TOKYO (Palace-Park-Temple-Cruise-Ginza-Tower)

Wednesday, April 17:  We are now in Tokyo and start our last day of the All Japan Tour.  Mirei takes us first to the Imperial Palace to see the only part left after the bombing during WWII. The residence of Japan's emperor and imperial family was rebuilt on a smaller scale after the war with work completed in 1968.  The bridges we see were rebuilt for the Emperor by a German engineer corps.  It's serenity belies the fact that there are three layers of trains under these grounds moving busy Japanese hither and yon.  Mirei explains the changes brought by the current empress in the raising of the heirs to the throne.

Next up, Ueno Park, the bird sanctuary and wetlands of about 131 hectares (325 acres).  More pretty cherry blossoms, overlook to wetlands, and floating pads for the turtles.

Take a picture and move on to Asakusa Kannon Temple, Japan's most colorful and popular Buddhist Temple.  The story goes that two boys found a gold statue here about 625 AD, a monk called

it the Goddess of Mercy so they started the temple.  Mirei says in this temple you just throw money into the pots and there's so need to clap or bow or any other ritual.  Just throw and make a wish.

The centuries old shopping streets extend the distance from the first gate to the second, about 400 yards.  We bought a battery for my watch and, while waiting for it to be replaced at no charge, we bought a great little backup travel watch.  Could probably find the same thing a WalMart but it's the thought, right?  We also tasted a strange new soft serve ice cream flavor.  Since I couldn't understand the sign I asked a young man eating a cone 'what is that yellow flavor?'  I hoped it was lemon but he said it was sweet potato!  We tried it and it was okay.

fan the smoke over your face for good luck

the grid at the bottom is where the coins go

We catch the river cruise at the Hinode Pier nearby and get to see the buildings from a different angle, that the water is clean, and the earthquake 'proof' bridges extraordinary.  For our boiled lunch we go to a mall-like complex on a new residential island made out of the sea.  The island is billed as having the most

Foreman keeping his legs up

modern, tech savvy homes in the world, voice recognition door locks, one touch remote controls, toilets and sinks that adjust heights, and on and on.

This afternoon we take a walk on the Silver Street -- Ginza Street --  a mecca of showcase architecture and shops that sell products with commas in the price tags. We buy nothing, but enjoy taking a photo of a $4,400 red purse, a new Nissan battery scooter (no windows though) and a new Rolls.

We top off the day with a trip to the top of the Tokyo Tower, the Eiffel look-alike that stands 13 meters taller than the Paris model.  The guides have us line up four across and in very straight lines, then move us toward the elevator.  Our little group of Aussies, Canadians, English, and Americans find this taste of Japanese discipline rather entertaining.  We enjoy the views and looking through the floor of the tower.

Looking over the vast expanse of tall buildings with lots of glass makes me ponder what Mirei said about the last big earthquake felt in Japan.  The March 2011 quake measured 9 on the scale (32 times greater than an 8) and was the 5th strongest quake in the world since the 1900 when they started measuring the force. She said not a single pane of glass fell in Tokyo!  Amazing.  Her personal tale of her earthquake experience should be another blog.  As soon as I get to our very last day in Tokyo... tomorrow.

Asha (Abu Dhabi) and Donna (London) off on more adventures - sumo wrestling?

Now we have to say goodbye to most of our fellow travelers as some go from here to Narita to fly home and we go back to the hotel for one more night.  We're staying another day to see a bit more of Tokyo and rest up for the trip home.  The Foremans and Holloways go back to the restaurant at the top of the Tokyo Dome Hotel for a quiet, slow dinner.  Very nice indeed.