Posts

Hachiko

Jul 27, 2019

The statue of the loyal dog, Hachiko, is probably the busiest meeting place in Tokyo. Outside Shibuya Station and next to the Scramble Crossing it is almost always heaving with locals waiting for friends and tourists posing for photos and touching his paw to ensure their wish to return to Tokyo is fulfilled. This photograph was taken on a rare occasion when the area was fenced off for a ceremony.

Government

Jul 16, 2019

There are few words less interesting to me than the title of this post. However, having been based in West Shinjuku on my first stay in Tokyo I soon warmed to the magnificent Metropolitan Government Building there. It looks majestic during the day and stunning at night. Combined with the twin viewing platforms at the top of each tower, a very nice cafe, excellent restaurant and a useful tourist information centre, it is one place I enjoy returning to.…

Dancers in the park

Jul 03, 2019

Tokyo has a wonderful array of public art, from tiny utility hole covers to, well, Godzilla sized pieces. I came across this slender and graceful piece in the small Hamachō park beside the Sumida river during Hanami season.

Ningyocho Street Clock

Jun 22, 2019

Almost all of the wards and districts I have visited in Tokyo have a strong sense of their history and uniqueness in their shops, buildings and public art. This street clock is a good example of the many ways this uniqueness and character manifests itself in everyday life.

Bicycles and alleyways

Jun 07, 2019

There often seem to be a huge number of cyclists on the paths of Tokyo, and this is reflected by their many mounts seen against railings, on rooftops and, as here, lining narrow alleyways.

Wall Tiles

May 23, 2019

One of the more fascinating details of traditional Japanese buildings are their roof tiles. Often they are too high to get up close and really see the detail, but here, topping a section of wide wall around the Zojoji temple grounds near the Tokyo Tower, they are low enough to touch.

Rainbow Candyfloss

May 10, 2019

There are countless businesses producing a myriad products I just cannot see being viable anywhere othere than Tokyo. Long may they all thrive. This Totti Candy Factory Rainbow Candyfloss is one such product many enjoy on Takeshita Dori in Harajuku.

Jōkan-ji Door

Apr 25, 2019

Around the back of the Jōkan-ji temple is a door behind which are stored the remains of a great many women whose sad story is well worth looking into.

Moss and Octopus

Apr 02, 2019

I was sad to pass this small bar in Minamisenju when it was closed, and have made a note to return during its opening hours. I cannot read the real name but have labelled it for myself as the Moss and Octopus.

Tree and Skytree

Mar 18, 2019

The Tokyo Skytree is visible for much of the length of the long and thin Sumida River Park. A very pleasant park on a cool spring morning. At this point the east (right hand) half of the park is in Kotobashi and the west side is in Midori. You can weave in and out of a dozen different districts as you walk along its winding paths.