Tokyo 東京 Kanto 関東 - Yokohama 横浜 | Saitama さいたま | Chiba 千葉 [Archive] - Page 7

Vapour

October 8th, 2007, 12:28 PM

Yesterday I visited the world’s tallest statue, a huge standing Buddha 120 metres (394 ft) tall. It is located in Ushiku city, some 50 kms to the northeast of Tokyo.
Once you arrive in Ushiku station, you get on bus (500 yen, ouch!) that takes you to the statue in about 25 minutes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190426.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190427.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190430.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190437.jpg

The Buddha is located in a pleasant park in what seems to be a quite popular Sunday ensoku spot for people living in north Kanto. There’s a Japanese-style garden, an area for kids and of course, souvenir shops. Oh, I also saw about 8-10 people from India/Sri Lanka, I can’t tell.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190439.jpg

Goooong!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190440.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190443.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190446.jpg

The statue itself is 100 metres tall, plus a 10 m lotus and the base, 120 in total.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190442.jpg

It is really massive. Completed in 1992, it was funded and built by a company called Kawada Industries http://www.kawada.co.jp/global/index.html It weights 4,000 tons.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190451.jpg

Once inside, first you’re led into a room with optic-fiber lit, colourful buddhas… not exactly what you expect to be honest :D Then, you walk to the next floor where several construction pictures are in exhibition:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190454.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190455.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190456.jpg

A thumb in scale 1:1

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190457.jpg

From this level you take the lift to the 5th floor, which actually is about at 85 metres tall.
Unfortunately, there’s no real observatory on the top but several narrow gaps; this is the best pic I could take from it :(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190459.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190462.jpg

Back at the base of the statue, on the 3rd floor there’s a golden room with 3,300 buddhas, quite impressive.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190466.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190467.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190468.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190469.jpg

The statue is expected to become bronze-green in several decades time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190471.jpg

From the base observatory:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190473.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190475.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190481.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1190482.jpg

That was all :cheers:

Vapour

October 8th, 2007, 12:57 PM

Location http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=35.982651,140.220271&spn=0.00247,0.004056&t=h&z=18&om=1

dreamtime

October 8th, 2007, 03:40 PM

I read not too long back in here somebody saying Tokyo is not good architecture and by and large it does have grey and blocky buildings but i add this to try to show some of the best buildings architecture which have won awards i believe also?

the rest of the stuff is thrown in i guess but anyway hope you enjoy. ;)

Shibuya
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback736.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback739.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback737.jpg

Hermes with Italian glass a real looker this one
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback792.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback821.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback826.jpg

Prada boutique
from the outside resembles a massive quartz crystal. The latice of diamond shapes and as a decorative surface, into which are fitted three types of special glass.

The designers of this unique building are Jacques Herzog and Pierre de meuron, the Swiss pair who leapt into global limelight by winning the competition for the design of the Tate modern in London. The Parada store is the duo's Japanese debut.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback799.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback786.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback801.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback811.jpg

Mikimoto building

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback803.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback797.jpg

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http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback948.jpg

Shinjuku
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback894.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback954.jpg

Tokyo tower
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback891.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback882.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback874.jpg

TOKYO IS BLADE RUNNER!

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback685.jpg
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Capsule hotel
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback722.jpg

the award winning Ice berg building

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback730.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback949.jpg

seeing the Iceberg was like seeing a Architectural wonder of the world this is what a magazine says....
This building sparkles and glitters in the light like futuristic ice crystal, with the transparent elevator shaft calving a track upwards.

The Iceberg, a multi purpose housing a variety of shops, has already taken on a substantial presence as a landmark on the boulevard of meiji-dori.

The building design was the brainchild of cdi Aoyama studio, a design firm founded by British architect Benjamin Warner.
More than merley transparent the outer skin of the building provides an edgy visual effect making full use of its tinted blue glass and semi reflective metalic materials.

Laurent garnier tears it up in Tokyo club yellow on his first Japan tour

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback1144.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback1135.jpg

SEED

October 9th, 2007, 02:18 PM

dreamtime.. ur pictures is a dream! :cool: lov it! lov em all! and ur style is yummy! :lol: and the architecture.. i hav nothin to say! just happy! :cool:

Blackraven

October 9th, 2007, 04:54 PM

the award winning Ice berg building

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback730.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback949.jpg

seeing the Iceberg was like seeing a Architectural wonder of the world this is what a magazine says....
This building sparkles and glitters in the light like futuristic ice crystal, with the transparent elevator shaft calving a track upwards.

The Iceberg, a multi purpose housing a variety of shops, has already taken on a substantial presence as a landmark on the boulevard of meiji-dori.

The building design was the brainchild of cdi Aoyama studio, a design firm founded by British architect Benjamin Warner.
More than merley transparent the outer skin of the building provides an edgy visual effect making full use of its tinted blue glass and semi reflective metalic materials.

If I remember, that building belongs to the Audi group and if correct, it is also the leading Audi dealership in Japan.

dreamtime

October 9th, 2007, 06:43 PM

Thats correct yes :yes: Its a unique building but still by and large this world is getting so many terrible box office buildings it a sad truth.

YohIMhER

October 10th, 2007, 07:22 AM

ahh your pictures bring back so much memory, very nostalgic.

Kirk

October 10th, 2007, 10:08 PM

I was meaning to get out to Ushiku on my last trip, but it's kind of hard to justify a trip just to see the statue. It is really in the middle of nowhere isn't it? It's hard to get a sense of scale on the pictures since there's nothing to compare it to.

dreamtime

October 11th, 2007, 01:15 AM

Thanks for sharing that Vapour it a real eye opener i didnt know Japan had the tallest buddha statue you learn something everyday i guess :)

Vapour

October 11th, 2007, 08:37 AM

It is really in the middle of nowhere isn't it?

Yes it is. There're several factories just north of the statue, but nothing tall you can compare with.

