SPRINGTIME IN HONSHU JAPAN (CONT"D)

Torii gate to Yasukuni Shrine. Maybe it's black as it's the entrance to a shrine where the remains of the Japanese war dead are interred. Each time the Japanese PM, a minister or lawmaker turns up to pay their respects, there will be a big hue and cry in S Korea and China as the remains here include those of several WWII war criminals.

The Yasukini Shrine proper.

Many sakura trees are found in the compound of the shrine. White pigeons are also kept herein supposedly a sign of the desire for peace.

A flea market within the compound.

Theatrical masks used for Noh or Kabuki plays are also on sale.

Silk screen images of Japanese ladies too.

Pine trees lining the walkway to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. The grounds are open to the public.

Bridge in moat surrounding the residence of the Japanese Emperor and the Royal Family.

Sakura trees in full bloom in the Palace grounds.

 

Close up of Sakura flowers or cherry blossoms.

Akihabara in Tokyo is the electronics/electrical centre of Japan. People come from all over Asia and elsewhere to shop for such goods as well as games and toys like Transformers, etc.

SEGA is very popular all over the world. One of the SEGA stores (here in Akihabara) is seen at left of pic.

It is also famous for maid cafes where adult females dress as maids and serve up coffee and food to customers. A cup of coffee may go for 600 Yen whereas elsewhere it's around 300 Yen. One can also pay extra to have the 'maid' serving the customer on bended knees and addressing him as 'Lord'. Fantasy for fees. 

An image of Mt Fuji which I captured from a hotel in Yasugatake. The grand mountain is hardly visible because of the morning mist. It is about an hour away by coach.

Approaching Tokyo, I managed to grab this pic of Mt Fuji from the coach. The elusive mountain is half shrouded by clouds.