Day 2 – Uncovering Tokyo’s charm on a guided tour
After breakfast at our hotel this morning, we are met by an
English-speaking guide throughout our vacation.
On a coach tour of Tokyo, we witness the city's stark contrast,
starting at the vast landscaped Hama Rikyu Gardens - an oasis of
calm amid gleaming skyscrapers. Maple, ginkgo, and peonies gather
round sea-fed lakes on the site of a former 17th-century shogun
villa.
Next, we visit two enchanting temples. A symbol of the city, the
Senso-Ji temple in Asakusa dates from the 7th century and was built
to honor Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. With its sweeping,
tiled roof, intricately carved wood and giant red lanterns,
Senso-Ji is the epitome of Japanese Buddhist architecture, while
Harajuku's Meiji-Jingu shrine boasts fantastic Shinto design,
constructed in honor of the first emperor of modern Japan.
As if to demonstrate the incredible intertwining of the tranquil
and bustling, we travel a short distance to the famed Shibuya
crossing, where up to 3,000 people at a time inundate the crossing
from all directions. This evening is free to explore at leisure and
enjoy some fantastic Japanese cuisine on your own.
Includes