Getting to know the neighborhood

This next morning we got up early as one does after a jet-lagged night and decided to just wander  around and explore the neighborhood.

We are located between the famous Tokyo fish market (about a four  minute walk) and the ultra ritzy Ginza shopping street (about an eight minute walk). We are also quite near a large river/canal leading into the Tokyo bay. We are clearly in a not very crowded part of the city, but that is relative, walking down the street takes a lot of weaving and dodging to not bump into people and bikes coming at you from all sides. It's a lively vibe.



We found a peaceful Buddhist temple half a block away and once we reached the river/canal we were far from any crowds; just the quiet river, the skyline, and bridges criss-crossing.

Bill is always the first to brave new food, here unwrapping something from a convenience store for breakfast. (Since we hadn't done any shopping yet.) 

It is winter here in Tokyo and cold. Most of the trees are bare, all lawn grasses are amber. We were lucky to start off on a sunny day as we wandered the neighborhood.

This is a shot of the Ginza where many high-end stores like to be seen. Since 2013 is the Year of the Snake, this Bulgari (jewelry) store has draped around it a necklace in the shape of a snake. At night it is lit up like diamonds.