Eager to make the most of our limited time in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo we head out into the bright lights of Shinjuku again. It’s a whirlwind of colour and sounds, endlessly scrolling sky high adverts and a flock of humans. Coming from a tiny rural town in the midland of the UK, itContinue reading “Sensory over load in the metropolis”
Monthly Archives: March 2017
Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi
After briefly stopping to admire the Imperial Palace we head to the quirky little areas of Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi. Briefly stopping to ponder what on earth this rather graphic billboard is advertising! The area was unharmed during the firebombings in WWII, so there are plenty of temples and old buildings from the EdoContinue reading “Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi”
Tokyo Imperial Palace
After exploring the fish based alleyways of Tsukiji market we zip off to take a look at the Imperial Palace. It takes a while for us to get anywhere as I am obsessed with taking snaps of pretty much every cross roads I see . . . The Imperial Palace is located on the former siteContinue reading “Tokyo Imperial Palace”
Tsukiji fish market
Up early the next morning we’re hitting the road to visit the humongous Tsukiji wholesale fish and vegetable market. It’s the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind. The world famous fish auctions in the inner market opens at 3am.Continue reading “Tsukiji fish market”
Omoide Yokocho – Memory Lane
Heading on from the dizzying heights of the Government Buildings we head back into the heart of Shinjuku – the neon heartland of Tokyo. The throbbing, heaving neon pulse of Shinjuku offers a multitude of entertainments including bowling and the quintessential Japanese cultural essential – karaoke. In the Shinjuku district there’s a particular place that’sContinue reading “Omoide Yokocho – Memory Lane”
Birds eye view of Tokyo
In order to get a view of the vast expanse of Tokyo we head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings. The 243 meter tall building has two towers, and each houses an observatory at a height of 202 meters. You can see all of Tokyo from the 202-meter high observation decks, located on the 45thContinue reading “Birds eye view of Tokyo”
Night time neon
We spend so long pottering around Akihabara that night time descends upon us – but this is by far the best time to see the area. As darkness falls, the sterotypical image of Tokyo splutters into life and the evening is blazed bright with neon billboards and advertising. The lights add yet another dimension toContinue reading “Night time neon”
Awesome Akihabara
After sating my desire for all things kitchen related we head onto get our first glimpse of one of the ubiquitous sights in Tokyo – the neon jungle of Akihabara, AKA Electric town. Akihabara is named after the fire-controlling god of a shrine built after the area was destroyed by a fire in 1869. Akihabara gained theContinue reading “Awesome Akihabara”
Kitchenware town
On we trot to the next of my key sightseeing spots – Kappabashi Street AKA Kitchenware town! Easily identified by the humongous chef looming above the entrance to the south entrance, Kappabashi Street is where the restaurant trade does its shopping. The street is lined with stores selling all the hardware needed by restaurants and other foodContinue reading “Kitchenware town”
Shopping streets
A meander down some winding little shopping streets now as we head to our next destination. The man tries out his first vending machine – a ubiquitous sight on literally every street corner in Japan. Masks face a huge part in Japanese culture and can be found for sale everywhere. Above are examples including Hyottoko –Continue reading “Shopping streets”