Another big walking day out – this time more central Tokyo. Hot again, 25,000+ steps, count-lost trains and so many people. I was on the mend by now, so no naps in parks; we seemed to be on the go all day – riding loaded bikes a hundred kilometres is possibly easier. Excellent day seeing some Tokyo sights, people watching, some interesting architecture and even some peaceful parks.
Quiet in the suburbs mid Sunday morning.
Into Shinjuku Park after the busyness outside.
Restorative ramen and broth for lunch, watched it made in front of us.
Into Akihabara – famous for electronics and manga.
Streets closed to traffic on a Sunday, very pleasant.
Huge lotus pond in Ueno Park, nice to walk beside.
Seems I still had a thing for finding old pillar boxes.
Heading into Akakusa to see the staggeringly popular Sensoji Temple, things got a little crowded.
Trying to sneak down the back of a long alley of stalls.
Bemused by these guys hanging around on roofs. Not quite the strange women lying in ponds handing out swords that we’d not seen earlier.
Loved this patterning and the texture.
Into Ginza District – the heart of corporate Japan.
As Oji headquarters was just around the corner I had to pay a brief visit, having heard of it off and on for the last ten years through various stints of employment at one of their NZ companies.
Just as well it was Sunday, I was hardly dressed appropriately.
We headed for Tokyo Tower to meet Keiko and Leila, finding more interesting buildings on the way.
Going to the black ring of the observation deck, on an elevator thankfully.
Tiring a bit by now, I didn’t have high expectations – but the fascinating views of bits of the city, and the city as a whole topped the day’s sightseeing off wonderfully; certainly a highlight of the day, as it gave way to night.
With the sky dark, an animated Halloween (still a month away) film played all around the deck’s windows. Dancing pumpkins anyone? More impressive, and entertaining, than expected.
Off to Shibuya to meet Amelia, Rachel’s elder niece, for a family (plus-me) dinner.
Not fitting in, in many ways (Rachel’s photo).
We just had to go through Shibuya Scramble Crossing on our way, purported to be the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. I’d believe that.
Surprised to hear, and then see, a convoy of go-karts. All a bit Mario Bros, unsure how they are legal or if we’d slipped into another world.
Another exceptional dinner out to top off a long, fascinating and worthwhile day.