Japan Trip - Kyu Shibarikyu Park and Zojoji Temple

After visiting the fish market, we went back to Hamamatsucho station (where we transferred from the train line to the subway). We'd noticed a park and decided to go back and check it out. The park, Kyu Shibarikyu, provided hours of entertainment. The weather was threatening rain, so we took the opportunity of taking pictures with the knowledge that there were pavilions where we could hole up if rain did fall.

The garden was gorgeous. And as the clouds went away and the sun came out, so did the wildlife, including numerous turtles, birds and butterflies.



Also near Hamamatsucho station, are Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple.



Like most temples, Zojoji had a well maintained cemetery. It also has hundreds of little statues called mizuko jizo. These statues are donated by those who have lost children through stillbirth or abortions. Here's a New York Times article about them, if you're interested in knowing more.

Japan Trip - Tsukiji Fish Market

Our first full day in Japan was spent in the Tokyo area. I'd counted on jet lag to get us up early, and we headed for Tsukiji fish market.

Above is a video of the street we had to cross to get from the side with the flea market and restaurants, to the fish market proper. And below are two photos of what the market looks like. We were there after the auction, when things were wrapping up.

Many of the seafood items were sold live. Including what looked like baby eels.