Tokyo

Apologies in advance for the overload of posts today... I have a backlog and am off the internet for a while as of today, so am playing catch up.

 

Aside from the trainer-shopping, Ben and I did see some of the sights in Tokyo, including the 'busiest crossing in the world' at Shibuya, the Kaminarimon and the first cherry blossoms of the spring.  Unfortunately, the main temple in the Asakusa area, where we stayed for the first night, was being renovated (so that's when we decided to hit the shops...!)

 

We booked ourselves into a Ryokan, and enjoyed the full on Japanese living experience, with tatami mats, yukata, a 12 course dinner and steaming onsens.  While we were staying here we went to the fish market (see post to follow) and on our way back, were treated to an absolute spectacle - the snow was building up on the roof of the main gate by the Senso-ji, and workmen were out to make it safe.  However - they took their eyes off it for just a few seconds, and *whooomph* down came a whole splattering of snow from a 30ft height!  This happened again and again, and as more and more business people began their journey to work, it just got funnier and funnier for us... though when it was our turn to pass through the gate, we were worried karma might catch up with us!