S k y t r e e

I have been to Tokyo countless of times, but this is my first visit to their iconic tower - The Tokyo Skytree. I have always included this place of interest in the itinerary, but because it was low in priority, I never get to visit it. This time, thanks to the trip to Shibamata, I finally got to see Tokyo landscape from above!

I shall not give the lowdown of what Tokyo Skytree is, when you can easily google or wiki it. What I find most impressive with, is the high speed lift that took us less than a minute to reach Floor 350, the observation deck at 350m. It shoots up like 6m/s! That is fast considering the normal elevator speed is just 2-3m/s. Of course, the spectacular view of Tokyo skyline is equally impressive. I was mesmorised by the beautiful glowing sunset over the distance.

 Sun setting glow reflected from the Sumida River.

 Upstream of Sumida River leading North towards Saitama.

 Tokyo Tower, the original popular viewing structure, stands in the horizon. It has since been overshadowed by Skytree, now the tallest structure in Japan.

 As dusk approach, the cityscape changes to a different hue.

 One of many helipads atop the building.

 Diorama photo works best on buildings.

 Tokyo Skytree getting ready for Christmas 2015.

 Nonchalant of the view for someone who sees it daily.

 Vertical drop view of 350m to the bottom. For the challenge, you could go up to the higher viewing deck at 450m. Not for the faint-hearted. 

 Enjoying tea-break with spectacular sunset view.

 Skytree at night. The LED light changes on alternate nights from sky blue to purple.

A last shot to end a wonderful day in Tokyo.

I have not visited Tokyo Skytree before because I was not willing to pay the entry fee. I did not see the need to spend money to go up somewhere high, just to view buildings. I tend to favour scenery like mountain ranges or ocean & sky horizons when I take photos from above. However, my perception changed after this visit. I must say I enjoyed the time at the Skytree. The cityscape is awesome, coupled with the setting sun in the distance. The orange glow certainly warmth any hardened soul. In turn, the mind relaxes when the feeling of achievement sets in. Yes.... I have been there, seen it, and done that.

And another travel trip awaiting....

S h i b a m a t a

After visited Kawagoe and loving it so much, I want to search for a similar place where we could go. That is where Shibamata popped out after a google search. It is a small scale version of Kawagoe, but exudes the same old town charm. Shibamata is located at the eastern part of Tokyo City, and getting there requires several changes of transport. 

I took it one step further, by adding a ride on the Toden Arakawa Tram enroute to Shibamata.

If Shinkasen is the fastest train in Japan, the Toden has to be the slowest train, and I simply love travelling on it! This streetcar is possibly the oldest train system in Japan, serving on the Arakawa line that passes from Minowabashi to Waseda. You can purchase a day-pass (500 yen) with unlimited stops to visit Tokyo's less popular but picturesque residential neighbourhood.

Being based in Ikebukuro, we boarded from the nearest train station at Higashi-Ikebukuro. As we only wanted to visit Shibamata, we did not make stops along the Arakawa line. If given time, I would ride the Toden again and make stops at the residential estates. I am sure there are plenty of interesting sights along the line. 

After changing 3 trains, we arrived at Shibamata Station. The statue outside the station is of Tora-san, a famous actor from the drama series Otoko wa tsurai yo.

The uniqueness of Shibamata is there are several pedestrain crossings on the train track, and you can freely take photos before the train comes.

This is the entrance to the traditional Edo buildings that are now housing food and souvenir shops.

It is not crowded, today being a Monday.

Many would turn up on weekends to visit the famous Shibamata Taishakuten Shrine.

Distractions along the way to the Shrine.

Tasty Senbei. Yummy!

You can never leave this place empty handed.

Photo taking in front of Shibamata Taishakuten Shrine.

Regardless of your religion, the way to eternity is your faith.

Peek-a-boo.

The family's portrait taken and members blessed at the Shrine.

Ok, not exactly a Samurai yet.

