The palace moat
We took an early cab to the Imperial Palace for a walk round the moat. The day before had been too hot to stand outside Tokyo Station, so of course today was damn bloody cold. The old corner turret over the moat, the trees going green, and BB Bagel in the carrier like a tour guide, with no idea this was probably the morning that set up the sick day in Kyoto.
The East Gardens
Through the big wooden gates into the East Gardens, where the castle used to be.
Snacks first. All three of us were very excited about the snacks, and the selfie shows it.
Then a bench break. Bagel took his own bench and posed for the photos. A model in the making, with the same face every time. This seems to be his favourite pose of the trip, so we all did it with him.
On the way out, the old castle walls, huge stones fitted together with no mortar, and one more round of the moat.
Takashimaya’s baby room
By then he needed a nappy change, so we went to Nihombashi Takashimaya, and the baby room there deserves a mention. Changing tables, a high chair, a microwave and even a little seat for him while we packed up. Damn impressed. Japan wins at babies.
Fresh nappy on, we got him down for a nap, which meant one thing: free hands. We walked around the old building with its fancy doors and bought croquettes, and ate them standing up like people with no baby at all.
Then the train to Skytree, for lunch and the best playground of the trip.
Postcard from Chiyoda, Tokyo
The part of the palace grounds anyone can walk into, with the old castle walls and gates still standing. Free to enter, with a quick bag check at the gate.
PS: Closed on Mondays and Fridays, so check the day before you go.