Tokyo

Tomorrow our next adventure begins, and I have a feeling this might be one of our biggest yet: we're off to Tokyo, where the New National Theatre will present Willy Decker's production of Peter Grimes, recently seen at the Royal Opera. It's going to be a whole new world for me; we've travelled plenty in Europe, Australasia and the U.S., but my experiences with Asia are much more limited, and I've never been to Japan. We're doing the thing properly, too: a six week stay, right in the heart of Tokyo. I genuinely have no idea what to expect; I'm a little nervous, but mostly intrigued and excited. 

The Grimes itself is a pretty fabulous prospect too. Not only do we have the guy recently described in the London press as the "greatest Grimes alive", we also have Susan Gritton, with whom I have been in love ever since she sang Ellen Orford in Sydney three years ago. And a recent cast change has thrown up yet another bonus for me: Australian baritone Jonathan Summers as Balstrode. I'll always remember the season of Otello in Sydney in which Jonathan Summers (again substituting at short notice, this time for Peter Coleman-Wright) sang Iago. Seven times I went, and seven times his Credo made me forget I was there for the Desdemona. I've been spoilt for Balstrodes: Peter CW in 2009, Iain Paterson just a week ago, and now Jonathan. Lucky me. 

As I say, I know almost nothing about Tokyo beyond what I've picked up while skimming through my Lonely Planet Guide. So if you've any tips to share, be they practical or touristical, please feel free to share them. 

Comments

[Thomasina]

Are you likely to want to swim? I gather Japanese public pools have a great many rules, not all of them familiar to Antipodeans…
http://www.japanfamilyguide.com/recreation/43-pool-etiquette-in-japan
http://tokyotombaker.wordpress.com/category/tokyo-lifestyle/swimming-pools/
http://www.abc.net.au/correspondents/content/2012/s3580923.htm

[wanderer]

Six weeks in Tokyo makes me very envious. And I've seriously looked at how to get to hear Stuart and the Ellen of my dreams once more. No Wigglesworth either. Bank says no.

Anyway. Tokyo will absorb you, have no doubt, and leaving is not easy. Anyone with an interest in Britten, who would that be, really should, really really, go to a Noh performance. The Noh Theatre is a short walk, up a winding little hill, from Shibuya station, which is crazy as, especially after dark, and that would be two stops I think from Shinjuku where I assume you have landed, near the NNT.

The September schedule is here. Give it the time, which will stand still.

And then there's Kabuki. The grand old theatre at Ginza is closed still I think and shows are on at the newer, also Ginza Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre (may be slow loading). It's mad and wonderful and can be booked out way ahead.

Also at Shibuya is the Meiji Jingu Shrine, a great escape into stillness. Think Meiji, think Butterfly, gratuitous link here. And there's the tree lined ritzy shopping Omotesando Bvde, blog again, forgive.

And...and...