Now, where did I put my thesis on longevity?

Inner court of the Shrine.

As always, I am intrigued by the architecture details and constructions of traditional buildings.

Impressive details. It is hard to find artisans to craft such artwork now.

  Wood crafted lintel above the doorway.

Of course, I am also attracted to the street food.

Interesting art pieces on the facade of this shop that sells sweets and toys from yesteryears.

You can find games & toys from the 60s to 80s here. Definitely brought back many memories for me.

Sweets galore!

Another shop that sells Daruma.

This is another place where you would not leave the shop empty handed, guaranteed.

Domo arigato, Mr Roboto.

Pinball machines are definitely a rarity in today's gaming context.

Coloured pinwheels.

Rolls of gumball machines. Not exactly gumballs, but toys kept in small & round plastic containers.

Here are the modern ones vs the older generations above.

Although it is relatively short, we had a lot of fun venturing the streets of Taishakuten Sando in Shibamata. Just like in Kawagoe and Yanaka Ginza, you can find many traditional buildings, food and things here. It is a recommended & wonderful place to spend a quiet morning and to enjoy all things in traditional Japanese. If you run out of places to visit in Tokyo, do keep this place in your thoughts.

And another travel trip awaiting....

Back To My 3rd Home

It's our year end holiday and we are back to our 3rd home - Japan! This is our 2nd visit in 2015, and although we love Korea, we gave it a pass for the favourable Japanese Yen. Friends have been asking, "why don't you buy a house in Tokyo since you travel there so often?" Honestly, I would love too, but how to?! If we could, we would love to live in Korea for half-a-year, and Japan the other half. We simple won't get tired of it, but that would mean uprooting and move lot, stock & barrel. That is just too much a sacrifice, for this moment at least. Well, wishful thinking....Right now, we can only visit for a week or so, to get away from the heat and high humidity of Singapore.

In this trip, we visited several new places where the locals go to, as well as revisit some of our favourite hunts. Here is a lowdown of the places we went.

Harajuku on a Sunday

Strolling Omotesando

Found a friend along the alley of Omotesando

Boarding the Todem Arakawa Train

Exploring Shibamata

Stepping back in time at Shibamata

Time for a family portrait

Beating the train

All 634m of it

View from the Sky Tree

Ascending to Nokogiriyama

The end of the rope

What would have been Mount Fuji view on a clear day

First light from the Pacific Ocean at Chiba

Sunny and cold wind make a perfect day

Waiting for the big show at Kamogawa Seaworld

The ever talented Dolphin performance

Beluga whale get his chance to perform

Bird watching at Jiyugaoka

Cat friends alike gather at Sunshine City park

Savouring gyoza at Harajuku

Tea time with top of the world view at Sky Tree

Sumptious breakfast with a view at Chiba

Red & yellow autumn leaves at Todoroki Valley

Nature walking trail in the heart of concrete Tokyo

 Rice planting at Oyama Senmaida Rice Terrace

Rustic charm of Togoshi-Ginza Train Station 

 Togoshi-Ginza Shopping District

Enjoying the day out

Yurakucho Winter Illumination

Tokyo in winter with lights and Christmas decorations

Indoor skating rink at Marunouchi

Rainbow Bridge at Odaiba City

Tokyo German Farm House

Braving the cold for the winter illumination

The winter illumination at Tokyo German Farm House has to be the highlights of the trip.

Although we did not cover everything in the itinerary, I consider the 10 days in Japan well-spent. We travelled far in a rental car, watched sunrise from a seafront Ryokan, soaked in an outdoor onsen, watched killer whale performing, scaled sky tower & mountain, walked nature trail, boarded old tram, shopped daily and ate at our favourite Izakaya joint. Every moment was captured to reminisce on the places we have been to. I hope you enjoy the photos in the coming posts as much as I have enjoyed taking them. 

And another travel trip awaiting....