Tokyo, Japan - Day 37 (4th day in Tokyo)

We had a very nice breakfast in our hotel before heading out to the Tokyo International Forum building which holds an antiques bazaar a few times a year.  The Peninsula's hotel director had come by our table at dinner and had recommended for us not to miss it since he knew Jeff liked antique folklore.  The bazaar has mostly high end antique goods from kimonos to dishes to folklore goods.  Jeff, of course, found something he couldn't live without.

After dropping Jeff's purchase off at the hotel, we headed back out to visit the Meiji Shrine.  This is the most important Shinto shrine in Tokyo.  It dates from 1920 and Emperor Meiji who reigned from 1868-1912 and his wife are enshrined here. Allied aerial bombardment in 1945 destroyed the shrine but it was rebuilt with private donations in 1958.  During the New Year holidays it is the most heavily visited place in Japan, with over three million people worshiping here.

There are three huge torii (gates) that you go under during your walk along the graveled road shaded by huge cedars.  The shrine area is a favorite place for newlyweds to take photographs.  We sneaked a few in ourselves.

We walked back out of the park and wandered up through the Harajuku District, specifically along the Omotesando with its sophisticated shopping.  Jeff found a store specializing in anniversary products and bought us some interesting-looking chocolates.

Halloween seems to be a huge deal in Tokyo. Today, while we were strolling, we saw literally hundreds of children in costume along with lots of costumed parents.

We grabbed the subway back to our hotel and rested our feet for an hour before heading back out to take one last walk around the Ginza.  On Sundays, they close the main artery in the Ginza to vehicles and the citizens stroll up and down the street enjoying the day.  Everyone seems to be out today shopping and queueing up for restaurants.

Our visit comes to end too soon and we head back to the hotel to pack for tomorrows flight home.