Yesterday we gave up on sleeping and got up at 0430. Went to breakfast at 0615, which probably was an early breakfast record for Ikuko. Must say it was relaxing having breakfast before the rush began.
First stop on the agenda was Meiji Shrine. We walked to Shinagawa Station, caught the train to Yoyogi Station and walked to the shrine.
Many of the stations have the new security barriers. When the train stops the sliding gates open allowing pax to exit and enter. Before the train moves the panels slide shut. They provide an extra layer of safety against people accidentally falling off the platforms.
It was standing room only on this leg of our journey.
Yuki, one of our guides, carried this flag so we could tell where she was in the crowd.
Kegs of sake on the right and casks of wine on the left marked the entrance to the shrine road.
This menu board gives an idea of what's available in a nearby concession in the grounds. For easy figuring, 100 yen is approximately one dollar. The top set would be about $23, the middle about $15 and the bottom dessert would be abut $8.
The main entrance to Meiji Shrine is marked by this large "torii."
Another torii on the shrine grounds.
After paying our respects at the shrine, we walked back out to the station and caught a train downtown for a trip to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. Here we went up to the 37th floor for a panoramic view if the city.
On the way to our next stop at the Takashimaya Department Store I couldn't resist taking a shot of the display outside a flower shop.
I was wandering around, after lunch when I saw a kimono display. Sale price for this kimono was about $12,225. The obi (kimono belt) below was a bargain at about $4,890.
This display in the lobby area caught my eye.
At Shibya there were two attractions. The statue of the faithful dog Hachiko, who waited at the station for his master's return for eight years. His master had died while at work and never returned. The dog waited faithfully until he died and now a statue commemorates the story. If you are interested you can Google the story of Hachiko for the details.
The other attraction is the massive number of pedestrians who cross the main Shibuya intersection every light change. It's a scramble crossing so people cross all directions at once. Pretty impressive to see the wave coming your way while in the middle of the street.
Back at our hotel after a full day of sightseeing we finally gave in to jet lag and went to bed at 1930 local time and got a full night's sleep.
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