Togo Shrine and Oriental Bazaar



 After we left Yasukuni Shrine, we wanted go to over to Togo Shrine and then do some shopping at Oriental Bazaar.  This had us taking another train over to Harajuku. 

 Togo Shrine is tucked away between many buildings.  It's basically in the middle of a block.  It was a little difficult to find.  While we were searching for it, I happened to see this decorative down spout for rain.  Love it.

 We came upon this torii gate, so we assumed we were close.  Finally, we found the stairs and the gate.

 Togo Shrine is a basic shrine: pretty and ornate, but not much different than others we have seen so far. 

 Beautiful statues, lanterns.....

 .....garden area.  Tayla is in this picture.

 The reason we sought this shrine out was because it had a beautiful Japanese garden across the road from it.  It is part of the shrine, but it is fenced off and separate from it. 

 A peak over the sides of the boardwalk will reveal schools of Koi fish and fairly large turtles swimming about.  The kids saw a turtle, but I didn't get a picture of it.

 Cutting through the pond is a wood boardwalk, which goes through a few twists and turns until it brings you to the opposing shore, through a large stone Torii, and you're on your way to the temple.

 From what I have read, a typical Japanese garden will have a fence surrounding the water.  This landscape is unique in that one is free go right down to the water's edge, something very uncommon.

 It was simply a breathtaking area, and we enjoyed relaxing here while the sun set.  While we were here, it was hard to believe that a very large and busy city surrounded us.  It was quiet, serene, and uplifting to the soul.  Well worth the effort to find it.

 Off through the exit and onto shopping.....


By the time we got to the Oriental Bazaar, it was very dark and there were a lot of people walking in front of it.  This is a picture of the store from the internet.
You were not allowed to take pictures inside, so these pictures of the inside of the store are from the internet.
       
The Oriental Bazaar is a well-known souvenir shop for foreigners.  Some of the stuff was over-priced, other things were a good deal.  It was fun to look at everything--we saw some fun things.  We were not planning on buying anything....just wanted to give the kids an idea of some of the things that were available.  They had kimonos and gorgeous dishes of all kinds.  Bentos, fans, artwork, kokeshi dolls....you name it, they had it.
    
The top floor was full of antiques!  Artwork on silk scrolls, samurai armor, furniture, vintage kimonos, dishes, instruments, old kokeshi dolls.  It was really fun to look through it all. 

 Even though we told the kids we were not buying anything this trip, the boys talked us into buying some plastic samurai swords.  They were so dang excited, and carried their swords on the Stupid Metro and as we walked the 1/2 mile home.  Here they are modeling their new weapons.  Nathan showed us that he can fight and eat at the same time, since he was eating a carrot and wouldn't put it down.

 Carrot in one hand, sword in the other!  They all look so fierce!  :-)

 Tayla also found a kimono and couldn't leave it behind.  She tried to talk herself out of it, but it just belonged to her, so she got it.  It's slightly big for her....we had a kind Japanese lady helping us with sizing.  I don't think Tayla is ever going to get really tall, so maybe she won't grow out of it.  At any rate, it's absolutely exquisite!  She was so over the moon about it!

When we got home, Caitlin and Tayla did her hair up and put some white hair decorations in.  She looked very pretty!  :-)