Towers of renewal in Japan

Tokyo Tower is primarily an active, functioning broadcast tower that also serves as an iconic, aesthetic landmark.

- SONNY COLOMA

Built in 1958, it acts as a central antenna for FM radio and previously television (now handled by Tokyo Skytree), while its 333-meter, orange-and-white lattice structure functions as a major tourist attraction and observatory.

After a week with one’s family in Japan, one cannot but feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to reconnect with one’s milieu of family, colleagues, and friends in the homeland.

A trip to view the northern face of Mt. Fuji brought us to a snow-filled highway peak where we got off from our van, stepped on a snow-covered parking lot, played with snowballs and, of course, took many photos that we could share with friends.

Of course, our other points of attention — Keio, Takashimaya, Hands, Isetann, Uniqlo, and Bic Camera, and Gotemba — did not disappoint. Their products offered good value for money, and the dazzling variety of options ranged from winter clothes to refrigerator magnets.

For my eight year old grandson Rafa, who was on his fifth trip to Japan since he was two years old, there were two key experiences: TeamLab Planet as a sequel to TeamLab Borderless; and the native way of mochi-making.