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Tokyo: Shinbashi in the Minato Ward

StringGirl visits an old shrine in Tokyo
Visiting Tokyo you get to see the old and the new: sometimes in harmony and sometimes not. In this case the Temple shown here is relatively intact in the middle of some prime real estate (near some big hotels and many office parks).
Shrine shown with the Tokyo Tower in background
The modern and the ancient sit side by side here. Beautiful temples and shrines, sqeezed in between office parks, hotels, and busy neighborhoods all add to the bustle that is the Shinbashi area.
This tree just inside the gate was planted in 1879 by US president Grant
Ulysses S. Grant stood at this site and planted this Nepalese Cedar. Through the gates you can see one of the busy streets in the area. In fact just about 1/4 mile further down the street the original outer courtyard gate still stands, spanning the street and still being frequented daily (just outside the Starbucks).
The Tokyo Tower at night, over the grounds of the Prince Hotel

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