NoahandMasonandXiaoandCheinTokyo: Judgment Day (Hama Rikyu Gardens)

Part 1

Hey guys,

Part 2!  Next stop:  Hama Rikyu Gardens, less than ten minute's walk from Tsukiji.

The former hunting grounds of a feudal lord in the 1600s, Hama Rikyu is a gorgeous 250,000 square meters of garden right along the Sumida river.  Featuring tidal ponds and duck hunting marshes, plus a gorgeous teahouse on a small island (pictured above), the place is a great way to relax after the bustle of Tsukiji

A lot of guidebooks say that the buildings in the background "ruin" the effect, but I think it's the total opposite.  One of the things I love most in Japan is the juxtaposition between the old and the new, the technological and the natural.  Where else in the world do you get to see skyscrapers on the horizon of a duck pond?

Xiao and Mason mugging for the camera

In addition to the obvious benefits, the reason I love coming to Hama Rikyu is the water bus that takes you up the river!  740Y for a 30-minute trip up the river is a great way to move on to our next stop.  The city, the bridges, the water, and the sky make for great viewing on this short little trip.  Alternately, if that 5am wakeup call was a little early for you, it's just about the perfect length for a nap

The consummate New Yorker, Che nodded off sitting upright.  Mason opted for full and unconditional surrender

Next up:  Asakusa and Sensoji Temple

Noah out

Part 3
Part 4