Sayonara Tokyo

OK so for my last day in Tokyo, I had to make sure that I visited the Tokyo Tower. I don't know why but it would just not be right. Here is a picture...

So to get to the first level is 150 metres, then if you want to you can go an extra 100 metres to the top observatory for more yen. So I couldn't go halfway and stop there, somehow I think this is how they plan it... devious! Well, anyhow... these are some pics of the views...

So with the last thing done, I'm heading for Sapporo in Hokkaido. I say goodbye to my Kiwi mates wondering what mess they will get themselves into, here is a pic of what I last saw of them (They have matching bamboo and wooden thongs on as well. After showing this picture to a Japanese person I found the headbands say "number one guy" or something like that...I'm sure this would only encourage them.

Earlier that day I visited the Meiji Shrine and got some pictures, I couldn't take pictures of the place where you say your prays to the deities as that is where they live, which is understandable. I don't want the gods to see me as paparazzi! When the Japanese left the area of the shrine, and even the park for that matter they would bow respectfully to the gods as they left. I was inclined to do so also, but I think it would defeat the purpose of respect if it is something that I do, and not truly have belief in it.

The park I mentioned is Yeyogi Park, perhaps one of Yogi-bear's relatives lives here?? I'm not sure. Anyhow it has these amazing gateways into the park which are quite impressive, with a beautiful backdrop of a wide path and tree canopy, kind of holding their arms over the path. The first day I went down this pathway was amazing as the sun was dappling through, and the sun spots on the ground were magical. You see that's the thing with the parks and the gardens in Japan. In the pictures you may see the normal Japanese looking tree or plant, but it's the way that it looks in real life. With the sun playing on its form and a shower of leaves crossing your view or a small bird delicately jumping through its branches that makes all the difference. The gardens are to be experienced, not photographed.
Some of the great photos I cannot upload because they are over 10meg

Mount Fuji!.

Sooo Sayonara Tokyo you've been a gentle giant for my first O/S destination