Meiji Shrine is one of the most significant and prestigious shrines in the country. It's not only a place of spiritual importance but also a site that encapsulates pivotal aspects of Japan's history and culture.

On the contrary to the shrines in Kyoto and Nara which have a history of more than 1000 years, Meiji Jingu was established only in 1920 to enshrine the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji played a pivotal role in the Meiji Restoration, which marked the end of the feudal shogunate system and the beginning of modern Japan.

Surrounding the shrine is a man-made forest that covers an area of about 175 acres. This forest consists of around 36,000 trees of 234 different species, which were donated from regions across the entire country. This forest is not just a botanical wonder but also a testament to the people's reverence for Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

We take JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station.

Tokyo Station is one of Japan's most prominent and busiest railway stations and has a history that reflects the country's rapid modernization during the early 20th century. Its construction began in 1908 and the station was officially opened on December 20, 1914.

In fact, Tokyo Station was severely damaged by the air-raids during the World War II. However, recognizing its cultural and historical significance, a major restoration project was undertaken in the early 21st century and its restoration work was completed in 2012.

Now Tokyo Station is not just a transportation hub but a symbol of Japan's resilience and modernity. It serves as a central point for multiple Shinkansen (bullet train) lines, connecting Tokyo with the rest of Japan.

We walk from the Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace East Garden which

is a part of the inner palace area and is the only section open to the public.

The garden stands on the historical site of Edo Castle. The castle featured massive stone walls and a large moat system, parts of which still remain and are significant features of the garden.

Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the shogunate was overthrown, the imperial capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, and the emperor took residence in Edo Castle, renaming it to the Imperial Palace.

The Imperial Palace East Garden is not just a beautiful spot in Tokyo but also a place rich in history and cultural significance. It offers a unique blend of the traditional and modern aspects of Japan, symbolizing the country's rich heritage and the continuity of its imperial lineage.

We take a subway Tozai Line at Takebashi Station to Tsukiji Station and walk to Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. While exploring shops and eateries, we have lunch there.

The Tsukiji Outer Market is a vibrant and bustling area located adjacent to the site of the former Tsukiji Inner Market, which was one of the world's largest wholesale fish markets. Even after the inner market was relocated to Toyosu in 2018, the Tsukiji Outer Market has continued to thrive and remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Historically the Tsukiji market area was established during the Edo period, but it developed significantly after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 when the market was relocated to its current location from Nihonbashi area to rebuild the fish market after the destruction.

The market is a foodie's paradise, featuring numerous stalls and restaurants that serve fresh sushi, sashimi, and a variety of other Japanese dishes. Many of these eateries open early in the morning, catering to the early market-goers and providing an authentic taste of Tokyo's culinary scene.

We take Toei Asakusa Line at Higashi-Ginza Station to Asakusa Station.

The Asakusa Tourist Information Center is a modern facility and serves as a gateway for tourists visiting Asakusa, providing a range of services and information to ensure visitors have a pleasant and informed experience in the area.

The building is notable for its distinctive and layered design. It was designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma, who also designed the new National Stadium for Tokyo Olympic 2021.

Its observation deck on the 8th floor offers panoramic views of the Asakusa area, including the iconic Senso-ji Temple and the Tokyo Skytree.

The Kaminarimon Gate is an iconic symbol and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Tokyo. It marks the outer entrance to the Senso-ji Temple and provides a historic and cultural gateway to the temple's ancient grounds.

The most striking feature of the Kaminarimon Gate is the massive red paper lantern that hangs in the center of the gate. The lantern displays the gate's name, Kaminarimon, and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.

The lantern is approximately 3.9 meters tall, 3.3 meters wide, and weighs around 700 kg.

Nakamise Shopping Street is a vibrant and historic commercial street that leads from the outer Kaminarimon Gate to the inner Hozomon Gate of the Senso-ji Temple. Stretching approximately 250 meters, it's one of the oldest and most traditional shopping streets in Japan.

The Nakamise provides a distinctly traditional Japanese atmosphere. The architecture of the shops and the goods sold reflect the cultural heritage of the Asakusa area, making it a captivating walk for visitors interested in experiencing historical Japan. The street is lined with around 90 shops and stalls, offering a wide array of goods of traditional Japanese souvenirs like folding fans, kimono and various crafts as well as local snacks and sweets.

Asakusa Senso-ji Temple is a landmark of immense historical, cultural, and spiritual significance and it is the oldest temples in Tokyo.

There are three major architectures of Hozomon Gate, Five Story Pagoda and Main Hall. Hozomon Gate is the inner gate leads to the temple's main hall and five-storied pagoda. It houses treasures belonging to the temple, including a copy of the Lotus Sutra that is designated a Japanese National Treasure.

The Main Hall is where the Kannon deity is enshrined. It's a place of worship and is central to the temple complex. The five-storied pagoda is a symbol of the temple's historical and architectural heritage, embodying traditional Japanese Buddhist architecture.

Most of the structures including the Main Hall and the Five Story Pagoda was destroyed during the air raids of World War II. However, it was rebuilt through public funding, symbolizing the resilience and unity of the Japanese people. Therefore, the current structures are post-war reconstructions.

Asakusa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located adjacent to the Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa district. It is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Tokyo and is part of a larger religious complex that includes the Senso-ji Temple. Despite its proximity to Senso-ji, Asakusa Shrine has its own unique history and cultural significance.

Asakusa Shrine is perhaps best known for hosting the Sanja Matsuri, one of Tokyo's three great Shinto festivals. Held annually in May, this festival celebrates the three founders of Senso-ji Temple and attracts over a million visitors. It's known for its lively procession of portable shrines through the streets of Asakusa. Apart from the Sanja Matsuri, Asakusa Shrine hosts various other religious ceremonies and festivals throughout the year, reflecting the seasonal changes and important events in the Shinto calendar.

Nishi-Sando is a lesser-known but charming shopping street, compared to the famous Nakamise Shopping Street. Located relatively close to the Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, Nishi-Sando offers a unique blend of traditional and modern Japanese culture. It offers a variety of shops selling traditional crafts, souvenirs, clothing, Japanese swords and modern goods. It's a great place to find unique gifts and items that represent a mix of old and new Japanese culture.

The street is also lined with cafes and restaurants offering a range of the traditional snacks and sweets to modern fusion dishes.