Tokyo - first morning

We had a busy day planned. It started with Japanese tea in our room

Then a leisurely breakfast at the Ryokan.

We strolled through the streets of Yanaka, a very traditional neighbourhood..this lady seemed to be weeding the gravel in front of her house?...

..to Yanaka cemetery..

...where we ticked off our first temple - Tennoji

We then walked to Ueno Park, a magnificent open space with lots of temples and museums. We avoided the latter but visited the 17th century Toshogu Shrine

with its hand washing station

brass lanterns

and message board

It was then through the Tora gates

to Hanozono Inari shrine

The gardens themselves were varied and colourful. We had missed cherry blossom time, but the Japanese maple was spectacular.

Next was Ueno station to get our Japan Rail pass and book our train trips. All very efficient and courteous as expected. Just out of the station is Ameyoka shopping street

with lots to buy - and look at - seafood for example

Beautifully presented fruit

and all sorts of food.

We were getting hungry so stopped at a coupon noodle shop. You select your dish and pay at the front, give your order to the lady and within a few minutes there it is

Next a successful negotiation of the Tokyo train system and we were at Ryogoku, for an afternoon at May sumo championships. Even the competitors were walking from the station.