Entering the Meiji Shrine...

On Saturday, we spent most of the day with Andrea, an American 16-year-old model from Salt Lake City that arrived on Thursday, and her mother Melisa (yes, with one "s"). Although they had just arrived, Melisa had done her homework on top sights to see in Tokyo and suggested that we visit the Meiji Shrine. This is the torii, the traditional gate signifying the transition from "the profane to the sacred" at a Shinto shrine.

It was another hot and humid day, so we were very happy that the trees provided so much shade.

The scenery was lovely and peaceful -- an oasis in the crowded city.