Tokyo - Day Three Meiji Shrine

The Meiji Shrine is one of the most important landmarks in Tokyo. It is currently under renovations in preparation for the crowds for the 2020 Olympics so much of the building is covered. They are replacing the copper roofs of the buildings to show off the amazing construction. Meiji is located in a beautiful park and was the starting place for our Night Out tour with Backstreet Guides today.

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Tokyo - Day Three Hanazono Shrine

The Hanazono Shrine is a colorful Shinto Shrine founded in the mid-17th century. The shrine is dedicated to worldly success and attracts lots of businessmen for prayer. It is located near the Seibu-Shinjuku Station.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tokyo - Day Two Yanaka

Yanaka was probably one of my favorite stops today with our guide Yoko from Backstreet Guides. It's a quieter and has a more local feel to it. You can see it all here - cemetery, small temple, drinking alley and typical shopping street. 

 

 

 

  

 

    

Tokyo - Day Two Electric City

Akihabara is an eccentric stop in Tokyo. It has a New York Times Square feel about it - but with a Anime and Manga twist. If you are a gamer, this is Mecca for you. The electronic stores and stalls are filled with all of the latest technology. 

 

 

 

Tokyo - Day Two Imperial Palace Gardens

Our next stop with our Backstreet Guide Yoko was the East gardens of the Imperial Palace which is still home to the Emperor of Japan. The Palace is surrounded by fortified stone walls and moats to ward off potential invasions by warlords against the Shogun. Most of the original wooden structures are long gone - but with a little imagination you can visualize the impressive magnitude of this place. The Ninomaru Japanese gardens provide a relaxing stroll filled with surprising views around each corner.