Thanksgiving in Japan

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The walk up to the complex is strenuous, but passes through many interesting streets lined with traditional pottery shops.

The Otowa waterfall, part of the Kiomizu complex, is where pilgrims can drink the blessed waters for health and happiness.

It is beautiful, austere, and huge, allowing the visitor to feel lost in huge trees and quiet paths. It is easy to forget you're in the center of one of the world's most crowded cities.

The day I visited, I took a long walk through the paths of the outer garden, and most of the time, I was the only one on the paved path.

The shrine itself was being cleaned up after a harvest festival, and uniformed workers scurried around.

If you see only one religious site in Tokyo, make it Meiji. It had such a peaceful aura and made a wonderful break from the traffic and congestion.

It's pagoda, main temple, and several smaller temples are quite popular among visitors and locals. Also spectacular are the small gardens and the long entrance way lined with shops and stalls selling food.

Visit in the morning or the evening, when the crowds are smaller and you have more opportunities for peaceful reflection.

The Taito Ryokan is in this neighborhood, so I visited Senso-ji three or four times, at differing times of the day. Each time, I got a different impression of this fascinating complex.

Don't miss the lovely series of watercolors near the entrance that tell the story of Senso-ji and the fishermen.

Take the subway and get off in Shibuya or Harajuku for interesting views of youth culture. The various arcades are always fun for silly photo booths or high-tech games you can't really find in North America.

I loved stumbling onto a surprise; a propped up motorbike, or a temple hidden amongst skyscrapers.

Another favorite was perusing the various covered shopping arcades in the early evening hours. From designer apparel to crunchy sesame biscuits dipped in soy sauce, everything was available to buy or browse. Look for 100yen shops to buy cheap but fun souvenirs!

Above everything else, take some time to simply WALK in Tokyo. You'll see more small beautiful details of this amazing city and will come away with more than a simple list of major sights and attractions.