Tokyo and Kyoto

Let me just say that starting a trip around Japan with a climb of Mt Fuji is not a good idea. Definitely something to save until the end of whatever you are doing. We didn't feel terrible afterwards but definitly fatigued and a little sore. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that some people walked their dogs up the Mountain and a few others ran the entire way up and back down. Yeah, crazy.

So off we go to Tokyo the next day. There is a military hotel located close to Roppongi where we spent most of our time. It makes staying in Tokyo affordable. On our way to Roppongi from the hotel (walking) we turned a corner and I met my first Lamborghini dealership! Hmmm, I wonder if this is a nice part of town?

Our first real stop was at Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. This thing is 54 stories and the top floors are open to the public (for a small price). The top floors contain a 360 degree observation deck, an aquarium, and an art museum. The entire complex also contain residential facilities, an enormous shopping area, a meeting place, and very much more. What started as a brief stop to check it out turned into a long, many hour stay at the tower. Neither of us had any idea how much there was to see when we went in.

From the Observation Deck we were able to see the expanse of Tokyo at night. Even from the 53rd floor, you can not see the boundaries of the city, it seems to go on and on. We took a lot of pictures, but being at night they didn't really show the cities expanse well. Were were able to get a few pictures of the aquarium, but for the most part pictures were banned and security was sweeping down like hawks on those that tried. It quickly became obvious big brother was watching. The aquarium itself was a work of art. Each tank was set to compliment the tank next to it. I wish I could have snagged a few good pictures, but it wasn't worth it.

Down in the courtyard was this giant spider sort of thing, a piece of modern art I suppose. Pretty cool, it definitly stood out as a central item there.