Tokyo – Shibuya

Good morning, what a very different but fab breakfast!

An early start with our first shrine of the trip. Meiji Jingu dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. A much more recent Emperor that I would have expected. They ruled to the early 1900s, and made many positive changes in “unprecedented” times!

Our first Tori gate, no doubt one of many to come. Don’t forget to bow before you go through to show your respect, and always walk to the side not the centre as this is reserved for the deities.

And on to the shrine. To show your respect you put some coins in the slots, bow twice, clap twice and then bow again.

A popular place for wedding ceremonies having seen four wedding parties in half an hour.

Omikuji – a sort of fortune telling poem, no, they didnt make sense!

A stroll though Yoyogi park. A Saturday morning with so many joggers and families picnicing.

On the far side of the park and a quick toilet stop.

Returning back through the park and a small rose garden with the biggest roses. Absolutely beautiful.

On to the shops. A famous street for odd shops, including many capsule labs. A shop full of machines where you put money in to get a ball with, well random tatt. You’d be surprised how popular they are!

Just round the corner, a coffee stop where you are served by a bear through a hole in the wall. That word weird is back!

Don’t ask what the picture on the right is!

And time for a little street food, with rainbow bread.

I declare this now a holiday, yes, that is of course matcha.

Ok, so now the crossing is busy!

Shibuya Scramble, a very tall building overlooking the crossing, for sunset.

And our first glimpse of Fuji.

Interestingly it also overlooks the building our hotel is in.

Another local, well, Paix Dieu is only brewed at full moon you know, it would be rude not to!