A Half Day Trip to Russia

I spent like 5 weeks in Tokyo in 2005. Went to like almost every tourist spots already. This being my 3rd time there, I am kinda of bored. I did not get the JR Pass, hence travelling around on the Shinkansen is rather pricey.

An Orthodox Church

I decide to do something different and make a day trip to Russia!. I set off for Tokyo’s Haneda Airport early morning which is 1 hour train ride. I got the first flight on Aeroflot at 9.30. Set out for Irkustuk. The flight is an hour. After my arrival, I change some money and set out for the City Centre on a taxi.

Ok, that is really a bubble. I confess it first. Haha

I did not go to Russia, but somewhere which does reminds me a little bit of Russia.

I was really running out of places to go in Tokyo. I was looking through D’s lonely planet guidebook on where else I could visit. And I stumble on an Orthodox Church in Chiyoda. Wow. I told myself I really have to visit this place. An Orthodox Church in Japan!!! After some packing, ( I was leaving the next day, and my things are all over) I set out for the Holy Resurrection Cathedral. Commonly known as Nicholai-do.

To Nicholai-do

The design of the cathedral was based on Russian style. The original church building was completed on 1891.

The Original Nicholai-do

Unfortunately the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, resulted in major damage to the building. The bell tower could not withstand the earthquake and fell on to the central dome and collapsing it.

After the Kanto Earthquake

The church was rebuilt in 1929 with a shorter bell tower and dome.

Images of Nicholai-Do

I made some donation and bought some postcard. The interior was very grand. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to snap any pictures. And I shall respect it.

Nicholai-do Today

I have been looking at Shrines from Tokyo, to Kyoto, to Nikko and Kamakura. Japan is a land of Shrines. It is a good ‘break’ to look at church. And it is even more interesting with an Orthodox Church.