Nagatacho, Ark Hills and the Hie Shrine

Nagatacho is the administrative center of the Japanese government. Ark Hills is a massive complex combining condominiums, shopping and entertainment. And the Hie Shrine is a peaceful place of worship on a wooded hill. We visited these three completely different places during a very long day in south-central Tokyo.

We had been excited about Nagatacho, but really picked the wrong day to visit. It was April 29th, Showa Day, a holiday on which the Japanese are encouraged to reflect on their govern...