We arrived in Tokyo at midnight on December 6. Manuel, a family friend who will be hosting us for a few days, picked us up at the airport. After resting for most of the day Manuel took us on December 7 to sort out our JR Pass, the trains pass to move around Japan. We took the opportunity to visit the Tokyo Central Station. We then went to the TGM Observatory where we had a nice view of the city. We then walked around the City Centre before returning home. Manuel lives in Kawasaki, which is about 45 minutes from Tokyo by train and bus.
On December 8 we went to Senso-ji Temple, the most popular temple in Tokyo. There were lots of tourists and local people visiting the temple and some of them wear the typical kimono, which can be rented, just outside the temple. We also walked around the gardens, which are beautiful. We then went to the river where we had a nice view of Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest broadcasting tower in the world. In the evening we went to Akihabara.
On December 9 we went for a walk around the City Centre and found that there was a special admission to the Imperial Palace and Gardens. We lined up with a multitude of tourists and local people. We were able to see places that are not normally open to the public; however the Palace can only be seen from the distance. The gardens are amazing!
We then headed to Yanaka, a traditional Japanese neighborhood. We visited several temples and cemeteries in the area as well as shops and old houses.
In the evening we went to Shibuya and spent some time watching people go across the Shibuya crossing, the busiest crossing in the world. We then walked around the shops, which are all illuminated with their characteristic neon lights.
On December 10, Manuel took us in the morning to Enoshima Island, where we had a nice view of Mount Fuji. We went up to the Enoshima Sea Candle (Shonan Observatory Lighthouse) where the view was even more impressive.
In the late afternoon we went to Taiizan Kotokuin Shojosenji or Kōtoku-in, which is a Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple where the Great Buddha of Kamakura is located. And then we drove to Kamakura and visited some of the temples in town.
On December 11 we woke up very early and went to the Tsukiji Fish Market. Unfortunately the market is only open for visitors after 10:00am and just for a short while. Visits are restricted and accompanied by security. We walked around and got some sushi from one of the stalls. Most of the shops close by 11:00am. After our visit to the fish market we walked around the area visiting shops and other markets.
We then went to Ginza, an upscale area of Tokyo; the highlight of it was the Nissan Crossing where they have some of the latest Nissan models and the Uniqlo store, which is 12 floors high.
We spent the morning of December 12 in the apartment. In the evening Manuel took us to Yokohama. This is a beautiful area near Tokyo.
Awesome pictures! You guys were blessed with such beautiful view of Mount Fuji.