Dynamic Tokyo Tour

All day on a bus, sort of, with lunch and a guide named Mai. While waiting to be picked up I spotted this gem in the hotel lobby showcase. Originally broadcast on Japanese TV and sold legally in Japan, it is available in a torrent download in the US but so far I haven't been able to find a live one. NPI.

First stop, the Tokyo Tower, the same one that Godzilla destroyed but it was all repaired and ready for us to go to the observation deck. The deck provided excellent views and the visibility was decent but not spectacular. A front was moving in that would affect Mt. Fuji tomorrow. On a clear day, Mt. Fuji can be seen from the tower.

Looking through the floor.

The Happonae Garden features Bonsai Trees with oldest being 528 years old. We also had a tea ceremony performed by a Tea Master or Tea Sensei. There is more than just pouring hot water through a bag or strainer into a cup. It is made from powdered green tea that it whisked into a froth. Not my cup of tea but very interesting.

528 years old.

Garden Gnome

 For lunch we had Japanese BBQ. Think Steak on a Stone only better. A lot better.

Shogun Statue at the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is open two days a year. This wasn't one of them. Every January 2nd and December 23rd. Maybe next time. Originally the home of the Shogun, it passed to the Emperor at the same time as the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Emperor moved there and changed the name of Edo to Tokyo. (On an unrelated note, while returning on our last night, there were thousands of runners there, running the perimeter of the grounds. No numbers, no lights, just thousands of runners.)

The last part of the day was the Sumidae River Cruise under the thirteen bridges to Asakusa, site of the Asakusa Kannon Temple and street vendors galore. The biggest difference is that in Japan, there is no haggling. It is this price. Period. The temple and its pagoda are magnificent.

Noodles again, and bed. Mt. Fuji tomorrow and the forecast is 80% chance of rain.