day 2

Having got in late last night I didn't get a chance to really collect and write down my thoughts from our first full day here. It was such a packed day that I hope I get it all written down and don't leave things out!

We started our day easily with a trip to the Tsukiji Fish Market, which handles massive amounts of the seafood coming into Japan. The market is fully running and tourists are only allowed in once the early morning bartering has been completed. We had breakfast in the outer market at a sushi shop run by one of the best sushi chefs in the market. He was in his 60s and had been a sushi chef since the age of 15!! It was hands down the best sushi I have ever had, or will ever have. We all crowded around the little bar and watched as he prepared our food from fish that had been caught just hours before. It was the perfect start to our time here.

After breakfast we walked single file about the market proper and snapped photos as we walked and tried not to be in the way of the buyers and vendors. There were mountains of fish of every type, bloodied tables and carcasses, and most impressive of all NO FISHY SMELL. The catches were so fresh that there was no typical fish smell as there is near the fish counters in grocery stores. And many of the sellers would get our attention and pose with a catch for us! Most controversial of all we did see two vendors for whale, which was a beautiful color and was only the meat from one whale. Not the massive killings as you read about, but just one of the large population of Mink whales.

After the market we walked to the H Garden and explored the beauty of the whiter foliage. Most trees here hold their green colors during winter and it is traditional to have the gardens look their best during all seasons. In the center of the garden was the tea house where Ulysses S Grant met with a shogun and had tea. We enjoyed a traditional tea ceremony with the frothy bright green matcha tea in a tatami mat room. Was breathtaking to sip tea while looking out the windows at the surrounding beauty.

We then took a river bus to the more 'old town' Asakusa area where we visited the Sensoji Temple. With its massive Thundergate and the huge amount of pilgrims there on pilgrimage it was a bustling experience. The architecture and atmosphere were amazing. We received our fortunes as payment for entering the grounds and proceeded to cleanse our bodies before entering the temple to observe and take photos. The religious atmosphere was humbling and showed the more traditional side of Tokyo.

Having explored the shops and area to grab some ramen lunch we headed to the Harajuku area to visit the Meiji Shrine for the other side of Japan's religion. The grounds are home to types of trees from all over the country and is picturesque. Not the bustling market of the temple, but instead contemplative. We wandered the grounds and took pictures to our hearts content. I got to see 'ema' which are wooden plagues with prayers and thanksgivings written on them. I've had a few moments of confusion, as my name is an actual word here, and people think I'm saying random words instead of my name!!

Then we split off and my crew went to the local Starbucks to rest a bit before venturing into Shibuya. This is where the massive neon and signs are with the largest and busiest crossing. Thousands of people crossing in every direction at once!!! Was a wonderful experience. We wandered into a small restaurant whose name I don't know and had a relaxing dinner of amazing food and beers. After that we found some of the micro-bars and sat and talked for hours before going to the hotel to continue and talk until well past midnight!! Needless to say, we are exhausted this morning.

Today is off to Nagano for soba, the Zenkoji Temple, and SNOW MONKEYS