In all we spent 2 weeks in Tokyo and around, working and then exploring the city at a leisurely pace. This city is so nice, that we couldn’t think of anything unpleasant – the only thing we could think of was the prices. It’s true that it is expensive, and we spent a bunch of money even though accommodation was free.
Otherwise, Tokyo is super clean and organised, with busy areas open all night, but also residential neighbourhoods that feel like a village, where everyone cycles around and barely bothers to lock their bike. Here’s a random selection of what we saw.
In Yanaka, close to our house
In Asakusa, also near our house
Cycling in our neighbourhood
Traditional crafts shops
Japanese shops love having cats as decorations, they are said to bring good business!
Wedding
Sensoji temple with giant lanterns
Traditional cookie shop
Maze of little streets with bars
Deities near a temple in Yanaka
Garden deity
Tohba – wooden memorial boards at the cemetery
Meiji temple – Sunday family walk
Huge centenary trees and gate at the Meiji temple
Meiji temple
Giant Buddha near Kamakura
Mysterious temple entrance in Kamakura
Fancy temple gate
Weird angry gods
Visiting the temple
Imperial Palace where the Emperor lives – Japan is still a constitutional monarchy with the Emperor at its head
In the Imperial Palace gardens
Sake barrels piled up
Which kimono should I chose?..
Waiting in the line to go to the kabuki theatre at Kabukiza. Surreal experience, highly recommended!
We made some friends – pupils on an English class assignment asking questions. They gave us origami at the end 🙂
Busy shopping streets
On the fancy Ginza avenue on a Sunday when its pedestrian
Shibuya crossing – the mass of people waiting to cross
The mass of people started crossing!
Busy shopping disrict
Views of Tokyo from the top
Tokyo Tower in the background
3 sorts of tuna – from most fatty to less
Other seafood delicacies from the Tsukiji market
The best udon (fat white noodles) I ever ate – topped with dried seafood delicacies and a raw egg 😛
Onigiri – delicious rice cakes sold like sandwiches in corner shops – they saved us many times when we didn’t want to spend money eating out!