Tokyo Sights Part 2

Tsukiji Fish Market

We went after hours to the fish market. It wasn't really what we were planning on doing, we just sort of stumbled upon it while going for a short walk. Still I got a few nice photos.

So many people wear face masks in Tokyo. Some wear them because they are sick or to keep from getting sick. Some even wear them just to be left alone from others. They sell them all over, at convenience stores and grocery stores and they even have scented masks. Sometimes a scented mask can come in handy and I'm guessing the fish market is a good place for them!

Must be something good at this shop, nice long line.

These girls were just standing on the street looking at their phone, probably looking for directions. They don't seem like the fish market type.

Asakusa

A glimpse of the Tokyo tower down the street.

Here is Asakusa, a district in Tokyo famous for the Senso-ji, Buddhist temple. There are tons of tourists here today.

Shopping street just in front of the temple.

Temple in the background, just after passing the shopping area.

The incense in the large urn is giving off all the smoke. People try to gather up some smoke and fan it towards their face with their hands. 

Pretty traditionally dressed ladies.

I always check out the alleys wherever we go. I don't walk down them but I peak down them. This one had a lot of action and a public toilet. Very strange place for a restroom. I would never go down an alley for a toilet. I can hold it all day :)

The entrance to the train station. 

Imperial Gardens East

City skyline in the background. It was a nice day for a walk.

That is a person walking on the trail, just to give it some scale.

Some trees were starting to bloom, but not too many.

Pretty blossoms. The cherry blossoms were not blooming, it was still February. 

Guard house of the Imperial Palace.

Marathon

The whole reason for the trip was for the marathon. Geoff had a great time, he loved the run, the route, the spectators and the race medal! Can you find him in this photo? He was just checking in, had to go through security first.

This person I thought was cute in the blue hoodie with ears. 

More runners on their way to check in. This lady on the left has a sheep on her head :)

Nice outfit! Its good to wear something flashy, easy to find yourself in race photos that way. For that reason I wear plain black.

Bunny ears and friends walking to the rainy race start.

This is part of the "E" group, Geoff's group. I couldn't find him in the crowd.

And they're off!

If you can make this photo larger, you may see a bit of confetti going off, that is the starting line. No spectators were allowed near the start. Only race officials and people who had special race badges. 

I didn't have the proper badge for entry to the starting line so I was out here with the rest of the crowd.

This is a photo of the starting line from our hotel room. Even after 20 minutes of walking around after the start runners are still making their way to the start line. That's a big crowd.

Yeah its a real shame I couldn't run. Guess I'll just stay warm in the room and rest my legs and watch it on TV. 

Wish I had better race photos but I didn't think I could manage the Tokyo subway system and finding my runner in a sea of runners at the finish. 

Hope to have something new for next week.

Happy Friday!!!

Tokyo Sights

Here are some photos from our recent trip to Tokyo. Arranged by area we visited. Japan was a wonderful trip. I loved the city, the food, the people and the weather. Enjoy!

Ginza

Ginza is known for its beautiful upscale shopping and dining district. It lived up to its reputation with plenty of restaurants and shops to keep us busy.

A little closer to the lights.

I think the signs coincide with what you will find on each level of the building. The sign at the bottom is on the first floor and the sign at the top is on the top floor, maybe, sort of. 

Interesting tent bbq restaurant. We didn't eat here but it was right across the street from a ton of indoor restaurants. Strange for an upscale area but maybe its the best bbq around?

I just noticed the small sign that says they have an English menu. Missed it at the time. 

Love the lit lanterns at the entryway. Sometimes an English menu didn't help that much. I still wasn't exactly sure what we would be getting but it all worked out. The food was good at every place we went to. I can't think of one bad meal in Tokyo.

A view of the street below from our hotel. Rainy day in Tokyo.

Shibuya

The Shibuya area is famous for having one of the busiest intersections in Japan. It is also where most of the young people hang out. We could tell immediately, the place is full of adult repellent! Its loud and crowded and way too cool for this old lady. Nice to photograph though :)

Night lights in Shibuya.

 

I didn't get much shopping done here, too crowded!

Shinjuku

Shopping and dining street in Shinjuku, near our first hotel. It wasn't as crowded as I expected it to be. Maybe I was visiting at off peak hours.

Cold enough for coat, scarf and gloves. I loved it! A welcome change from our usual hot and humid Singapore weather.

Caught a bit of a reflection in the building on the left. 

If we are lucky enough to visit again I would definitely prefer to stay in the Shinjuku area. Seemed to have a nice vibe. Maybe I would look for a city walking tour or a photography day tour.

 

I'd love to know what this sign is about. It must be regarding holding on to your small children in a crowded area but lok closely at the figures at the top. The adult is oddly shaped and the child has the cutest little bow or ears on her hat. Very artsy :) 

Another cool sign with evil eyes at the top. It's located at a few places around the city where bicycles are parked, must be saying bike left is illegal! Maybe this area is monitored by CCTV explaining the eyes?

Well that is part of our trip. I'll post more next week. I hope everyone is enjoying clean air where you are. We are definitely not. Looks like a day spent indoors for me. 

Happy Friday!!!