Tokyo
At last we arrived at our last destination -- Tokyo. Unfortunately, weather took a turn for the worse -- we would not see the sun again for the rest of the trip. (Click on each image to see the high-resolution version) On a windy and chilly morning we went to Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑). The cherry blossom was past the peak now, but, fortuitously, the wind and falling cherry pedals made a spectacular scene.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen
The fallen sakura petals which symbolizes the ephemeralness of the cherry blossom that is etched in the Japanese national psyche -- have you heard of the sad tune of the traditional Japanese song Sakura Sakura? Check it out.
Sakura Petals
Sakura Petals
In some parts, the cherry trees were still clothed with flowers.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen
Close-ups of cherry flowers.
Cherry Flowers
Cherry Flowers
Birds at Shinjuky Gyeon.
Japanese Large-billed Crow
Japanese Tit
Japanese Tit
In even drearier weather we went to Meiji Shrine (明治神宮)
Meiji Shrine Torii
Wine Barrels
The next day, the day before our final departure, we went to Asakusa (浅草), where the famous Senso-ji (金龍山浅草寺) is and where street vendors abound.
Street Vendor
Street Vendor
Some ladies were posing in kimonos, but I think they are actually Taiwanese.
Kimono Ladies
The dreary weather did not make good pictures (the blank and gray sky ruined every picture that had any part of it), so I turned my attention to the interior and details at Senso-ji. This gigantic straw sandal caught my attention.
Straw Sandal
And the inside of Senso-ji is quite splendid.
Senso-ji Temple
But the murals at the ceiling of the temple interior is nothing short of breathtaking.
Senso-ji Mural
Senso-ji Mural
Amid all the hustle and bustle of Asakusa, there is still tranquility to be found, as quietly demonstrated by this Buddha statue.
Buddha Statue
Our last night in Tokyo, and Japan, and on this trip! We went to the heart of Tokyo -- Ginza (銀座), the busiest part of town.
Ginza Night
Ginza Night
And my last cherry blossom picture and one of my last pictures of the trip, this time at night just outside the Ginza subway station. From Changsha to Hangzhou to Nagoya to Kyoto and finally to Kyoto, cherry blossom was with us all the way, and this trip will forever be remembered as the cherry blossom trip.
Ginza Night
