First day that was only 24 hours long

Woke up well before dawn, which was to happen to me for days. Alan and I went to Meiji-Jingu, which is a.... shrine! First of many! Lovely landscaped park, giant torii's (gates), and in front cosu-play-zoku, which are young folk who like to dress up as... don't know! Supposedly like some popular bands.

Alan later met some friends and I got back to the hotel all by myself. Even found an internet cafe and made reservations for Hiroshima later on. The internet cafe was above a Denny's! For dinner we ate at Mosburger's, a chain burger joint that doesn't use 100% beef (includes vegies). The side beverage of choice is coffee. Never have understood the burger and cup of coffee connection. Makes me think of the painting Nighthawks for some reason. Oh, NO de-caffeinenated coffee in Japan. None.

This is part of the Imperial Palace. I'd like to say that Alan and I were on hand to help out with the birth of the future Emperor, but actually, the palace is closed on Friday. That's how I knew it was Friday, because the palace was closed.


This is the gate at Senso-ji, in Asakusa. Big lantern. Alan's in this photo, near one of the gods on the right.