Amazing (exhausting) 2nd day in Tokyo

This morning we actually woke up at 4:20 AM so that we could participate in 'THE' tuna auction at 5:30 AM. To start off, I didn't expect so many people to show up at that hour. I had entered a ticket lottery for the tuna auction back in Germany and actually won two tickets. With these tickets, we were allowed to watch the auction live from an open area. All the other people who weren't as lucky had to watch the auction from a higher glass-enclosed platform. Yes, we were really lucky with these tickets, and it was amazing. A very nice older gentleman told us a bit about the different tuna species and showed us which were the most expensive. The tuna were already laid out in the hall, and whenever a bell rang, an auction would begin. It was amusing to see how the bidders signaled their interest with hand movements. After each successful auction, both parties bowed, and the fish received a corresponding sticker. I found that really interesting. Very satisfied and extremely hungry, we then headed back to the hotel for breakfast.

Afterwards, we took the metro to Hama-Rikyu Park. The layout of the large park was wonderful. There were so many beautiful things to see in the garden, including a 300-year-old Japanese pine tree. There was a tidal pond and so much more. I particularly liked the many small bridges. I'm still thrilled and truly impressed by how well-maintained everything is. We took many pictures, of course, also of the cherry blossoms. At the tea house in the garden, one should definitely try a matcha tea with a treat. I indulged myself there as well. Both looked good, but I didn't like it. It was also getting warmer, and we set off for our next sightseeing point. We wanted to be at the Ghibli Clock by 12 PM to see the clock's short show.

We arrived early and therefore had great standing spots. When the animation started, I had to laugh at first because the characters moved oddly to the music. By the end, though, I found the short live show truly worth seeing and would actually recommend it, despite the big grin on my face :-).

Next, we wanted to visit the local Imperial Palace. However, the line at the entrance was so long that we decided to stroll along the palace wall instead. We did this in the blazing midday sun and it quickly became too warm for us. We then walked to the next metro station and went to the Senso-ji Shrine.

When we exited the metro station and turned around the next corner, I could hardly believe it. What an amazing temple complex! It was very crowded here too, but this time we didn’t mind at all. There was also so much to see.

Many women wore the typical Japanese garments. For some, it looked very nice, while for a few, not so much.

I believe we really walked every meter of the complex and took countless photos. I thoroughly enjoyed the lively atmosphere there and am sitting here with a smile on my face. Despite great fatigue.

After this beautiful experience, we returned to the hotel, and I am beat. It was a wonderfully beautiful, but also very exhausting day.

I am already very much looking forward to tomorrow.

If there are any typos, it's due to sleep deprivation from the time difference.... Sorry ;-)

With that said.... Goodnight, best regards