Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks. Close to Shinjuku Station, the park boasts spacious lawns, ambling little walkways and paths and peaceful scenery that provides a welcome green oasis of calm in the heart of the relentless city. The garden has more than 20,000 trees, including approximately 1,500 cherry trees whichContinue reading “Shinjuku Gyoen”

Sayonara Shinjuku

Here’s one last neon whirl around Shinjuku’s flashing lights and garish nightlife. I’m missing the frenetic city again! The temptation to book flights and head back is increasing with every photo I post! A last look at Godzilla is a kitschy reminder of the wealth of cultural influences that Japan has gifted to the world.Continue reading “Sayonara Shinjuku”

Sensory over load in the metropolis

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”

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”