My schedule is still off a bit but apparently in a good way. Getting up at 5:30am beats the heat and meets the morning light. And even though it is 5:30 in the morning, I’m not the only person with this excursion in mind. Definitely less tourists at this time – more locals getting a walk in and morning prayers.

Meiji Jingu Inner Garden

An area inside the grounds of the shrine, the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden was created by Lord Kato of Kumamoto. The tea house was built by Emperor Meiji as a rest house for Empress Shoken as an expression of his affection. Deb’s expectations have been set much higher after this visit.