Tokyo

November 25, 2012 (Sunday) -- Tokyo Tower, Shibuya, and Ginza

A whole day for us to explore Tokyo on our own so we were filled with anticipation. After a delightful breakfast at the InterContinental Lounge, we headed out towards the Tokyo Tower direction. We planned on walking, at least on the first part of our day.

Between our hotel and the JR Station is another beautiful garden, the Kyu-Shibarikyu Gardens. A smaller scale one than the Hamarikyu Gardens but still very pretty. We probably spent about an hour there, enjoying this peaceful garden in the midst of all the tall buildings of the city on this Sunday morning with many locals.

What a pretty bride!

After our visit to the garden, we continued our walk towards the tower, passing through the JR Station and the subway station on the way. There is a Wi-fi spot outside of the JR station so we made good use of it checking out our email.

JR Station--Hamamatsucho

From the corner of the JR Station, we can see our destination right there. Daimon Station for the subway is where the shelter is. There is also an underground level of restaurants accessible either taking the escalator from the shelter or going up the steps to the building and then go down one level.

getting closer

We just went straight on that one street without turning anywhere to get to the Temple.

Zojoji Temple

A kindergarten with Derrick's name.

First thing first, getting the famous crepes right beneath the tower. So many flavors to choose from.

It happened to be a 'food fair' kind of day at the tower. Many vendors from various eateries were selling their signature dishes. It was lunch time, naturally we had to try something.

good and inexpensive

We did not go up to the top of Tower figuring we already did the Metropolitan Government Building we would probably see the same thing.

Our next stop--Shibuya

Very crowded for a Sunday afternoon.

We don't like crowds, so after checking out a couple of stores we decided to walk to Harajuku.

It was a nice walk but a little far.

Checking out watches on the way.

We did not stay long in Harajuku and we did not go to Meijijingu (we were there the last time we came.) Hoping to see the renovated Tokyo Train station, we took the subway there. Unfortunately, we were lost inside the Tokyo Station and couldn't find that old building. I am sure we could find it if we were not so tired. Then we took the subway to Ginza because Christian wanted to take some night pictures.

Restaurants seem to be quite expensive in this area so we decided to go back to the hotel and see if we could find something there.

Yes, a Yoshinoya! Normally I am not a Yoshinoya person, but they had some items on the menu that I didn't mind trying, like this pork and rice. I especially wanted the raw egg on my rice.

Yummy pork with rice to end our long day in Tokyo.