Portals to Paradise - Japan 2025 tour
We were excited to return to the land of the rising sun, Japan. Amanda Lehmann joined us too, which felt special, particularly as the last time she came to Japan was fifteen years ago.
The flight was long as the plane circumnavigated Russia, and then we had to catch another flight to Osaka. But despite the jet lag, Amanda, Jo and I took a moment to visit a Shinto Shrine near the hotel. It wasn't easy to walk far, as the heat and humidity were equally strong, but the little shrine was a magical gem we enjoyed exploring to the sound of tiny bells ringing in the trees.
The following day was our first show. It was great to be able to play the whole of Shadow of the Hierophant with Amanda on board, and the band put on a fantastic performance. The audience were wonderfully responsive too.
We then all took the bullet train to Tokyo. That is always a fun experience... It reached the speed of 170 miles per hour! From the train were some wonderful views of mountains. We could only just pick out Mount Fuji though this time through the heavy haze.
Over the next three days, we performed at the Roppongi Ex Theatre, Tokyo. All three shows went off like a rocket with band totally on fire and audiences totally full of joy and appreciation. It felt amazing to be playing again for the Japanese.
Amanda, Jo and I also explored some beautiful places. On the first day, our pal Mikari took us to the wonderful shrine Meiji Jingu in the a forest within Tokyo. Entering the forest through a huge gateway, we walked on surrounded by birds and butterflies between many tall trees, and then on through another Shinto portal and on to a gorgeous garden and lake full of waterlilies, plus a nearby well which granted special wishes. Beyond, was the beautiful shrine itself, within the middle of the forest.
The following day, with our pals Nathan and Noriko, we visited the magnificent Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. It's a fascinating walk beyond a huge gateway decorated with a great lantern into a street full of stalls, and then through an even more massive gateway with colourful lanterns and flanked on either side by guardian statues into the precinct. Here the vibe becomes magical with a tall pagoda to the left and the inner sanctum colourful temple ahead, seen through curling smoke from a large incense burner. We entered the temple, filled with intriguing sacred objects and statues... and then outside, we found ourselves in the temple's exquisite other-worldly garden, with its water, rocks, ornamental bridge, lush foliage, spiritual buildings and sculptures. It was indeed a magical walk.
Finally, on the last day, we visited the garden of the Emperor's palace, which was fascinating. We glimpsed beautiful buildings and waterways and once again, through a gateway we entered a place of picturesque tranquility. We passed between impressive high walls, once the bastions of an older palace, and we then moved on to paths through trees and undergrowth, with a clearing for an old style Japanese house beside a bamboo grove...
We then flew back home over Alaska, the Yukon and Greenland, so we've now travelled around the world in eight days!
Japan has been as spectacular and atmospheric as ever. We always look forward to returning as soon as possible. Many thanks to Nobu, Amy and all the team at the Ex Theatre Roppongi in Tokyo, and as always, my thanks to Wayne, Brian, Adrian, and our whole team for enabling such a special show and experience.