FreeToLove

October 12th, 2007, 04:10 AM

Wow, Sexy Japanese girls. damn, and nice car by the way

Utamaro

October 12th, 2007, 11:00 PM

SEED

October 13th, 2007, 04:07 PM

^^ sorry to hear that.. :( he was one of the best Japanese architect.. and one of my fav too..

japanese001

October 13th, 2007, 05:16 PM

Japanese architect Kurokawa dies

TOKYO — Kisho Kurokawa, the Japanese architect who led the so-called "Metabolism Movement" and based his designs on themes including ecology and recycling, died Friday, a Tokyo hospital spokeswoman said. He was 73.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2007-10-12-kurokawa-obit_N.htm?csp=34

黒川紀章氏が急死

世界的建築家で、今年は派手な選挙活動でも話題を呼んだ黒川紀章さんが１２日朝、心不全のため都内の病院で死去した。７３歳だった。参院選落選からわずか２カ月半後の突然の悲報。選挙期間中から体調を崩していたという。愛妻で女優の若尾文子（７３）は「まさか急に亡くなるとは…」と憔悴（しょうすい）した様子。亡くなる２日前、若尾に「本当に好きだった」との言葉を残していた。
http://www.sanspo.com/shakai/top/sha200710/sha2007101300.html

farewell...:cry:

黒川紀章氏が手がけたプロジェクトです。

寒河江市役所庁舎、大阪万博のパビリオン数点、佐倉市役所庁舎
中銀カプセルタワービル、BIG BOX、福岡銀行本店、ソニータワー
嬉野温泉和多屋別荘タワー館、国立民族学博物館、日本赤十字社本社
長崎新聞本社ビル、埼玉県立近代美術館、国立文楽劇場、吉備町役場/きびドーム
吉運堂本社屋、ベルリン日独センター、広島市現代美術館、WINS銀座、南京芸蘭美術館
沖縄県庁舎、三起商行本社、奈良市写真美術館、パシフィック・タワー、ブリスベンセントラルプラザ
和歌山県立近代美術館、和歌山県立博物館、愛媛県総合科学博物館、シカゴスポーテイングクラブ
福井市美術館、ソフトピアジャパンセンタービル、クアラルンプール国際空港、日中青年交流センター
ゴッホ美術館の新館、フラワーヒルミュージアム、大阪府立国際会議場、メルボルンセントラル
福井県立恐竜博物館、豊田スタジアム、九州石油ドーム、大分スタジアム、パリパシフィック・タワー
母校である東海高等学校校舎、世知原温泉くにみの湯山暖簾、ヴァン・ゴッホ美術館
長崎歴史文化博物館、パルティせと、吉運堂新発田店、国立新美術館、シンガポールリパブリックプラザ
東海中学校･高等学校体育館、母校である東海中学校校舎、中国鄭州新都市、中国広州市珠江口地区
カザフスタン新首都アスタナ、シンガポール・フュージョンポリス、その他海外の建物

It is the project that Mr. Kisho Kurokawa dealt with.

Sagae-shi government office Government building, several points pavilions, silver capsule tower Bill, BIG BOX, the Bank of Fukuoka head office in the Sakura-shi government office Government building, Sony tower Ureshino hot spring Wada shop villa tower building, Kunitachi Museum of Mankind of Osaka World Exposition, Japanese Red Cross Society main office Nagasaki Shimbun-sha headquarters building, Saitama prefectural Museum of Modern Art, Kunitachi Japanese puppet theater theater, Kibicho government office / millet dome good luck luck Domoto company building, Berlin Japan and Germany center, Hiroshima-shi Museum of Contemporary Art, WINS Ginza, Nanjing art orchid art museum Okinawa Government building, the Miki Shoko main office, Nara-shi photograph art museum, Pacific tower, Bliss Ben Central League plaza Wakayama prefectural Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama prefectural museum, Ehime synthesis science museum, The Sporting Club at Illinois Center,
Fukui-shi art museum, software peer Japan Center building, Kuala Lumpur international airport, it is a stadium, the Tokai high school school building which are Paris Pacific tower old school, worldly wisdom Hara hot spring Kunimino Yuyama noren, Van Gogh art museum Nagasaki history culture museum, paruthi seto, good luck luck temple Shibata shop, the Kunitachi New Museum, Singaporean Republic plaza Tokai junior high school / high school gymnasium, the Tokai junior high school school building which are an old school, Chinese Zhengzhou new capital city, Chinese Guangzhou City Pearl River mouth district Kazakhstan new capital Astana, a Singaporean fusion police, a, in addition, overseas building considerably in the daytime the new building of the young man interchange center Gogh art museum, flower leech museum, Osaka prefectural management international convention facility, Melbourne Central League Fukui prefectural dinosaur museum, Toyota stadium, Kyushu Oil dome

SEED

October 15th, 2007, 01:46 PM

dont forget the Kula Lumpur international airport! :( Malaysia will remember u buddy!

Blackraven

October 16th, 2007, 06:40 PM

Cool, Yokohama is featured today in the SSC banner. Wahoo!!!!!!!:banana::)

Vapour

October 23rd, 2007, 12:00 PM

Park Hyatt Likely To Open In Mori Bldg Tower In Yokohama

YOKOHAMA (Nikkei)--Mori Building Co. is in talks with the Park Hyatt luxury hotel chain to have it open a branch in a 52-story building the Japanese real estate developer hopes to complete in Yokohama in 2010, it was learned Tuesday.

パークハイアット、横浜進出へ・森ビルが誘致
　森ビルが横浜市の馬車道に建設する超高層ビルに米系高級ホテル「パークハイアット」が進出する計画が23日、明らかになった。森ビルが誘致に向け最終調整に入っており、開業は2010年の予定。国内で同ホテルの進出はパークハイアット東京（東京・新宿）に次いで2カ所目。同地区周辺には横浜ロイヤルパークホテルなど有名ホテルが立ち並ぶ。高級外資参入でホテル競争が激しさを増しそうだ。

　物件は地下鉄みなとみらい線馬車道駅前の「北仲通北地区」に建設する複合商業施設9棟のうち最も高い地上52階建て（約200メートル）のビルで、延べ床面積約15万9470平方メートルのうち2万4000平方メートルがホテル部分となる。森ビルは都市再生機構など地権者五法人とともに今年度中にも着工する方針だ。(16:00)

onmyoji

October 23rd, 2007, 05:19 PM

　日本初の飛行船遊覧を開始・ＪＴＢ、11月から東京で

ＪＴＢは23日、世界最大の飛行船「ツェッペリンＮＴ」による東京上空の遊覧クルーズを11月から始めると発表した。飛行船による遊覧飛行の本格的な商品化は国内で初めてという。25日から予約を受け付ける。

　ツェッペリンＮＴ（独・ツェッペリン社製）は全長75メートルで、現存する飛行船としては世界最大。世界に３機あるうちの１機という。

　乗客定員は8人で、埼玉県桶川市の基地を出発し、約１時間半かけて高度約300―600メートルで東京都心の上空を周遊する。11月23日から1月5日までの間、昼夜合わせて計104回のフライトを予定している。

　料金は曜日や時間により12万6000円から16万8000円までとかなり高額だが、運航する「日本飛行船」（東京都中央区）の渡辺裕之社長は記者会見で「飛行機よりずっと低い高度をゆったりと浮かぶ乗り心地はまさに空飛ぶ船。乗っていただければ分かる価値がある」と強調した。〔共同〕(23:14)

Vapour

October 23rd, 2007, 06:54 PM

^I'd love to try that zeppelin, but the fare is just for okumancho, ouch!

