Tokyo - Day 5

Our first full day in Tokyo was a little overwhelming. As I mentioned in the previous post, there is SO much to do in Tokyo (think NYC), that it was difficult to decide where to begin.

We opted to do another half-day bus tour. It got us out and about and let us enjoy a few sight seeing locations.

Our first stop: The Tokyo Tower. It resembles the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and is primarily used to communication/broadcasting. We enjoyed the quick ride up to the observation decks and got a chance to see the city from up top. Unfortunately for us, the day was a bit hazy, but it did show us that in fact, Tokyo is enormous!

Alessandra by one of the windows.

Yep, here we are, in the Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Bay behind us.

Looking down through the windows that faced the ground. The girls loved this.

As for if that part of the tour was worth it: Sure, especially if you have 2 kids in tow. They are great travelers, but there are only so many shrines that kids are happy to see. This was much more exciting.

Looking up...

Our next stop: Meiji Shrine

One of the major (and most well known) Shinto Shrines in Tokyo, Meiji Shrine is dedicated to one of the past Emperors of Japan (Emperor Meiji). It is surrounded by beautiful trees (apparently trees were brought in from all over the world and planted here) and is remarkably quiet even though it is located in close proximity to the famed Harajuku district.

As you enter the main gate, there are casks of Sake (and other wine) showcased. Gifts (if I remember correctly) in honor of the Emperor.

The main Torii entrance - one of (if not The) largest in Japan. (Torii gates are always around when the shrine is Shinto)

As you enter, you are supposed to cleanse your hands and your mouth (don't drink the water, you actually spit it out). Alessandra cleansing.

and now Olivia's turn. (You might remember this from our New Year's visits in previous posts).

Handwritten prayers that are hundreds (likely thousands) deep

After departing Meiji, we went to the Imperial Palace gate area. The East Gardens were closed this day.

Alessandra took this. Olivia, looking non-plussed.

We arrive in a large bus parking lot and walk across a park. There was this great statue of a Samurai  in the center of it.

The double bridge to the entrance of the Imperial Palace.

And the following photo is simply for my sheer fascination and pleasure. This family was on our tour and I couldn't help but be amazed by the mom's shoes. Check out those heels...

At the Double Bridge

Kelly with part of Tokyo in the background

Crazy girls

Our tour dropped us off (just in time for lunch) in Ginza. Ginza is one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping areas that exist. (You can tell how well we fit in, no?)

Big city, big stores,

lots of people in dark colors...

So, what do we find? A Toy Store of course! A 5 story toy store (what could be better?) We found this race car area on one of the floors. The girls were in heaven - ALL of our cousins and uncles would have loved it.

The employee who ran the racetrack putting a police car out on the track to "catch" the girls for speeding.

Heading back from Ginza, we needed to hit the subway once again.

At the subway station - oh, yes, that's right. Women only. :)

It was a great view of Tokyo for the day.