Tokyo Day 2

Tokyo Day 2

Today Yasu spent the day with his grandparents so his mother and other grandmother gave me a tour of the city. They rented a tour taxi with an english speaking driver. The driver use to be a journalist for sports and politics who has traveled around the world. I asked which country was his favorite and he said Afghanistan before the war because of its beauty. His photographer and him were arrested there because they took some photographs they weren't suppose to. His knowledge of Japanese history helped me understand and appreciate so much of what I was seeing.

 Meiji Jungu Shrine

This Shinto shrine opened in 1920. On New Year's Eve more than 2 million people come here to usher in the new year.  The entry gate of the shrine is built of cypress more than 1,700 years old. 

We were able to witness a wedding ceremony taking place here. Mind you the weather was unbearably hot and humid. 

 

Sky Tree

The Sky Tree is a broadcasting and observation tower that is earthquake resistant. In 2010 it became the 2nd tallest structure in the world. If you wondering about that gold blob, that is the Asahi Beer Hall. The locals call it the golden turd when it's actually suppose to represent the burning heart of Asahi Beer.