After touring the Hachi Yoshi-en garden, we decided to head to the Meiji Shrine in Shibuya. My first (and last) visit to the Shrine had been 15 years ago in the pouring rain. I remember it vividly mostly because it was so wet that very few people were at the Shrine that day. When you’re in Tokyo and find yourself almost alone in a public place, it’s a memorable experience.

However this time we visited on a relatively warm November Sunday and we were most definitely not alone.

This marked Mayumi, Shinya and Karin’s first visit to the temple and I grateful that we all had the chance to go together.

I’m also grateful that we arrived just in time to witness a wedding procession. I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the wedding photographer who was trying to navigate the crowds of tourists. I also found myself wondering why you would choose to get married in such a busy, public place. Still, there’s nothing quite as spellbinding as a traditional Japanese wedding procession.

We also spotted more than a few little girls dressed up for Shichi-Go-San.

As it started getting colder and darker, we stopped for a quick bite to eat and beer (for the adults).

Then the children decided to let off some steam with a run around the courtyard.

And then, all too soon, it was time to say goodbye to the Meiji shrine…

And our Japanese friends…

It was so good to see you Shinya, Mayumi and Karin. We hope it’s not too long before we see you again.