Tokyo tower

We made our way back to the JR station and boarded a train headed south. Departing at a junction with the metro subway, a decision was needed regarding our next destination. The time was around 1600; there was about 2 hours of daylight left. Rather than attempting to make it to the Tsukiji fish market so late in the day, tokyo tower looming nearby drew our attention. A large red and white tower taller than the Eiffel tower, with an observatory at 250 meters, was destined to be in our future. On the walk there, we found another shrine / temple. It was fun to see the natural elements countless years of age in comparison with the relatively new steel structure towering overhead. After making it to the tower we paid the 1400¥ for a ticket to both levels of observatories. There are several elevators used to access the first level at 100 meters. The ride up was fast and this level was not crowded.  There are two floors to the first level which both wrap 360 degree view. We decided to head up to the second level, up 2 flights of stairs and into a line to board the next elevator. It took about 20 mins before we were able to get in the elevator since there is only 1 elevator connecting the first and top levels, and after the 2 min ride we arrived at the top level. This level is much smaller, and has a single floor. It was not crowded, but it took about 30 mins in line to get back in the elevator for the ride down. The first level has a restaurant and even a band that plays on popular nights. We were getting hungry and decided to walk back to the train station. On the way back we found a clean yakatori bar and stopped in for a bite and drink. I had cho-hi which is a premixed blend of sho-ch, sparkling water and lemon juice. It was refreshing, but seemed weak in comparison with Eiko's hot saki. We had some good pork and chicken skewers and made our way back to station. It was time to head home to ensure that dinner would still be fresh and warm waiting for us.

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine Entrance

City Wilderness

While riding the commuter train east towards Tokyo, I was avidly watching the surrounding landscape, rather than fingering my cell phone or PSP like so many of the natives around. It was a cool clear day, blue sky, temperature around 50F. After the second stop, a seat cleared out and I was able to sit for the remainer of our ride. While looking towards the south west, I noticed a snow-capped giant on the horizon, Mt. Fugi!! After about 20 minutes we ended up being delayed on the tracks because of some accident ahead. Following the recommendation of the conductor, we transferred to another train at the next station. After another 10 minutes we arrived at our destintion, Harajuku. The Meiji shrine is the largest shrine in Tokyo, devoted to the first emperor of Japan after Tokyo became the capital. Amazingly after a 5 minute walk the concrete jungle was transformed into a wilderness of very old trees perhaps 50 to 100 feet tall.
I performed the required hand and mouth cleansing with blessed water and approached the sacred shrine.

Cleansing

Shrine Gate

No photography was allowed inside the shrine, but it reminded me of an old Bruce Lee movie where 100's of ninjas practised their kung fu. Bow twice, clap twice and bow once before prayer will ensure your prayers are answered.

Pray for a Good Trip

Praying with a clean spirit and clear mind is advised. I was surprised how many native Japanese appeared next to me while i was bowing. It seems many peopleb will come to this place when they have an important issue for prayer. We left the sacred grounds feeling happy, clean, and blessed.

Location : Japan,

1st Japanese breakfast

After a long night of sleepwalking, we awoke @ 7 and began to ready for the day. Awesome breakfast of Japanese green tea, leftover agi fish wrapped in sweet seaweed, fried eggs and ham, salad with Japanese mayo, fish roe, miso clam soup, and french bread with olive oil. I wanted to take a picture of this spread but was still worried about our hosts' reaction.  We packed our train maps, passports, and JR rail passes and walked to the Minami-yono rail station. Ojisan accominied us on the walk, showing the most direct and rememberable street for our return journey. We then boarded the first train to Toyko.

Location : Japan,

Departure to the land of the rising sun

Up at 4am, in air at 8am bound for sunny san francisco. There seems to be a new trend with these business flights of bringing 2 large bags as carry-ons rather than check any luggage. Because of this the overhead compartments were completely filled before i had a chance to even board the plane. I was forced to check my single roller bag on the jetway. I really hope the baggage handlers aren't too hung over this morning! Landed at 9:40 pacific time, but we were stuck on the taxiway for over an hour before the plane had a gate. Ran from one terminal to the international terminal (no time for duty-free!) and arrived just in time at 11:15 for our 11:28 scheduled flight to Narita airport in Tokyo, Japan. There was a 30 min delay before the plane even left the gate; I hope they managed to get the bags off our last flight and onto this one in time! Decent seat location (52G) with the big screen only 3 rows away. 10:55 estimated flight length would put us in Japan by 4pm Wednesday.

Location : Japan,

It's alive!

I'm traveling to Japan on next tuesday for a 2 week vacation. If I can find free wifi, I plan on posting daily updates and photos to this blog. Follow along for the ride.

Location : 4331 Crestone Cir, Broomfield, CO 80020,