Sorry I have not posted in a while. The internet was down where I was staying, and today was my first opportunity to go out and find a place that I could use the internet.

But, the first thing I noticed when I got to Japan was this:

A perfect example of Japanese courtesy. When I saw this, there was actually a few people smoking in it, but I felt a little weird taking pictures of them. ;)  It is part of the Japanese mindset to not bother others, and even though smoking is very popular in Japan, it appears they want to be considerate to those who do not smoke.

 

The next morning, Garrett and I went to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. I had seen the pictures online, but I must say the pictures (even mine), cannot compare to actually being there. It was much bigger than I anticipated, and much more beautiful!

The walk down Ometesando St. on the way to the temple

A panoramic picture of a part of the temple grounds

 

Pagoda at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Me at a garden area at Naritsan Shinshoji Temple

The forested area around the temple

Then, when we headed off to Tokyo. When Garrett and I were wandering around Shinjuku, we discovered this (randomly placed) park. We went inside and it was gorgeous! Truly just as you would expect a Japanese garden to look! Be warned, however, the pictures do not even come close to actually sitting inside the park!

Truly awesome Japanese garden!

So, that was my first few days in Japan. I will post more soon!