Meiji Shrine and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory

Today, I took advantage of it being a public holiday to explore some of the central districts of Tokyo without being trod on by quite so many people. I visited the Meiji shrine and surrounding gardens, and then went up to the 45th floor of the Tokyo metropolitan government building to have a look at the view

Unfortunately, as it seems that even I can manage walking around a park and riding an elevator without any mishaps, I have no funny stories to tell. However, I do have photos!

Exiting Harajuku station onto a busy street:

However, just around the corner:

The park surrounding the Meiji shrine is large enough that you can pretty easily forget that you're in the middle of the city. I am once again reminded that green spaces are a Good Thing.

Long live sake!

The shrine to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken:

It is a bit of a shock to come out on the other side of the park and see skyscrapers again.

And finally, proof that Tokyo really does go on forever -- the view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory: