Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Photographing the Tokyo Tower from Roppongi Hills

Posted in Architectural

Admittedly, I’m not all that impressed with the Tokyo Tower, especially now that it’s no longer the tallest artificial structure in Japan (Tokyo Sky Tree is).  The Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice tower is painted a dull orange and white and is 333 meters tall.  At the tower’s base is a 4-story building containing museums, restaurants and shops.  Aside from this building and the nearby Zojo-ji Temple, there isn’t much else to see or do.

However, I am interested in the Tokyo Tower when it makes for a good photo, especially when complimented by other buildings or structures.  There is this spot at the Roku Roku Plaza in Roppongi Hills that has a great view of the Tokyo Tower.  Every time I visit Roppongi Hills, I make it a point to stop at this spot for a quick photo or two.  In the foreground are many small apartment buildings, while in the background are many taller buildings, including the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower.

My last visit to Roppongi Hills was strictly for photo purposes.  In addition to photographing the Tokyo Tower during sunset, I captured some images of other interesting spots in Roppongi Hills after sundown.  There was no shopping, dining, or entertainment this time.

The Mori Tower

The Fountain at Roppongi Hills Arena

Posted in Architectural

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Saturday, February 19, 2011

A Walk Through Daiba-Itchome Shotengai, Odaiba, Tokyo

Posted in Photo Walks

On a recent visit to Odaiba, I was introduced to Daiba-Itchome Shotengai after some unexpected rain had fallen while shooting the Tokyo skyline.

Daiba-Itchome Shotengai is an intriguing recreation of 1960′s Tokyo and is located on the 4th floor of the Decks shopping mall.  The entire floor is filled with shops and decorations featuring toys, food, memorabilia, and other products from the 60′s.  The decor and feel of Daiba-Itchome Shotengai is quite nostalgic and impressive.  I definitely got the sense that I was in a different era.

To keep consistent with Daiba-Itchome Shotengai’s throwback theme, I processed the photos accordingly to give them that vintage look they deserve.

Posted in Photo Walks

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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

White Ketchup’s Performance at Live House Motion, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Posted in Concerts, Personal

Ryuta, a friend of mine here in Tokyo, recently invited me to an event where his band, White Ketchup, performed in front of a modest crowd.

The event took place at Live House Motion in the Kabukicho district of Shinjuku.  Of the several bands that were featured that afternoon, White Ketchup was scheduled to perform last.  Ryuta and his high school mates capped off the event in style…performing a combination of both English and Japanese songs.

Below are some photos of White Ketchup’s performance from the event, including Ryuta and several other band members.

Posted in Concerts, Personal

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Monday, January 24, 2011

A Photo Walk Around Shinjuku

Posted in Photo Walks

What was supposed to be an afternoon photo walk through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden turned out to be a stroll through various parts of Shinjuku, Tokyo.  Unfortunately, I didn’t do my research prior to setting out for Shinjuku Gyoen.  The garden is closed every Monday, except during cherry blossom  and chrysanthemum seasons.

Plan B called for a walk through Shinjuku to Tochomae, making stops at Shinjuku Chuo Park, Kumano Shrine, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Posted in Photo Walks

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Monday, December 20, 2010

A Photo Walk in Inokashira Park

Posted in Photo Walks

One of my favorite parks in Japan is Inokashira Park located in Kichijoji, a western suburb of Mitaka, Tokyo.  Among the many things to do and see at Inokashira Park, flower viewing in the Spring and koyo viewing in Fall are most popular.  The park, fairly large in size, features long walking paths, a lake, a small temple, a petting zoo, an aquarium, and the Ghibli Museum.  On weekends and holidays, Inokashira park is filled with people looking to take in the lively environment from artists, musicians, and street performers alike.

Although I have been to Inokashira Park several times before, I never happened to have my camera on me.  During my last visit, I decided to bring my camera to capture some koyo (Autumn colors) images before the Winter season kicked in.

Beware of who you ride these paddle boats with.  It is said to be a way for lovers to tell one another they want to break up!

A quick stop at Starbucks at the entrance of the park is highly recommended before your stroll through the park!

Posted in Photo Walks

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