This was my first trip in to Tokyo. I was aiming to go to Tokyo station, and I made it there after a minor train mishap where I got on the wrong line. I was able to back track and sort it out, and eventually made it! The first order of business when I got there was to get something to eat - I ate at a little rice bowl restaurant inside the station. I forgot to take a picture of my food, but it was delicious!
This is the outside of Tokyo station; it is very beautiful. There were a lot of people taking pictures of both the outside and inside. I think that it was recently renovated.
The imperial palace gardens weren't far from the station, and as I began walking there I had to cross a moat. In historic times, this is where Edo castle stood, and it is the heart of Tokyo.
I liked this contrast of old vs. new with the skyscrapers in the background.
There were so many trees in this part of the grounds, it was amazing to think I was in the center of one of the world's largest cities!
I liked this sign. I think it is supposed to mean no jogging/running in this area, but to me at first glance it looked like the people were taking off with jetpacks. (And this is what happens when I travel alone!)
A pretty bridge over the moat.
The fence around the moat had a very intricate design. I wonder how old it is...
Looking back towards the skyscrapers. The area around the Imperial Palace has a lot of financial businesses, I think.
This is the bridge that leads into the Imperial Palace. The actual palace grounds are open to visitors only 2 days a year: January 2nd and December 23rd (the Emperor's birthday).
Another interesting building - I'm not sure what it is!
Going this way leads to the east gardens.
The signs in this area told me that there has been a lot of work done to stabilize this large stone blocks. It is hard to tell from this picture, but each block is about 4-5 feet tall!
A pretty path in the east gardens. This lead to a beautiful spot!
My first view of the east gardens.
It was a little rainy this day, but everything looked so green and lush!
I found a nice little waterfall, there were some stairs you could take to go up to the top of it as well.
On the way back to Tokyo station I came across a fountain park. It was super cool!
I liked this "clam" fountain the best!
My time in the gardens was cut short because they were closing, so I didn't get to see them all. I will be going back next weekend, so hopefully the weather will be better and I can see the rest of the gardens!
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