squeezed juices, and herbal tea. 

The cost of a meal with a drink is $5-$7 USD per person, so it’s very reasonable. 

Look for young coconuts with their tops sliced off so that you can drink the cool coconut juice through a straw. Once you’ve finished drinking it, use your spoon to eat the young coconut meat. 

Or, if you are feeling adventurous, try a durian pancake, filled with the strong-smelling fruit with a surprisingly sweet flavor.

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Cafes

The roadside cafés will sell you anything from a drink to a snack or a full meal. 

There are some unusual specialties to look for such as crocodile meat or strange-sounding teas such as chrysanthemum wolfberry (also known as chrysanthemum goji berry). It was here that I finally got to taste durian! 

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Hawker Centres

Or, you can eat as the locals do in the food court (hawker centres) on the upper level of the Chinatown Complex. 

Other nearby hawker centres include Maxwell Food, Amory Street, and Hong Lim Market. 

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Sit Down Restaurants

Even the more formal restaurants are reasonably priced by Singapore standards and can provide a cool and pleasant place to escape for a while from the bustle of the streets outside. 

Alternatively, wander down the nearby streets where nightfall sees tables and chairs dragged into the center of the road to create a vast outdoor eating complex.

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5. See Street Art & Murals

When exploring the streets of Chinatown, you’ll see beautiful murals and street art depicting the past and present of Singapore. 

Here are some fun murals that you’ll see when walking. You may see some new street art by local artists popping up on your next visit.

Letter Writer by Yip Yew Chong

Address: 336 Smith Street (on New Bridge Centre wall)

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Puppet Mask & Puppet Seller by Yip Yew Chong

Address: 227 South Bridge Road (on Mohammad Ali Lane)

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Mamak Store by Yip Yew Chong

Address: 227 South Bridge Road (on Mohammad Ali Lane and next to Puppet Mask & Puppet)

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Community by Sam Lo 

Address: 89 Neil Rd, #01-01, Singapore 088849 (on Shake Shack wall)