As promised, here is the first picture update from Tokyo. Today we got up early, after a night of messed up sleep and went down to the Tsukiji Fish Market. It’s only about 15 min walk from the Hotel, so we figured it’d be a good way to start exploring the city. We missed the world famous auction, but there was plenty of action going on! I can’t count how many times we almost got run over by guys in small cars as they went from place to place. It makes pikes market in seattle look like a spec of sand in comparison. Next up, we walked towards the Imperial Palace, stopping by the Ginza area to check out some of the stores. Very high class, and very large buildings. Unfortunately the actual Imperial Palace is only open 2 days a year, but the grounds is open for wandering. And that we did. There is a famous bridge which sits below the actual palace and makes for great pictures.
After that we walked back to our hotel for a little rest. I’m finding that I don’t like warm + humidity. It saps all of your energy. It was around 80 with a very high humidity. Making sure to drink plenty of water 
After resting for a bit, we took our recently bought PASMO(like a credit card for subway fare) cards and hopped on the subway up to the Tokyo Tower. The subway is very easy to use, and reminded me a lot of the other two major systems we’ve used in Moscow and London. All of the stations are in Japanese and English as is the “next stop” messages.
We paid our $800 or so yen and went up to the first observatory of the Tokyo Tower. What an incredible view! I only wish it weren’t so cloudy and hazy so we could have seen Fuji-san. Either way it was worth the trip up. We also went up to the “special” observatory at 250m high. That’s 750 feet for the metrically challenged. It’s taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris! From there we walked another mile or so up to the Roppongi area and ate at the Hard Rock Cafe. I know..we’re in Japan and eating at the Hard Rock? Well, its something of a Tradition now. We’ve been to the original in London, the one in Moscow, and now here.
I quickly dumped the photos and did some VERY quick touchups so I can put them on here. At some point I’ll upload the final copies, but here’s something to look through for now. Click the gallery and click through for captions.
Full Photo set can be found here
What an experience the both of you are getting through this trip. I’m happy and excited for you. Those photos are pretty awesome. I love the picture of the Tokyo Tower. Keep the pictures coming! =)