visiting the empire palace

We went to see the empire palace in Tokyo, only to find out that we couldn't get in and see it. As a matter of fact we couldn't get anywhere near the building. So instead we were left playing outside, on the grand pebble 'yard' outside it, on a gloomy, cold and depressing evening. We played like adults do; with my camera.
These gloomy pics were the result of a visit to the emperors palace in Tokyo. It probably reminds you of the same thing it reminded me. Weep if you will.

n' some more of tokyo through my lens

Some pictures from various parts of Tokyo.

tokyo by night

Here are some more pics from Tokyo. We saw what rushhours look like in a Tokyo metro, went and checked out the Shibuya Crossing - the worlds biggest and busiest crossing, and did some people watching at Harajuku. Japanese fashion is extreme, let me just sum it up with that... Had dinner at a vending maschine restaurant and went back to Asakusa, where our hostel was. It was a long day of walking, we walked from one end of the city to the other, got lost, turned around, got lost, and found our way. Thank you Nike Air shoes, you are my greatest investment so far!

tokyo drift

So, to make things a bit more interesting and confusing, I'll now post a little about my adventures in Japan.

A hellish morning and an uncomfortable flight got me to Tokyo from Auckland, where I was met by warm people, but not so warm weather. (This is the beginning of march.) A lady gave

Me a pair of gloves in the airport, and though I protested and promised I wouldn't be needing them, she still insisted and told me its going to be cold. I was like yeah yeah I'm from Finland, don't lecture me on cold! Turns out, it was COLD!!! So I used the gloves...and had to buy a jacket, and use too much money on warm beverages not to freeze to death...

I found my way through the labyrinth of the Tokyo underground metro system, and got to the hostel, where Simone was awaiting me! A warm reunion, and we're still traveling and very much on speaking terms:)

The first few days were spent discovering the areas of our neighborhood, other parts of the city, Japanese city lifestyle, temples, food and getting used to the cold. Starbucks became our best friend.

The hostel we stayed at was called Khaosan Samurai, and is still the best hostel I've stayed at. If you go to Tokyo and don't want to spend too much on a hotel, consider their hostels. Best value for money!

Here are some pics from Tokyo in early

March, around two weeks too early for the full on cherry blossoms.