marunouchi

we went to this part of town because it 

houses the imperial palace and gardens.

unfortunately the gardens were closed,

and will be every day we are in tokyo.

but we still had a great time 

exploring the surrounding area...

-e

shibuya :: busiest intersection in the world

we are staying just two JR stops away from

shibuya crossing,

the busiest intersection in the world.

the starbucks on the corner

is one of the busiest in the world as well.

they only serve talls,

but after getting a drink,

you get to enjoy the great view from their second story.

shibuya is also where lots of japanese

girls love to shop.

we found a couple pet stores selling

puppies and kitties for about

$1,000 plus a $500

government tax.

steven couldn't handle it,

he felt they were being tortured in these tiny class cages,

so we never went inside and held any of them.

but we did sneak some pictures...

-e

shinjuku :: our first day in tokyo

we are staying in the shinjuku

neighborhood in tokyo.

so far it's been a 

wonderful base point

as well as a great place to explore.

here's some moments from 

our first day in tokyo...

-e

had our first meal at the tully's underneath our hotel

i'm pretty sure we are staying in "boy band" central!

the cocoon tower

an outdoor garden

cocoon tower up close

the observation deck at the government building. so cool. and free...

steven getting us some water. these vending machines are great and littering the city

got a little more adventurous for our first lunch

it's always nice to see a familiar face 

the adidas store has its own traffic cones.

flight to tokyo

steven and i havent done much

international traveling as adults.

the flight from LAX to tokyo was

both exciting and exhausting. 

i'm not really looking forward to another

10+ hour flight when we come home...

-e

leaving LAX

it's the little things that were REALLY exciting...

a little in-flight exercising

goodbye sunny california 

just a little ways to go

our in-flight meals were over the top and super tasty. 

a little bit of art at the narita airport in tokyo

such great signs. if only we could understand them.

a treat on the train ride to shinjuku. we may or may not have bought a lot more of these since...

first sights of tokyo

a simple day in san francisco

i got to spend an entire day

exploring sf with a dear friend.

already missing you.

also miss understanding street signs...

-e