Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu Shrine and Harajuku

Off on the train this morning, heading to Yoyogi Park, one of the best places for Cherry Blossom viewing.  Ryan and Colin came ready for the long ride.  We were not the only ones on the train heading there...there were some other young folks loaded down with their picnic goods heading there also.

It's already been "snowing" petals. 

To the left!  Love their signs.

Small groups of folks practicing Tai Chi, some with sticks.

 

Lovely blossoms!

Jill and Dave admiring the view.

Lovely fountains that change heights...

 a wonderful Japanese bridge...

Lots of ravens in the park..this one having a drink from the lake

Lots of food trucks!

This archway in the rose garden..will be lovely in a month!

A festival was being held across the bridge from the park...they had music playing.  We went over the bridge to see what was going on...

this is the top of the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.

and this was one of the first booths we found..Habitat of Japan!!

They are not building yet, but have a planting program with Sri Lanka.

They do take volunteer groups to help build there...for a fee..

They sent greetings to all our Durham Habitat Friends!!

and this interesting sculpture was being assembled of recycled items.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

 The guide brochure says the following about the Meiji Jingu Shrine..."During the Meiji Era (1868-1912) Japan flourished under the benign rule of Emperor Meiji, who promulgated the Meiji Constitution, promoted friendship with foreign country, and developed the nation in every cultural fields.  It was one of the most glorious and prosperous periods of all the Japanese history of more than 2000 years.  It was the period when the bases of modern Japan were built up.
     It was Emperor Meiji who, as the leader of this colourful early modern period of Japanese history, devoted himself wholeheartedly to increase the prosperity and peace of the nation and those of the world.  Consequently, Emperor Meiji was regarded as a truly great Emperor not only by Japanese but also foreigners."  This Shrine was built in his honor and in honor of his consort, Empress Shoken who assisted behind the scenes to make his work possible.

 The shrine grounds are 175 acres.  Almost all of the 100,000 plus trees and shrubs were donated by people throughout Japan and abroad.  They include almost all species found on the Japanese islands. 

The Memorial Hall is where the shrine performs Shinto wedding ceremonies.  We happened to see 3 in progress.

 

 Attendants were adjusting the Kimono

so the bride could take the traditional

walk around the shrine with her groom.

This ceremony had just finished and the

bride was walking around with her groom.

 The second procession was just beginning.

  The Officiant was leading the procession

followed by the bride under the umbrella.

The third wedding was more old fashioned 

with the white dress and head covering.

and then we saw this small baby who had been blessed

for good health and happiness.

 

 Interesting rooflines.

 Think we'll take this cute family home with us!

 Lovely cherry blossoms here too.

 As we headed out of the shrine area we saw this tanuki (raccoon dog).  

They are common around here.
 
 and gardener's tools.

Back into the chaos...looking for a place for lunch.

Jill's ever present phone--tells all.

This was the entryway to a mall..all mirrors.

Found a nice bakery..excellent!

Even smiley faces for the coffee!

We were in the  Harajuku area of Tokyo the according to the Guidebook is "where Tokoyoites come to be spendy and trendy".  Lots up upscale US and International stores...the Rodeo Dr of Tokyo!

and LOTS of people.  This was Takeshita alley...that "buzzes with teeny-boppers"!  It was wall to wall people.  We had to hold on tight to Colin & Ryan as they were in a mass of legs and glad to exit that and head back to the park to the..Crepe Truck...YUMM!

While they were finishing off their crepes we were entertained by ball handlers..incredible what they could do with a ball!  Lots of fancy footwork too!!

and these skateboarders.

Time to head home so back to the train station 

 

where we were just in time for the rapid express that passes through alot of the stations.  We were back to the car in less than an hour.  Home and time to color eggs!

Multi-color, cool designs...very nicely done...the Bunny will be proud.

Then a great dinner and the end of a very fun and interesting day!!