Tokyo

We started our day with a buffet on the 25th floor of our hotel. Here's a photo I took out the window:

There had been a typhoon warning the day before, but our weather was fine. 

First stop was at the train station to pick up our Japan Rail passes. Here's Dave walking through the Shinjuku station with his Maine HighPointers t-shirt:

Wish I had taken a picture of the 20ish couple ahead of us in line; she was decked out in a full red& white patterned skirt, with many petticoats and a straw boater (hat) adorned with fake strawberries. I thought they were from Bavaria (ok, an alternate universe Bavaria)  and was surprised when Roxana asked them where they were from, and the reply was 'Alabama'. Roxana then asked the woman where she had obtained her costume, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. This was my introduction to 'Harajuku Girls'. It's a form of dress, with devotees, as with manga, who come from around the world to experience where it all began.  (The answer, BTW, was 'online').

Next stop was Nakamise-dori, a street in the present day Akakusa area of Tokyo, which served as "downtown" Tokyo in 1600 -1800. It's an example of a shopping street in old Tokyo. Kinda like Olvera St in LA. Note the decorative red maple leaves above the stalls. Every season would have a different display - cherry blossoms in Spring, for example. 

Nakamise-dori  ended at a Buddhist temple. The Japanese tend to honor Shinto rites for weddings, and Buddhist rites for funerals and honoring ancestors. I lit a candle for Dad in the temple. 

Roxana chatting up Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka she met on our way to the temple you can see ahead. 

Tsukiji fish market was our next destination. You can't go wrong finding a good sushi restaurant next to the Tokyo fish market. We four shared a combo platter, were totally sated, and the entire meal came out to $5 per person. With a knowledgeable guide like Roxana, Tokyo does not need to be expensive!

Then it was on to stroll the Imperial Palace Gardens. Dave was ready for a nap after this, and Cathy kindly offered to go back to the hotel with him so Roxana could walk me to the Imperial Hotel for my Frank Lloyd Wright fix. Did I mention that both Cathy and Roxana speak Japanese? Thank goodness!

Autumn floral display on Tokyo street. 

In front of one of the carvings saved when the FLW designed Imperial Hotel was torn down in the '60's. There was also a special exhibit commemorating the FLW designed Imperial hotel in the lobby. 

On the way back to out hotel, we were able to walk through the Ginza, so I can now say I've been. 

After a long & satisfying day of touring & walking, and still battling jet-lag, we all turned in early.