Temples, shrines and crossings

Breakfast today consisted of some weird brioche bun filled with tasteless jam. It's safe to say I won't be having that again. But what do the Japanese eat for breakfast? Sushi? They don't seem to sell any fresh bread which would be an obvious choice for breakfast. 

However, I managed to force this bun down (don't like to waste food) as we went on our way to the government buildings in Shinjuku to go to the observation tower (free entry!). Unfortunately, the view of the city wasn't as spectacular as it would have been if the sky was clear. Also, Tokyo doesn't really have any famous landmarks so I could only spot a few buildings and a faint outline of Mount Fuji. 

Next we slowly made our way to the Meiji shrine. In the middle of this wood (mummy there were so many beautiful acers) is this beautiful temple but I think it only dates back to the early 20th century. It was quite peaceful and quiet, even with all the tourists. A few scared trees stood outside the main shrine, one with wooden plaques covered in writing from visitors, blessings and wishes. I felt quite emotional reading some of the ones wishing a loved one would recover from an illness. The best one however said '

Just before we left this shrine there was what seemed to be a wedding ceremony entering. The bride had a full white kimono with a headdress and everything. The bride must have been someone important to have been able to be married at the Meiji shrine. 

Lunch today consisted of curried udon noodles. Nice but the curry sauce wasn't much different to a chip shop one. I also had to use a bib as most of my was being flung everywhere. 

Next we moved in to find the famous crossing that in pretty sure everyone thinks of when they imagine Tokyo. It's exactly how I'd pictured it. There are 5 crossings creating a circle and all cars stop at the same point so all crossings are crossed at the same point. It looks like ordered chaos. Pretty amazing. 

Finally, late afternoon we headed back to Asakusa to see the Senso-ji temple. It's a massive old red temple at the end of a very busy market. Quite incredible. Outside all temples is a little water fountain with cups attached in chains for you to 'cleanse' yours hands with. Or at least that's my guess. But also, the Senso-ji temple had a burner for people to waft the burning smell over themselves. Perhaps that is to rid yourself of bad odours? 

Dinner tonight was salted squid on gelatine noodles (see through noodles) and I also chose a side dish of Camembert wrapped in seaweed then deep fried in tempura. The squid was over cooked and the Camembert didn't tast as good as it sounded. But it was still nice.