Away from Tokyo -- Not on My Bike

I took a break from riding a bike, and got away from the city. This is the world famous Mt. Fuji. When I took this picture, it was over casted and snow on the top of the mountain was almost gone because it's summer.


We stayed at a traditional Japanese Inn, and enjoyed healthy food. Presentation is very important for Japanese food, and usually dishes are very beautiful. The picture here is our appetizer.

We relaxed in cotton robe after soaking ourselves in hot mineral bath. I loved this red robe, but I wasn't allowed to take it home.

We hiked around water falls, and took pictures of the Izu dancer and her boyfriend statues. They are in the famous novel called "Izu Dancer" by Yasunari Kawabata.

Imperial Palace

Before the WW II, Japanese emperor was so unreachable, and we could not imagine to visit his home. Now one-half of his Palace is open to the public for free of charge. As you can see from this map, Imperial Palace is surrounded by the water for security.










Tokyo Castle used to be on the top of the stone platform structure here.












I love Hydrangeas. I think Hydrangeas season is almost over, but there will be some other pretty flowers to enjoy during the summer.




Now I am leaving the Palace - goodbye to the Imperial family.

Joggers and Cyclers at the Imperial Palace

It is jogger's dream to jog around the Imperial Palace that is about 5 km.







They also block one long street Uchibori Dori by the Imperial Palace for cycling on Sunday.

Tokyo Tower is not too far from the Imperial Palace. You can see the red and write eyeful-tower like Tokyo Tower in this picture.

You run into so many police and guards around the Palace. These white boxes in this picture are a couple of police boxes by the gate, and the guards are so serious and they don't move. They reminded me the Buckingham Palace guards in England.

Here is another police box. I am now going inside of the Palace through the gate to the right.