Tokyo
Click on thumbnail to view larger picture
Tokyo! a bustling, vibrant and busy city..Meiji Shrine is a Shinto Shrine and we entered by the very impressive torii gate which is made of 1500 year old cypress
wood. We came to the cleansing station first where we could wash our hands before entering. The temple is quite plain compared to other temples in Japan but a lovely feeling of
peace and reflection. Weddings take place often and the brides wear white kimonos with hoods and the men black formal attire. We were lucky to see a couple
here on the day. How lovely! The Shinto Priests came walking by while we were there and watched as they walked across the paved area to the the temple.
|
Next on our itinerary was The Tokyo Imperial Palace and as we alighted the coach, a walk through a park full of cherry blossoms guided us
to the path up past the moat to view the Palace. This was formerly known as Edo Castle and was and still is surrounded by moats and massive stone walls.
The inner grounds are not accessible to the public but we certainly enjoyed walking around the grounds to see this beautiful structure. The eyeglass
bridge was a highlight and being situated in the moat and just before The Imperial Palace was a photographers delight
|
Another Buddhist Temple in Asakusa is the Sensoji Temple. This was built for the Goddess of Kannon in 645 and so is the oldest one in Tokyo.
The Thunder Gate marks the entrance and from there a wealth of colour and activity happens. Its a large area and there are many statues and lovely
gardens to see. There is an opportunity to have your fortune told by the sticks and in general enjoy all the Japanese culture. As well, there is
a shopping street with lots of things for tourists and locals to buy. Great atmosphere here and a really nice place to visit.
|
Back on the coach to go for a ferry ride across the harbour and then off to see Tokyo Tower. From the ferry we got a great view of the Tokyo skyline,
just a little faded by rain and a small amount of fog and mist. Then off to see Tokyo Tower. It is a huge, red structure and at 333mtrs, is the worlds largest
self supporting metal tower. It was completed in 1958 and is Japans answer to the Eiffel Tower in France. We went up in the lift and enjoyed the city view from the observation deck.
Loved the glass viewing platform in the floor so you can look straight down and see the ground below. Quite a highlight and the end to a brilliant day..
| 
