Exploring Sensoji Temple, lively Shibuya
Saturday I woke up pretty early, so I decided to go for a run around one of the parks nearby. On the map it appeared to be a few miles around, so I hoped it would serve as a nice route. And it did.
I got slightly disoriented when I crossed a river I mistook for the water surrounding the park I aimed to run around, but I got to see some city streets and eventually got back on track. I ran about six miles total, though my fricken iPhone 4S GPS reported I ran almost 10 miles. I can’t wait to get rid of the iPhone.
Anyway, I loved everything I saw on my route. The city was super clean and everything looked nice. Men were fishing from boats on the river next to skyscrapers. Trees and shrubs were lush and green. Even the sewers were covered with interestingly designed lids. There weren’t many people out and about, though it was around 8:30 on a weekend. There were many runners, though. And they mostly all ran clockwise around the park. I, of course, was running against the grain. I kept telling myself they would hopefully just assume I was running from a Point A to a Point B that made my direction sensible. But maybe they just thought I was a silly white person.
Fishermen in the city
Mote around the Imperial Palace
Mote around the Imperial Palace
The man hole covers in Tokyo are all very interesting
I got back to the hotel, and Aaron, Dan and I found our breakfast coupons and headed to the buffet on the second floor. My first place was mostly familiar food, but I discovered the second half of the buffet was more Japanese type food. So that was my second plate, and every plate thereafter!
This is what I ate every day for breakfast at the hotel. The Japanese style omelette was delicious! And I am going to have to start making miso soup.
Once we finished, I showered and we trekked back out to do some sightseeing. Our first destination was Sensoji Temple, apparently the largest temple in Tokyo and one of the oldest, built in the early common era. It appeared to be a new building, though, so I’ll have to research how it has been maintained, restored or rebuilt…
A side street near the Sensoji Temple
The market ahead of the Sensoji Temple
Dan had to try the ice cream burger. I think he said it was decent with a slight green tea taste.
A large gate in front of the Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple
All the worship areas we saw had these fountains that you are apparently supposed to wash your hands at. I also saw people drinking the water, but I’m not sure if that’s typical.
The little paper knots must be some sort of prayer
People threw money into the container and prayed
More people throwing away their money and praying
Pretty fish
“Computar MOUSEPAD for your PC LIFE!”
Lots of interesting food shaped candy at the market near Sensoji Temple
Then we looked for a restaurant and settled on this place with sushi and stuff. It had the low tables where you take your shoes off, so that was kind of interesting. They also had English menus!
Fake food on display at almost every restaurant!
“You can drink like water”
After lunch, we took the metro to Ginza, partway to the hotel, and walked past the Imperial Palace gardens.
Do Not Rush
One of the less colorful trains
Bathroom has all sorts of gadgets!
I think this is Ginza, but I’m not quite sure now
I think this is Ginza, but I’m not quite sure now
I think this is Ginza, but I’m not quite sure now
Hibiya Park Daiichi Kadan
Maintaining the greenery near the Imperial Palace
Runner near the Imperial Palace
There don’t seem to be many recycling bins around, which seems to result in people putting bottles in random places
Random flowers in the sidewalk
While I wouldn’t expect anything else, obviously, it looks so strange to see giant Japanese characters painted onto the road.
Cigarette vending machines?
We rested a while, and then headed out to Shibuya, a busy shopping and hanging out area. It was amazing! I would love to come hang out there if I lived in Tokyo.
The maps in the metro stations have seemingly random orientations…
Subways here are incredibly informative. Not only do they announce the stops, but the screens or LED displays show all the stop information, where to exit the station, what car you’re in, etc.
All the crosswalks open at once!
Shibuya, I think
A bunch of McDonald’s delivery vehicles!
Little fliers rolled and rubber banded
That is a big girl
We watched some people bathe in the window for a while…
So many vending machines!
Shibuya
Shibuya
Aaron and Dan waiting in line for Pablo cheese tarts
As close to graffiti as I’ve seen in Japan
Shibuya
Aaron and his cheese tart
Shibuya
Shibuya
Shibuya
Shibuya
NO TOILETS
A sign at Hotel Monterey Akasaka
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