Tokyo. Shiodome neighborhood. A 10 minute walk from Hamarikyu Gardens, a Edo era retreat for Shoguns. The feel of Central Park.

The trip here wasn’t ideal, with neither of us sleeping on the plane. So, not unexpectedly, we’re feeling the jet lag significantly. (14 hours ahead of EST here.).

We awoke early yesterday, had a hearty b’fast in the hotel’s restaurant, and headed out to Hamarikyu Gardens. A few pix which give the Central Park vibe follow:

within the gardens quite a few teahouses which served the shoguns and guests:

We then walked onward to the Ginza district, this area reminiscent of 5th avenue. Big avenue, filled with the high-priced designers, etc.

i didn’t take photos of the glitzy stores, but did catch a few local things. The first is a smoking area which, at first, i thought was a crowded bus-stop…and there was a long line to enter.

and the image of Shohei Otani selling things here in Tokyo.

We walked and walked, from 830a to 430p, then got back to the hotel. We wanted to stay awake until at least 7, which we did. Then slept until about 230 and tried to doze more. I finally got out of bed at 6, it’s now 630.

We’re excited to meet a guide this morning at 9, and he’s got a nice itinerary set up for us until 5. We’ll get around much more than yesterday, take some trains, etc.