Hanshin-Tigress

October 23rd, 2007, 06:58 PM

Vapour

November 4th, 2007, 06:57 AM

I found out this render for a project in Kashiwa city: http://www.pref.chiba.jp/syozoku/j_seibi/zyouban/img/sankou2.pdf

Ryuhei

November 4th, 2007, 01:00 PM

TR-909+

November 6th, 2007, 02:58 PM

Tokyo night view . so cool

Pko1iQ5uOhM

Moolio

November 11th, 2007, 07:47 PM

Tookyoo wa mattaku daitoshi desu. :uh:

Skybean

November 13th, 2007, 04:09 AM

What's going on in this pic?

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback1028.jpg

Momo1435

November 13th, 2007, 08:25 AM

Some girls are decorating a mini-van in Akihabara, it's all about the Akiba manga/anime/idol culture.

SEED

November 13th, 2007, 02:33 PM

they r called おたく Otaku rite?

Songoten2554

November 14th, 2007, 07:37 AM

Songoten2554

November 14th, 2007, 07:48 AM

umm this is where people get the misconception i hate the fact that people think japan as an alien nation i don't think so very wrong conception people think

i think Akiba will be a place i would like to visit even though i like electonics and video games but i don't want to stay there too long i don't know otaku is a very bad term in japan and i am afriad of being called there in akiba "otaku"

i draw in the manga style but i don't call it manga since its the same as saying comics, manga is basically japanese comics just like Manhwa is Hong Kong Comics

i want to visit Tsukuba District as it is far from Tokyo but over there they have Automoble races like Formula 1 and also a great Circuit track but also i heard its a science city which is interesting because i want to visit the JAXA Facility there i go gogogaga for science and technology and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) i also hear of a mountain over there with a traditional shinto place pretty cool where one of the traditional part of japan is at?

Japan is on my Nation list to explore but i don't think its a alien nation like most people think i think that its a Nation like some of the most developed nations around the world

SEED

November 14th, 2007, 01:25 PM

Songoten2554

November 14th, 2007, 09:50 PM

i know and don't worry you didn't said anything offensive i was just saying what the term "otaku" really means in japan

Seed your cool don't worry i do to view it as an art form and media as well like comics and video games also i sometimes view it as protrait

but anyways i was just saying that i don't like the fact that people think that if they live in japan its "Anime land" i don't believe in that factor, japan to me is a developed nation like any developed nations out there and they are no stranger

Tokyo well yeah it has alot of lights and all that but there that is alot of cities like tokyo around the world in a way

LordChaos80

November 15th, 2007, 11:40 AM

Great pics here, guys!

I wondered how much is a night in one of those sleeping boxes below? (in US-Dollar or Euro)

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee169/pacificbound/Aroundtheplanetback722.jpg

Kirk

November 15th, 2007, 10:08 PM

Great pics here, guys!

I wondered how much is a night in one of those sleeping boxes below? (in US-Dollar or Euro)

Last time I stayed in one, it was about 30 bucks. But that was ten years ago. They are actually great places to stay if you're by yourself.

japanese001

November 16th, 2007, 03:17 PM

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/3055/gi1zc2.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/807/gi2il4.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4274/gi3lr9.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2585/gi4ix6.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4157/gi5tw0.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1458/gi6tz7.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1294/gi7wn3.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2378/gi8av0.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1114/gi9vj6.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2616/gi10gy3.jpg

onmyoji

November 16th, 2007, 06:38 PM

Great pictures...thanks for sharing.
Does anybody have information about the new Roppongi hills project or the Shinbashi-Toranomon project? they are supposed to be the main projects in the following years.

Blackraven

November 16th, 2007, 06:42 PM

the new Roppongi hills project

So Minoru Mori wants to compete further against Tokyo Midtown by expanding his prime teritorry even further?

onmyoji

November 17th, 2007, 06:07 AM

According to nikkei weekly he bought the land near the first roppongi and he is planning to build a new skyscraprer..(probably 240 meters)..

Blackraven

November 17th, 2007, 05:40 PM

According to nikkei weekly he bought the land near the first roppongi and he is planning to build a new skyscraprer..(probably 240 meters)..

Interesting.

How far is it though from the current one though?

onmyoji

November 17th, 2007, 05:56 PM

Songoten2554

November 17th, 2007, 08:14 PM

i think its because they are planning to build a tower in tokyo much higher then the tokyo tower and this tower will pass the CN tower in tronto with its height

so i think they don't want to build super tall buildings yet??

SEED

November 18th, 2007, 01:09 PM

^^ nice pics! :cool: those boutique looks great! different boutique has its own different design and meaning! i like it! :cool:

Blackraven

November 18th, 2007, 06:10 PM

Not too far, on the east side. But I am soo disappointed with the Mori group. They are building a super high building in Shanghai (world financial center) and just a 240 meter (even futuristic and beatifull) building in Tokyo....how come?

Remember, Japan sits on numerous earthquake fault lines.

To invest on the latest earthquake-resistant technologies, you'd have to add millions and million more. I'd figure that they can build something higher in China because Shanghai does not have any earthquakes (or just lesser earthquakes) which indicates that Mori does not have to spend on extra earthquake protection.

Look at Taipei 101 in Taiwan, it sits on top an earthquake fault line so they had to spend millions more which balooned the project cost more than 20 times.

I understand what you are trying point out though (as if Minoru Mori is prioritizing Mainland China over his home country in terms of construction projects).......but what can we do.

If Mori is forced to put up a super high-rise in Japan (like let's say more than 100 floors/storeys), then he's going to need to invest a lot on earthquake protection (even more than those spent on the Landmark Tower in Yokohama and Roppongi Hills).

Current Japanese earthquake-proofing technology has allowed structures to go well beyond the 50 floor/storey mark (ie. Tokyo Midtown, Landmark Tower, Mori Tower,etc.) while still remaining in one piece. Yet, in order to reach 100 floors/storeys, new technologies are needed as current ones are not good enough to handle earthquakes of higher magnitude and intesity.

Thus, the cost for R&D and installation skyrockets.

onmyoji

November 18th, 2007, 06:42 PM

Remember, Japan sits on numerous earthquake fault lines.

To invest on the latest earthquake-resistant technologies, you'd have to add millions and million more. I'd figure that they can build something higher in China because Shanghai does not have any earthquakes (or just lesser earthquakes) which indicates that Mori does not have to spend on extra earthquake protection.

Look at Taipei 101 in Taiwan, it sits on top an earthquake fault line so they had to spend millions more which balooned the project cost more than 20 times.

I understand what you are trying point out though (as if Minoru Mori is prioritizing Mainland China over his home country in terms of construction projects).......but what can we do.

If Mori is forced to put up a super high-rise in Japan (like let's say more than 100 floors/storeys), then he's going to need to invest a lot on earthquake protection (even more than those spent on the Landmark Tower in Yokohama and Roppongi Hills).

Current Japanese earthquake-proofing technology has allowed structures to go well beyond the 50 floor/storey mark (ie. Tokyo Midtown, Landmark Tower, Mori Tower,etc.) while still remaining in one piece. Yet, in order to reach 100 floors/storeys, new technologies are needed as current ones are not good enough to handle earthquakes of higher magnitude and intesity.

Thus, the cost for R&D and installation skyrockets.

Thanks for your interesting analysis. I think your explanation is enough clear...but what you think about high limitation due by airport (haneda) or emperor palace surrounding ect?? Do you think that can also be a reason?

ChicagoNight

November 19th, 2007, 03:59 AM

Can someone tell me if the most recent pics by japanese001 were of ginza?

whatever that shopping area is, its a remarkable combination of fun and classy

Skybean

November 19th, 2007, 08:41 AM

Can someone tell me if the most recent pics by japanese001 were of ginza?

whatever that shopping area is, its a remarkable combination of fun and classy

A couple of the shots say "GINZA"

Grams

November 19th, 2007, 09:01 PM

In the Tokyo version of worldwide gourmet guide book "Michelin guide" issued on the 22nd, eight restaurants in Tokyo received the evaluation of three-star.
The Japanese restaurant is chosen as three-star for the first time in the world.

Total person in charge of Michelin guide Jean-Luc Nare:"It sent salaam to the chef in Japan, and all restaurants where the star had attached were published
in this book. "This time, the Michelin guide to which the epicure in the world refers publishes the Tokyo version for the first time. In obtaining three stars
because of the evaluation of the restaurant of the center part in Tokyo in 1500 shops, it was 25 shops that obtained 8 shops and Ni stars.
It is the first time in the world that the Japanese restaurant obtains three-star in the Japanese restaurant. The restaurant where the star was acquired be
for the reservation to have darned to be expected to pour in all over the world, and to decline the evaluation in the classy restaurant , saying that
"The clientele changes".

Skybean

November 20th, 2007, 05:50 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/1972670753_883ef3aaf4_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/1973748442_b1a1f673a2_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2141/2038035960_a6c5f3f002_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2123/2026690232_8497f86580_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/2036006239_ee8e03920c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2380/2009153876_56dbad54c7_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2370/2036831312_f245e43752_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/1979861314_feaca0e1d9_b.jpg

source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/homemade_london/sets/72157603093244108/

Vapour

November 20th, 2007, 09:40 AM

maxxam80

November 20th, 2007, 12:10 PM

wow skybean great photos

did you take them?

check

SEED

November 20th, 2007, 01:41 PM

those pics r great skybean! :cool: i lov streets pics! just lov to look at wat u guys wears over there! :lol:

Skybean

November 20th, 2007, 04:32 PM

wow skybean great photos

did you take them?

No. Photos taken from the link at the end of the post.

Ryuhei

November 20th, 2007, 11:21 PM

Probably posted before, but here is the "trailer" of the New Tokyo Tower (613.5 m - 2011).

0sXbrPYxhBQ&eurl

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3052/newtokyotower2ja5.jpg........ http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/2320/newtokyotowergh1.jpg

p-s-30@za2

November 21st, 2007, 02:20 AM

Now, Ginza is hot.
These opened this year.
http://www.iza.ne.jp/images/news/20070713/30770_c450.jpg
http://www.nikkei.co.jp/news/main/imimage/im20071012AS2F110221210200713.jpg
http://kstyle.s57.xrea.com/img/marronnier_gate.jpg
http://www.enjoytokyo.jp/img_bl/kitakitsune/124250_PC_M.jpg
http://kstyle.s57.xrea.com/img/tsc.jpg
http://www.takahashikogyo.com/sakuhin/lanvin/lanvinfront.jpg
Opened 2006.
http://zubora.daa.jp/blog/image/tokyo/mikimoto.jpg
Open 30.11, 2007.
http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20070213/504676/np48.jpg
Aoyama
http://www.jguide.net/city/tokyo/aoyama/400t_RIMG2704~WM.jpg
http://image.blog.livedoor.jp/ichigo_ichie/ce2f9ab1.jpg

p-s-30@za2

November 21st, 2007, 02:41 AM

Cartie's Ginza store carried out renewal opening today. The exterior is golden.
New Cartier Ginza store
http://www.asahi.com/fashion/topics/TKY200711160240.html

Would you take someone the photograph of a quartier Ginza store?

p-s-30@za2

November 21st, 2007, 03:14 AM

Floor area.
*JR Central tower (Japan) - 410,000㎡(Guinness authorization as world's largestbuilding)
*Mori tower (Tokyo)- 380,000㎡
*Shanghai finansharu centers - 380,000㎡
*Taipei 101 - 370,000㎡
*NY, Freedom Tower - 240,000㎡

(fabrizio)

November 23rd, 2007, 07:36 PM

Fox-Tale

November 24th, 2007, 04:52 PM

Hi to everybody! I've been looking around this thread and I've noticed that, speaking about 190+ meters towers, Tokyo is quite "conservative" about the design used, but i love those buildings! by the way, i found a big exception, the Coccoon Tower...does anybody know where it stands and how the works are going?thanks!

I guess you mean this
http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~building-pc/tokyo-kensetu/to-205mode.JPG

It is the school building of "Mode Gakuen", a technical college for art students.

The building is located in West Shinjuku, a 4-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station West Exit.
http://www.mode.ac.jp/tokyo/mind/access.html

(fabrizio)

November 24th, 2007, 06:16 PM

yeah i ment that one thanks!i've seen in the renderings it has a glass "ball" on its side, where is it?

sdtj

November 26th, 2007, 08:42 AM

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/4152/tokyo71rfv6.jpg

From Landmark tower?

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/290/tokyo180rsf2.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/9783/tokyo70rvy6.jpg

Songoten2554

November 26th, 2007, 08:21 PM

i am impressed with the pics of Tokyo everyone thank you

also the new tokyo tower is it going to be safe with Earthquakes and Typhoons because the higher you go the more wind there will be

it looks like that the new Tokyo tower will surpass the CN Tower in Tronto Canada

ddes

November 27th, 2007, 04:10 PM

I'm really glad Tokyo's getting the New Tokyo Tower...

I was wondering why doesn't Tokyo have a proper skyline with tall skyscrapers? I mean, even with Typhoon and Earthquake threats, China, Taipei among others have tall towers too..

I'm liking the Mode Gauken very much... And the other newer buildings.. Very stylish and futuristic..

MARACUCHisimo

November 27th, 2007, 10:56 PM

OMG!!!! this is awesome!!! :D keep working tokiers (I think, jujuju)

japanese001

November 29th, 2007, 12:48 PM

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9626/2d0d1ed1hy4.jpg

Manila-X

November 30th, 2007, 04:19 AM

Oh man, that's the coolest pano I've seen of Tokyo!

sdtj

November 30th, 2007, 05:53 AM

^^
I agree........

auckland16

December 1st, 2007, 12:37 AM

Tokyo is the best city in the Whole Asia ..,probabley. :)

venom

December 1st, 2007, 08:01 AM

http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/./photos/uncategorized/2007/11/09/yokohama1.jpg

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/7972/5a41df9dhc2.jpg

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/745/195180b3pv6.jpg

http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/./photos/uncategorized/2007/11/15/yokohama2.jpg

indiglow

December 4th, 2007, 04:53 AM

Amazing city

Kailyas

December 4th, 2007, 08:20 AM

Tokyo is very big city.

The Cebuano Exultor

December 4th, 2007, 05:31 PM

^^ Tokyo is not a city, BTW. It's a 'To (a special kind/type of prefecture in Japan). :)

But, Greater Tokyo Area is, indeed, far and large, the world's largest and wealthiest metropolitan area in overall terms [raw numbers].

Thirty-eight to forty-four million people (with the two population differences being a result of different methods/ways of estimating population via census counts) squished in roughly 7,800 square kilometers of land. And, sharing a GDP (PPP) worth US$ 1.191 trillion (2005 figures). :cool:

alvi

December 5th, 2007, 01:52 AM

[QUOTE=The Cebuano Exultor;16892051]^^ Tokyo is not a city, BTW. It's a 'To (a special kind/type of prefecture in Japan). :)

I'd say you are being a bit pedantic here. To stir the pot further, Tokyo-to is in fact not a "type" but unique, in that Osaka-fu and Kyoto-fu are more like conventional prefectures in structure.

As to the definition of a city, I will grant you that in the United States this is a legal term for a particular geo-political entity (like -shi in Japan) and that in the UK it most frequently denotes an urban area (sometimes quite small) which includes a cathedral and the seat of a diocese, but in common parlance in the Anglophone world of today it refers to a large, usually modern, urban metropolitan area, into which category Greater Tokyo falls.

Cut us a little slack there, guy :-)

Kailyas

December 7th, 2007, 05:27 AM

MuyPacense

December 9th, 2007, 08:26 PM

Hello from Badajoz, Spain :hi:

Tokio is a big beautiful city :drool:

I have many desires of going :)

A friend who lives in Madrid is of there and much speaks to me about Tokyo and Japan :yes:

Saludos pa'tos.

mdjg

December 13th, 2007, 07:38 PM

ワウ何人氓彼方

Vapour

December 14th, 2007, 03:40 PM

I took these today from Atago Green Hills Mori Tower:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200461.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200429.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200427.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200449.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200447.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200453.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200455.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200466.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200463.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200468.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200478.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200482.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/P1200474.jpg

:cheers:

NegaSado

December 14th, 2007, 07:17 PM

Perfect, Vapour, perfect. Thanks. :)

Skybean

December 15th, 2007, 08:04 AM

Great pix, Vapour! How much does a typical meal cost up there?

Fox-Tale

December 15th, 2007, 02:48 PM

Beautiful photos, Vapour! I think you know best places in Tokyo very well..:)

Great pix, Vapour! How much does a typical meal cost up there?

http://www.ystable.co.jp/restaurant/xexatago/salvatorecuomobros.html
The lunch courses start from 2800 yen(≒17 Euro), inclusive of taxes and service charges. No tips required.

NegaSado

December 15th, 2007, 03:49 PM

Wow, great. Gonna remember that one on my next trip.

Vapour

December 15th, 2007, 05:33 PM

We had 2 beers and 2 champagne-based cocktails plus some sort of original pizza by the chef. Total 6500 yen.
I like to visit skybars in Tokyo, I've tried quite a few now. I must say Atago's offers the best views so far.

Others include:

Shinagawa Prince Hotel

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/3245/p1200163ll4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/3300/p1200156ko6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/5595/p1200153mt1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/7885/p1200150on0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Vapour

December 15th, 2007, 05:37 PM

Tokyo Opera City, Korean BBQ Jojoen and Italian bar:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200189.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200227.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200228.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200217.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200219.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200222.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200223.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200224.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200202.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200203.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200204.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200209.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/P1200241.jpg

Keio Plaza Hotel

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7413/nec0014bb8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6850/nec0012cx0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3143/nec0013op7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Tokyo Dome Hotel, one of my favourites:

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6172/nec0034sj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/7519/nec0030wb2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5606/nec0031bl0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/2507/nec0035ql4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6176/nec0036rc2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5898/nec0040rx3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Vapour

December 15th, 2007, 05:38 PM

ANA Intercontinental Hotel

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/7438/nec0033bsa4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4768/nec0035bpx7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5352/nec0034bqx4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/7706/nec0036bhf5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/3716/nec0037bba0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

japanese001

December 15th, 2007, 08:35 PM

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/3929/t1ja0.jpg

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/2640/t2ni5.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5233/t4ys6.jpg

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/3120/t3ke0.jpg

sdtj

December 15th, 2007, 09:56 PM

Vapour, I just love your picstures...Thanks..
Tokyo is so dense that it looks like a simcity.... I can't get enough of this city...

Japanese, great aerials... Would be great to have them in day view also.

Kame

December 15th, 2007, 10:34 PM

Wow, I love all those bar-pics! They seem to be so peaceful and silent, real oasis of calm in the mega-city of Tokyo!

ALKUN

December 15th, 2007, 11:25 PM

awesome pictures from above.

ALKUN

December 15th, 2007, 11:26 PM

where is this place
anyone can tell ?

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/2640/t2ni5.jpg

alvi

December 16th, 2007, 01:12 AM

where is this place
anyone can tell ?

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/2640/t2ni5.jpg

It's central Tokyo seen from an airship.

Don't ask me precisely where; I think top photo may be Shinjuku,

bottom maybe Chuo ku where Sumidagawa meets the sea, near to Tsukiji and Harumi Wharf

Goto the Tokyo night view site at

http://tokyoyakei.jp/airship/airship.html

Alvi

Vapour

December 16th, 2007, 01:25 AM

1. Shibuya

2. Toyosu

Mahratta

December 16th, 2007, 05:42 AM

1. Shibuya

2. Toyosu

Wow, Vapour knows absolutely everything about his city.

sumisu

December 16th, 2007, 07:46 AM

true, if I hadn't read Vapour's answer I wouldn't have known, but I recognized them instantly after!

sdtj

December 16th, 2007, 07:47 AM

These pictures are also amazing...

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4418/tok1ic2.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/757/tok2wa2.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9982/tok3cx2.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/941/tok4zh4.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4975/tok5od2.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6475/tok6zk5.jpg

Fox-Tale

December 16th, 2007, 09:18 AM

cool skybar photos, vapour! thank you so much for sharing the best places you know!

by the way, the waterfront area including toyosu area in tokyo is very hot now..with a lot of construction projects going on..

http://www.b-m-a.jp/
there is a big condominium being constructed in ariake, which is just next to toyosu.
Madonnna is the image character of the project!

JuanCarlos

December 16th, 2007, 10:39 PM

1. Shibuya

2. Toyosu

The first I guess it because of the indoor football field in the top of the building that u can see in Fast and Furious. :D

castermaild55

December 17th, 2007, 10:29 AM

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/ptravel/58000/20071214119763388367111200.jpg

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/ptravel/58000/20071214119763388641702800.jpg

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/ptravel/58000/20071214119763389012579600.jpg

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/ptravel/58000/20071214119763389320782400.jpg

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/ptravel/58000/20071214119763389651880200.jpg

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/ptravel/58000/20071214119763389911196100.jpg

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/ptravel/58000/20071214119763390215433600.jpg

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/ptravel/58000/20071214119763390474012400.jpg

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/ptravel/58000/20071214119763390778577200.jpg

SEED

December 17th, 2007, 01:56 PM

^^ amazing pano!! :eek:

Vapour

December 17th, 2007, 02:58 PM

Wow, Vapour knows absolutely everything about his city.

Lol, far from it :)

shinjimomo

December 18th, 2007, 01:48 AM

God damm pretty fucking amazing city :omg:
Wanted to visit in the hollyday, does anybody knows about staying in the internet cafe? is it cheap? easy to find? :)

sumisu

December 18th, 2007, 05:01 AM

I always stayed in Internet cafes when I went to Tokyo, pretty cheap! and they're all over the place.

Vapour

December 19th, 2007, 11:33 AM

Google Earth just updated Tokyo (other areas in Japan?) in case you're interested. Now we can see Tokyo Midtown, the New Marunouchi bldg, the new Sony building u/c, etc.

Eddy C

December 19th, 2007, 07:25 PM

It is nice Google updated Tokyo. Osaka still has very old pictures. I think they are from 2005.

SanMiguel

December 19th, 2007, 11:11 PM

Shibuya from above is very easy to identify IMO

nice pics as always, keep up the good work :)

.

Kirk

December 21st, 2007, 12:38 AM

Google Earth just updated Tokyo (other areas in Japan?) in case you're interested. Now we can see Tokyo Midtown, the New Marunouchi bldg, the new Sony building u/c, etc.

It's still about a year old, though. And the 3D buildings are still pretty out of date (although what they do have is pretty amazing).

krainer

December 27th, 2007, 12:17 AM

What a great city!

Hanshin-Tigress

December 27th, 2007, 07:21 AM

What a great city!

Agreedddd tokyo is so big -.-

ikra

December 28th, 2007, 04:46 AM

i swear everytime is see photos of japan i ask myself "is that still planet earth?" its so so unique :D

august88

December 28th, 2007, 09:33 PM

hey to the japan forummers :wave:. i've had a question about tokyo's streets that have been floating around my head for awhile. sometimes i see normal traffic on tokyo's highways with cars and all that stuff, but sometimes (at least from the pics im seein) there are highways flooded with people just straight up walking on it like it's normal, sometimes with carts and tents to sell stuff. i mean, is that intentional, or is that just cuz tokyo's that crowded?

Kirk

December 28th, 2007, 10:23 PM

If you're talking about expressways, there's nobody walking on those. Some streets, for example in Shibuya, are taken over de facto by pedestrians. There are more pedestrians than cars, the pedestrians win. These are all narrow streets, though, and not highways. Some intersections have "scramble" crossings where people cross in all directions at once and traffic stops in all directions. Some streets are designated as pedestrian malls, either at certain times or all the time. This is no different from similar things in North America.

ScHoKoApFeL

December 29th, 2007, 12:38 AM

sumisu

December 29th, 2007, 03:07 AM

new japanese Kei cars, so small they go in your pocket!

castermaild55

December 29th, 2007, 10:53 AM

august88

December 29th, 2007, 11:48 AM

I think he was talking about this:

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7886/01ln2kb9.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/9772/02xx4jm8.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3161/37ne8.jpg
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/8418/29zho4uy8.jpg

I don't have an answer though...

^^ eyyyea, that's what im talkin about.

If you're talking about expressways, there's nobody walking on those. Some streets, for example in Shibuya, are taken over de facto by pedestrians. There are more pedestrians than cars, the pedestrians win. These are all narrow streets, though, and not highways. Some intersections have "scramble" crossings where people cross in all directions at once and traffic stops in all directions. Some streets are designated as pedestrian malls, either at certain times or all the time. This is no different from similar things in North America.

so, if what you're saying about the pedestrians taking over the streets is what's pictured above, the city government allows that? (but only for small streets, correct?)

castermaild55

December 29th, 2007, 12:17 PM

the city government allows that?

Ginza street, Shinjuku street and Akihabara are Car Free Days on every Sunday since 1970
it is called 歩行者天国（hokousha tengoku, heaven of pedestrian)

Akihabara
http://www.uchiyama.info/oriori/image/insho/matikado/aki/aki10.jpg
Ginza
http://www.medianetjapan.com/2/20/travel/happycandy/img/s060429B%20055.jpg
Shinjuku
http://tamagazou.machinami.net/imege/shinjhuku/shinjuku3.jpg
http://tamagazou.machinami.net/imege/shinjhuku/shinjuku4.jpg

Hanshin-Tigress

December 29th, 2007, 07:02 PM

^^ :banana:

Thos picture just shows how many dang people there are in tokyo!

august88

December 30th, 2007, 04:29 AM

Ginza street, Shinjuku street and Akihabara are Car Free Days on every Sunday since 1970
it is called 歩行者天国（hokousha tengoku, heaven of pedestrian)

Akihabara
http://www.uchiyama.info/oriori/image/insho/matikado/aki/aki10.jpg
Ginza
http://www.medianetjapan.com/2/20/travel/happycandy/img/s060429B%20055.jpg
Shinjuku
http://tamagazou.machinami.net/imege/shinjhuku/shinjuku3.jpg
http://tamagazou.machinami.net/imege/shinjhuku/shinjuku4.jpg

ahhhhh, ic. wow, that's pretty uniqe. i mean, i've seen people go out in the streets in my place, but only during a celebration like 4th of july er something. is there a particular reason this happens? (like, to decongest an area of tokyo?) or is this just happen for the heck of it?

^^ :banana:

Thos picture just shows how many dang people there are in tokyo!

lol, no kidding :lol:

SEED

December 30th, 2007, 08:29 AM

^^ wat d'u mean dang? :?

august88

December 30th, 2007, 08:46 AM

^^ wat d'u mean dang? :?

im asking why there are "car free days" in tokyo. like, what's the reason for it?

castermaild55

December 30th, 2007, 09:24 AM

im asking why there are "car free days" in tokyo. like, what's the reason for it?

at that time, Japan was high economy growth.
car, trafic war and car pollution were increased...
It was when that consideration of environmental problems and the pedestrian's conversion of traffic had been requested from the car priority of road traffic....
It started only by the chance and It was thought that it led to an increase of the tourist and the shopper.

some place were abolished.

Hokoten..
For more than 15 years, the Harajuku Hokousha Tengoku (Hokoten for short) was just the place to go on a lazy, sunny Sunday afternoon. The police would close the large street in front of Yoyogi Park to car traffic, and until 4 o'clock in the afternoon the street would fill up with street performers of all sorts: jugglers, mimes, roller skaters, performance artists, break dancers, rockabilly dancers, ... and dozens of bands. When you'd had your fill of temples, shrines, and shopping, there was always Hokoten. The park and its young performers had become one of the most enduring and portable images of modern Japan, even if it was a highly specialized event. Then, citing traffic congestion, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department suddenly decided late last year that Hokoten was to be "indefinitely postponed": no advanced notice, no public debate, just closed. And that was that.

The media has reported the closing, but no one has really stood up for Hokoten, or challenged the bogus "traffic congestion" excuse of the TMPD. Tokyo Journal, a monthly English language magazine, ran a short piece criticizing the TMPD's action as robbing them of "a harmless afternoon's headbanging" and the chance to be "dazzled by the raw vibrancy of Tokyo's youth." But the rest of Tokyo has barely noticed. "Who cares, " was the general response from local musicaians asked to comment on the end of Hokoten.

Besides the performers, most of the people to be found wandering around Hokoten were out-of-towners: Foreign tourists, new residents, kids coming in from neighboring prefectures to see life in the big city. No one in Tokyo really cared much about it and maybe that's why the police could so easlily close it down. More than a representation of the true essence of "Tokyo youth", Hokoten was a tourist attraction.

But not all tourist attractions are without merit. Hokoten's importance was a kind of living museum: on a good sunny summer Sunday you could find at least one band from every single rock-and-roll genre from the 50's to the 90's -- rockabilly, Beatles pop, late 60's psychedelic scene, Black Sabbath/Led Zeppelin wannabes, '77 Kings Road puck rock, death rock and neo-romantic, speed metal, grunge, sing along bubble-gum pop for young girls, and the occasional blues or jazz. All these bands playing at the same place, at the same time, was unlike anything else in the world. Though few of the bands were any good, it was definitely worth the trip just to see that rock genres you had previously imagined dead and gone were in fact still alive, at least in a wonderful, slightly mutated Japanese form: "Wow, a death rock band, with giggling fans !", "That's the hugest pompadour I've ever seen!", "Reagan must still be president, 'cause I just saw breakdancers!"

While a few of the Hokoten bands were awfully serious -- hiring sound men and expensive equipment, going through wardrobe changes, selling tapes & CDs, passing out flyers -- a lot of the bands playing Hokoten were just going through the motions: Sunday band practice in public And for the crowd as well, Hokoten was taken lightly: Checking out the fashion, snapping photos, searching for the worst band and applauding them enthusiastically.

Though the ban is officially only temporary, we shouldn't expect the bands back anytime soon. Petitions have been circulated to ask the local ward office to intervene, but the signatures of a bunch of kids in funny clothes seems unlikely to have much effect. And the complaints of street merchants who have lost business since the closing are surely being drowned out by the ringing of the cash registers in the area stores who have not been negatively effected. Yes, the band element of Hokoten was an attraction and brought people to the area, but Harajuku still has a lot going for it: the kids will continue to come, searching for the latest fashions, and Harajuku no doubt will remain a stop on foreign tourist's sightseeing agenda with or without the music.

There is still a lot to see, if not much to hear. Abe Maria is still shocking the crowds with her modern dance on the bridge between Harajuku station and Meiji Shrine, the death-rock girls are still there posing for photos with the tourists, and at least one group of the rockabilly dancers have simply moved onto the sidewalk of the Yoyogi Park entrance. Ironically, it was police action over the last two years to rid the park entrance of the large groups of Iranians who used to gather there that has created the space that the Tokyo Rockabilly Club needs to do its routines and hangout looking cool. "We're just going to keep coming here like we have been forever, " say the guys during a break between sets. "We don't really care that the bands are gone."

But the days of the rockabilly boys may also be numbered. The real reason behind the closing of Hokoten seems to be the TMPD's desire to rid the city of street performers. The bands of Hokoten being the most obvious were simply the first to go. Though no official policy has been announced and the police aren't talking, they've been sweeping the city and chasing away jugglers, mimes, and one-man-bands, all as quietly as possible. One can only speculate what's behind all this. Perhaps it is just a case of the police capitalizing on the recent terrorist attacks to assert more authority. Or perhaps it's a longer term reflection of the more cold hearted Tokyo of the post bubble-economy, of which the park raids to round up gaijin suspected of overstaying their visas and recent evictions of homeless from train station areas are also signs.

Of course the bands of Hokoten never were a reflection of what was going on in the real Tokyo music scene -- for that you'd have to spend a little time, (and a lot of money) in the 'live houses', discos, and independent record shops. And it was rare that you'd get the feeling that a band was playing the music they were because they loved it. Most were just posing, living out fantasies of rock-and-roll eras gone by, a kind of karaoke with homemade accompaniment. But Hokoten did satisfy the curious tourist, providing them an image of Japan to take home. Even for those who knew better, Hokoten was nearly always a heck of a lot of fun. So while most Tokyoites might not realize it, Hokoten will be missed.
http://www.3jar.com/3jar.php?p=richwrite

august88

December 31st, 2007, 07:49 AM

at that time, Japan was high economy growth.
car, trafic war and car pollution were increased...
It was when that consideration of environmental problems and the pedestrian's conversion of traffic had been requested from the car priority of road traffic....
It started only by the chance and It was thought that it led to an increase of the tourist and the shopper.

some place were abolished.

Hokoten..

http://www.3jar.com/3jar.php?p=richwrite

^^ ahhhh, now it makes sense. thanks for clearing that up. those pics really make "life in the city" seem lively.

neways, tokyo seems really awesome. if i ever get the chance to go to japan, i'll definitely check these places out.

thanks for the input guys. :)

Tzaziky

December 31st, 2007, 04:16 PM

Wow Tokyo's a beautiful city!! Very nice pics!! I've took some to post in the Italian forum because they're awesome tks!!..if you want to post them in or visit our Italian photos you're welcome!

Jim856796

December 31st, 2007, 06:51 PM

Are there renders for the new project in the Sofitel area?

2006
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/3829/xsofiter2wd1.jpg

September 2007
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/7943/xsofitelzm3.jpg

I just want to know why the Sofitel Hotel is being demolished?

