East Gardens of Imperial Palace

You would think I would be a lot skinner for all the stairs I climb up and down. Unfortunately the pastries here are outstanding and they cancel out all my exercise. 

When little legs get tired. Running round playing tag and doing cartwheels for over an hour would make anyone tired.

East Gardens are part of the inner palace, open to the public where the Edo Castle once stood. It is one of the defense areas that surrounds the palace complex, complete with tall stone walls and a moat. There is also a great 5K loop that I have every intention of taking advantage of. 

When old world meets new!

Cherry Blossoms

Spring has finally sprung and let me tell you all the talk you hear about cherry blossoms in Japan in the spring are worth the hype. We were a little worried we would miss them. They are only in bloom for such a short time, maybe 2 weeks.


We took a last minute spring break trip to Hawaii, this momma needed some sun and waves. We left Tokyo on the verge of spring and came back to this. They are just breathtaking. It's hard to appreciate them in a picture. 

They put everyone in a great mood. People are smiling and taking pictures under and in front of the trees. Some by themselves, others with family and loved ones, some with friends. Cherry blossoms not only are a sure sign spring is here, but have a strange effect on the people here, they are all suddenly smiling.