Kyoto Day Tour. Saw Imperial Palace- JBT Sunrise Tour

The Kyoto Imperial Palace used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868 when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.  The complex is enclosed by long walls and consists of several gates, halls and gardens.

View through the Jomeimon on Shishinden main hall

 

 We took our shoes off to tour the Imperial Palace.  No shoes allowed inside.

View through the Jomeimon on Shishinden's main hall.

Bamboo nails are used to hold the cedar shingles in place. They will not rust and last for many years.
 A tea ceremony and festival were going on in one of the gardens during our visit to the Imperial Palace.

Such a beautiful garden on the palace grounds.

Hanimi at the Moat, Tokyo Japan 4-8-12

Ric is taking my pictures today so I can enjoy the scenery without a camera in my face the entire time.  Thanks Ric all your pictures are GREAT.  

The Imperial Palace, where their Majesties the Emperor and Empress reside, it is situated in the center of Tokyo. The palace is surrounded by a water-filled moat and tree-covered grounds. This is a Chidorigafuchi. It's located at the center of Tokyo; right next to the imperial palace. You have a great view of the water fosse and stone walls of the Imperial Palace. 

Chidorigafuchi is a very popular hanami spot. It’s a moat around the Imperial palace, and Alongside of it are so many sakura trees. Along the moat, there are parks, streets, and passes, so you can enjoy sakura blossoms from anywhere you like. 

Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery is the secular Japanese cemetery for war dead, near to the Imperial Palace and Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. 

 
 

 

April 6 Utsunomiya Park/Tower/Hanami

This park is the best park in Utsunomiya, Japan.  There are go-carts, LONG slides, tunnels and more

 Even I got excited when I saw all the playground equipment.  My grandkids would dearly love to play at this wonderful park.

 Once Kensho saw everything there was to do he brought back the Gameboy and wanted to go play. LOL

 As we stood at the top of the stairs we looked for a location to have our picnic.

 Kensho is taking off to play with all the park toys.

 I just loved all the slides they are so long and would be so fun to slide down.

  Kensho is the cool kid on the block.

 In Japan, I saw many parents using a rope to play with their children.  Here these little girls are plotting how to get through the rope without touching it.

 Heading up the steps now to cross over this very long bridge to the Utsunomiya Tower area where cherry blossom hanami is being held.

 View of Utsunomiya Tower and bridge


 
View of park from top of hill

 The mountains are so beautiful today. Great view.

 Valerie can't find her camera Teresa is helping her find it. Finally found it was in the very bottom of her bag.

 These 2 statues are so cute holding on to the acorn between them.

 When we were crossing the bridge Valerie's hat was blown off and fell in the water below.
 After we crossed the bridge we were inside the Utsunomiya Tower area where the hanami festival was going to be held.

 Many vendors have already set up and cute lanterns are strung around the area.  The cherry blossom trees are not blooming. I think they should have postponed for a week.

We went up to the top of Utsunomiya Tower and had the best view of Utsunomiya City.  Kensho is taking a better look by using the binoculars. 

 View of Utsunomiya Japan

 Valerie and Teresa admiring the view.

 Kencho and I stopped and bought a sucker from one of the vedors. YUMMY