Excerpts from Japan: The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

It was our final day in Tokyo. We woke up fairly early to very beautiful weather. I am ashamed to say that it took us a bit of time to start our day’s planned activities. We didn’t start the day off on the right foot. Now, I do not enjoy fighting with my boyfriend, not in the slightest. But on the morning of our last day in Tokyo, I was starting to feel the stress of travel and I just didn’t feel like myself. Whatever it was, I sure wasn’t in the mood to rush off to our next exciting destination and unfortunately, resorted to being petulant and moody. And poor James had to deal with me. I was spouting nonsense about how all this travelling was inhibiting our time together and how I didn’t feel very connected with James during all the rushing about. I think I just wanted to take things a little slower. I suppose I could have made that all clear to James from the start, but I was embarrassed to say it and was afraid he was going to think I was silly. So, after we checked out of the hotel, I continued to be moody and quiet even after we boarded a train and made half the journey to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. James had every right to be annoyed with me. I wasn’t being very gracious at all.

Yes, girls are weird and highly emotional creatures.

Anyway, we finally fixed the problem just before reaching the East Gardens and after kissing and making up, I was myself again. Thank goodness for that. As for the East Gardens themselves, they were vast and beautiful. I was very glad for an opportunity to use my camera. Photographing nature never gets old!

The Imperial Palace East Gardens (皇居東御苑, Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen) are a part of the inner palace area and are open to the public. They are the former site of Edo Castle’s innermost circles of defense, the honmaru (“main circle”) and ninomaru (“secondary circle”). None of the main buildings remain today, but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses still exist. – japan-guide.com

We had a nice, leisurely day strolling around the gardens. Yes, James was very accommodating to my suggestion of taking the day slow. I’m happy that he was so understanding. After spending a good few hours there, we headed back to bustling Shibuya for lunch at a quaint little dimly-lit café (Café de 人間関係 COPAIN ) before heading back to Yokohama. But more on that next time! Oh and before I forget, below is a picture of the scenery just across from the bridge leading to the entrance of the East Gardens. Classic example of the modern world coexisting with ancient history.