Day 4 - Reaching for the sky

The boys' afternoon nap had such an effect that they were awake half the night and consequently not very fit. We decided to visit the Skytree, which is 600m tall and has 2 platforms at 350m and 450m.

Apparently, July is not a good time to visit Tokyo because there was no sign of the tourists, for whom you would have to wait for an hour. So we practically went straight to the elevator and were guided by an employee there. Just before the door closed, he made the classic bow. It's somehow strange. From the first platform, you go directly to the second, which is all about "Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends". The view is breathtaking.

Unfortunately, the visibility is not very good, so we couldn't see Mount Fuji. The platform winds its way up the tower, so there is no oncoming traffic - simple but efficient.

When we returned to the lower platform, the theme changed - now it's all about "Hello Kitty".

You can also take pictures with "Hello Kitty" - strangely, none of the boys want to do it, but the Japanese do.

The glass floor is also impressive, from which you can see the 350 meters below.

Then we continue by subway to Ueno. The system in Japan is brilliant, by the way. In addition to the names, the stations also have numbers - so you don't have to remember the name and always know how many more stations you need. Why don't we have that?

In Ueno, we first visit a "shopping street", which means stand by stand. And they also have the same things as everywhere else.

While the boys are drawn to the Hard Rock Cafe, we try sushi for the first time. Here, sushi is also available with beef (good) and ground meat (takes getting used to). We also try most of the other creations.

After the meal, the boys want to take another nap, but this time we change our strategy and take them along. We go to the Ueno Shrine, where the "Flame of Hiroshima" also burns.

According to the story, the flame was saved from the remains of a house in Hiroshima and has been burning ever since as a memorial against war and especially atomic warfare. The path to the shrine is adorned with stone and copper lanterns.

The shrine dates back to the 17th century and is well maintained. Especially the decorations are beautiful.

After the shrine, we visit a small lake that is overgrown with lotus leaves.

Of course, we pour water on a flower and observe the lotus leaf effect.

And there are also monstrous carp (or koi?).

In the middle of the lake, there is another temple, where the huge gong stands out.

What I haven't figured out yet is why the statues there wear bibs. No idea.

After a little detour to a flea market, "I want a trumpet" (Schröder), we finally go back to the hotel. This time, the boys seem so tired that the risk of staying up late is reduced.

Colleague Köberl wants to visit the Tokyo Tower in the evening, but ends up at the World Trade Centre. Since the rooftop terrace is already closed, we decide to have an expensive glass of beer in the Skybar - but the view is stunning.

A small addition to yesterday. When we had a final drink, they played "Der Kommissar" by Falco in English on the radio.

Finally, we take a short trip to the port. We notice that more and more Japanese women, but also men, are wearing kimonos. Maybe it's like wearing traditional costumes in our country.

Tomorrow we will go to the fish market in the morning (but we'll leave at 6:30 instead of 5:00 as originally planned). The boys will probably skip it. And then off to Nagoya. (MA)