We managed to get to the Meiji Shrine around 9am so I think that's how I managed the picture above that has so few people in it - not long after there were many large tour groups so definitely go early to enjoy the serenity of the area!

You can't miss the entrance from Harajuku Station. You take a bow at the gate and then walk around the outside of the gates rather than the middle as the middle is for the Gods.

The hand washing etiquette goes - scoop up some water with your right hand and rinse your left hand, then your right hand, pour some water into your left hand to rinse your mouth, rinse your left hand again and then rinse the scoop by tipping the scoop back and allowing the water to flow down the handle.

I did a couple little sketches, wish I had the watercolours!

Imperial Palace Tokyo

The Imperial Palace Gardens reminded me of Central Park in New York. Both the Gardens and the Shrine are a welcomed escape from the hubbub of the city.

Other Posts:

- Blogmas Day 12 Part 1: Tsukemen at Rokurinsha

- Blogmas Day 10: Shinjuku!

- Blogmas Intro: Japan Trip

Hello everyone!

For the past year and a bit, I abandoned blogging and uploaded any drawing pics onto my instagram instead. However this Christmas, I've revamped the whole website and decided to give blogging another crack! I'm going to do Blogmas, where I'll post something everyday up to Christmas day but instead of posting Christmas-themed posts, I'll be blogging about my recent trip to Okinawa and Tokyo.

I got back home just a little over a week ago and it was by far the best trip I've ever gone on! I visited the famous Aquarium in Okinawa Ocean Park, watched the 'Queen of Live' Koda Kumi in her final tour show, made wishes at Meiji Temple, saw Mount Fuji in a day trip to Hakone, geeked out at the Studio Ghibli museum and so much more! My trip was absolutely jam packed and I'll try to share as much of it as I can, so please stay tuned!