Tokyo 2015

I had the pleasure of getting to spend a long layover (10+ hours) in Tokyo on June 25, 2015. All the photos and videos here were taken by myself on that date. This gallery is split into two parts of which this is the first. Click here for part 2.

Videos

Photos - Random

A few random things from during the day.

Yum! Salt!

A bizarre but delicious drink I got at a random market. It was a hot, humid day and I had been sweating like mad as I lugged my huge pack around. A lightly sweet drink with plenty of salt was just what I needed! Would have made a great mixer with gin too.

Rabbit Pharmacist

Found this shop near the french quarter and loved the logo. Great repurposing of the japanese flag in a simple duotone. Like many shops outside of the dense commercial district, the shop's main sign was done as a beautiful cloth flag.

Cool in 3D Too

The shop also had a smaller, metal sign with the main iconography in 3D above the door.

Private Fishery

I don't recall exactly where this was but I think it was somewhere along the Sotobori river near Iidabashi train station. From what I could tell, it was a private fishing spot. Is it illegal to fish in public waterways in Tokyo?

Every Little Detail

Very classy pillars gated the entrance to every bridge over the Sotobori river (I think). I wish I could have seen what it looks like at night.

Photos - Streets

Streets say a lot about a city. They set the tone of the pedestrian experience and shape how the citizens of that city see their world. At the same time, streets reflect the values of the people that control the city - if the citizens of that city are lucky, the streets reflect their values as well. Tokyo streets suggest a desire for order and care for the environment.

Clean Streets

Everywhere in Tokyo is spotless - even the streets. Also, I have no idea what that strange spherical building is.

Not Always Crowded

Despite its massive population and relatively high density, it wasn't hard to find places where I felt alone. This photo is of a small, neighborhood street in the middle of the morning on a work day.

Style Everywhere

I don't know if the circles are purely aesthetic or if they serve a purpose. Either way, it looks lovely.

Photos - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Complex

The Tokyo government is housed in several buildings in Shinjuku. This complex spans several city blocks and includes 2 observation decks and is across from the beautiful Shinjuku Central Park. The observation decks are on the 45th floors of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building #1 (one in each tower).

Somethings are Prohibited

This sign was at the entrance to the park. I can't see why anyone would feel this sign was necessary unless it is intended for foreigners.

As Relaxing as it Looks

Fountain on the north side of Shinjuku Central Park. The man in the photo was quietly doing Tai Chi.

Morning Talk

This group of workers was in the courtyard of the building complex early in the morning. They were a team from the work crew who were doing construction on the basement levels of the building. From what I could tell, their team leader was giving the a pep talk for the day.

Polite Note

This note was on one of the pillars in the basement entrance for the observation elevator (it had a separate elevator from the rest of the building). Based on what I experienced of japanese people, I can only assume this sign was for tourists.

Politely Queuing

The line for the observation deck about 30 minutes after it opened. It continued on inside the building for almost the same length as you can see here. The southern tower observation deck was closed and that may have contributed to the long line but still... wow.

Observation Deck - SW

Looking southwest from the northern tower of Building #1.

Observation Deck - NW

Looking northwest from the northern tower of Building #1.

Observation Deck - N

Looking north from the northern tower of Building #1.

Photos - French Quarter

According to a few tour guides I looked at prior to arriving, the Kagurazaka district had a "french quarter." In my rush, I was only able to find a single street of this area which included some french-inspired businesses. I hope to explore this area more next time I'm in Tokyo.

One Two

Not sure how to interpret the name "Bar One Two." Building number? Nice logo though.

More French Words!

Probably a reference to the french island in the Carribean?

Meat!

I'm guessing this is a vegan restaurant. No?

Edge of the World

I like the colored tiles a lot but without looking closely, I wouldn't have been able to tell that this was a french restaurant.