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.