Following another sea day, we arrived in Tokyo. For us, this is the cruise’s mid point. Nearly 500 of the 600 passengers disembarked, and a new contingent of guests arrived. While all that was happening, we left the ship and began exploring Tokyo.

We met our guide Makiko, and took off for the “Shibuya Sky”. It’s atop a 50-story high skyscraper in an area of Tokyo with high-end shopping and malls. It took 3 elevators to arrive on the roof, where we walked around to enjoy an amazing 360-degree view of the city. One sight is “Shibuya Scramble”, where 4 busy streets come together. When all the walk lights are green, people cross in all directions, across and diagonally. It was Monday, so it wasn’t as crowded and insane as it might be on the weekend.

Next stop, the Meiji Jingu Shrine. We didn’t really want to see another shrine, but we were wrong! It is a Shinto Shrine, with special design and ornaments on its 7 similar entry gates. This very large shrine honors emperor Meiji from the pre-Tokyo Edo period, and the gates protect his spirit.

Before proceeding to give prayers at the shrine, we made a necessary stop at the hand-washing station, then made a donation and offered our own special prayers. There’s a unique Marriage Tree, where we took photos (see notes on the photo).

The visit ended with the purchase of an Ema – a wood plaque on which one writes their personal wishes, then hangs it on hooks around a divine tree.

The final stop was the Harajuku market and lunch. A busy-busy place with fish, produce, and household items for sale. And: lots and lots of food stalls! Truly “street food” with most everyone standing around and eating. We found a small indoor eatery, and sat to enjoy terrific sushi, sashimi and tempura. Delish!

Back to the ship for a little rest before dinner. There are lots of new people to meet on board, with tomorrow being another day “at sea”.