Odaiba

View looking from the fort area across a lagoon to the Fuji TV Building. The center "ball" is a viewing area.

This is the fort island as seen from the Fuji TV Building

A trip on the train over the Rainbow Bridge that crosses the Tokyo Bay brought us to several man-made islands. The most well known is Odaiba which was originally the home of a fort built by the Tokugawa Shogun in response to the visit of Admiral Perry in 1853-54. Little is left of the fort, but the major island has been turned into a sandy beach and shopping district mixed in among the shipping docks and warehouses. A famous building built by Fuji - Television Network Headquarters is quite the imposing and unique structure and dominates the eastern skyline.
Fall is in the air and getting out in the city has become a pleasure once again!

Elder Brown at one of the old remaining gun mounts

Loved this replica of the Staue of Liberty with the Rainbow Bridge in the background...did a double take to remember this was not NYC - Dorothy!

Couldn't resist this smashing outfit. Some of the styles in Tokyo are truly breath-taking!
No young woman is complete without her little doggie!

Rainbow Bridge lit up at dusk. Tokyo Tower in the background

Stunning sunset over the bay shows up poorly on film!

So Much to Love

The weather is getting a little milder as fall approaches! The Obon Festival was lovely this year, with dancers of all ages participating. Although it was hot and humid the day we were there, everyone was cheerful and in the holiday spirit. Even the little children seemed to know the steps for these dances! Tried to upload a video, but no go....sorry.

Dancers of all ages enjoy Obon

We also paid a visit to Ueno Park, which is very similar to Central Park in NYC. The Pre-Incan Gold Exhibit brought out some South American singers to entertain in the Park. This pair were from Peru and played a variety of very interesting instruments, including a zampona, quena and a charango...yes I had to look them all up! The music was so melodic that we bought one of their CDs.

The Markamasis Musicians

The other item of interest, although not about Tokyo, is that our Autumn made it from Cameroon to Morocco to NYC and on to California and is reportedly no worse for the wear. We are so grateful that she has had a good experience and has been kept safe!

Autumn and Bailey pretending to be palace statues

Silly Autumn

Ready for a camel ride?

My little African girl!