Kirk

December 31st, 2007, 10:23 PM

^^ eyyyea, that's what im talkin about.

so, if what you're saying about the pedestrians taking over the streets is what's pictured above, the city government allows that? (but only for small streets, correct?)

What's pictured above is what I was talking about: streets being converted to pedestrian malls for limited periods of time (sometimes on certain days, sometimes at certain times of the day). These are not highways, just arterial roads. The government doesn't "allow" it, they encourage and enforce it. This is not a phenomenon limited to Japan, y'know.

Pedestrians taking over roads is nothing like what is pictured above, it would never happen on a busy artery like that. I was referring to small streets. Remember that, even though car use is heavy in Japan, city design is not nearly as car oriented as it is in North America. This is similar to many European cities. There is less of a strict distinction between "roads" where cars are allowed to drive and "walkways" where pedestrians walk. Obviously it exists in many places (ex: Marunouchi), but it isn't so religiously enforced everywhere.

august88

January 1st, 2008, 04:11 AM

What's pictured above is what I was talking about: streets being converted to pedestrian malls for limited periods of time (sometimes on certain days, sometimes at certain times of the day). These are not highways, just arterial roads. The government doesn't "allow" it, they encourage and enforce it. This is not a phenomenon limited to Japan, y'know.

Pedestrians taking over roads is nothing like what is pictured above, it would never happen on a busy artery like that. I was referring to small streets. Remember that, even though car use is heavy in Japan, city design is not nearly as car oriented as it is in North America. This is similar to many European cities. There is less of a strict distinction between "roads" where cars are allowed to drive and "walkways" where pedestrians walk. Obviously it exists in many places (ex: Marunouchi), but it isn't so religiously enforced everywhere.

yea, my bad for getting that mixed up. but i haven' really seen nething like that before. not even in pictures til now. what other cities do this? (i've only lived in washington and california and been to a few other west coast states, and vancouver and tijuana outside the US)

Sou-jiro

January 3rd, 2008, 11:19 AM

Hi All,... love all the great pics...^^^^

not really sure where to ask this but any feedback would be very helpful..
im planning to visit Japan by end of this year but can someone tell me more about ATMs/Banking in Japan?...Im Assuming it wont generally accept non Japanese cards right as I heard???

What if I have a citibank ATM card would that make a difference?..where are the citibank ATMs in tokyo or other major cities like Osaka or Nagoya?

thanks guys:)

princeofseoul

January 3rd, 2008, 12:53 PM

SuburbanWalker

January 3rd, 2008, 01:45 PM

im asking why there are "car free days" in tokyo. like, what's the reason for it?

Car free days are fairly common in Europe as well, usually in the central, historical parts of cities. The goal is to promote car-less mobility.

japanese001

January 4th, 2008, 08:31 PM

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/1320/072d2a7blg8.jpg

_Night City Dream_

January 4th, 2008, 09:42 PM

Car free days are fairly common in Europe as well, usually in the central, historical parts of cities. The goal is to promote car-less mobility.

In Moscow there is such a day, too. But nobody limits car circulation, there are only few enthusiasts who use public transport which is already overcrowded or bikes. Normally most of the people don't stop using their cars on that day.
In Brussels, people are mon conscious. I've seen it one time. No cars in the streets except parked ones, everyone gets around by buses, guys playing football in the roadway...

D-LinK™

January 5th, 2008, 06:51 PM

Tokyo is a wonderful city. I do not have any doubt of that. So many things makes me think Tokyo is a place to visit.

_Night City Dream_

January 5th, 2008, 07:07 PM

Completely agree. My great dream is to visit it.

JuanCarlos

January 6th, 2008, 03:09 AM

OMG! that pano is awesome. :cheers:

castermaild55

January 6th, 2008, 09:36 AM

back street of east Ikebukuro
WpsI0gnhYRk

Northsider

January 6th, 2008, 08:26 PM

OMG! that pano is awesome. :cheers:

Holy crap! That's for sure!:)

Ryuhei

January 7th, 2008, 03:43 PM

I just want to know why the Sofitel Hotel is being demolished?

I dont´know the reason. It was built only 13 years ago.

http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/helicopter/2008/01/post_7b37.html

The new building will be a residential tower, by Mitsui Fudosan, 30 floors (106.60m height).

ikari

January 7th, 2008, 11:10 PM

^^ Wooow Great pano!! *__*
Thx for upload it!

Sr.Horn

January 7th, 2008, 11:40 PM

back street of east Ikebukuro
WpsI0gnhYRk

eY!

Usually I see this program on NHK World via Stream :lol::lol::lol:

Many thanks!

little universe

January 8th, 2008, 10:41 AM

Damn it! Such a wonderful city! I like to see Tokyo with the mountain Fuji as its background.

shinjimomo

January 8th, 2008, 12:39 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/2177879838_c8cae9fa63_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/2177088405_d8ff597b7b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2017/2177879592_2913df00c2_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/2177088735_3aa048b657_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/2177088917_4bfd71745e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2341/2177089397_6c9f606514_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2293/2177089577_ea8ec70383_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2002/2177089083_8a80892255_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/2177089225_4615be3e58_b.jpg

_Night City Dream_

January 8th, 2008, 08:41 PM

Castermaild55, you are able to post here some more videos like that, I'd be very grateful to you. Different kinds of videos even about everyday life in Tokyo.

Songoten2554

January 9th, 2008, 10:22 AM

pretty cool and cute parks they have its really nice to sit down and look at the enviroment and well to see the Toden Streetcars pass by my idea of a good neigborhood and well it could be a great place to live too and you can go to work in the city center pretty cool

Vapour

January 9th, 2008, 04:55 PM

Some time ago Coldstar mentioned something about this future project:

Old Sony site to be office complex
Bloomberg
Home builder Sekisui House Ltd. said Tuesday it will develop land formerly owned by Sony Corp. in Tokyo into an office and residential complex.

Sekisui will build two office buildings and one apartment structure by 2011 on the 25,000-sq.-meter plot in Shinagawa Ward it bought from Sony last year. Sekisui announced the project at a news conference in Tokyo.

The office vacancy rate in the five central wards of Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Shinjuku and Shibuya fell for a fifth month to 2.49 percent in November, the lowest in at least six years, while rents headed for the biggest gain since 2004.

Kirk

January 9th, 2008, 08:41 PM

Ipan of Thursday

January 15th, 2008, 03:53 PM

dude... sorry to step out a little bit out of the current topic... about that tokyo skycity project or commonly known as sky city 1000, is it really going to be built... though it looks impossible... it could just be one of wonders of the world... they actually said that the project was already proposed in the year of 1989 and it took them about 14-15 years just to convince the land-owners whose land supposedly to be the current site for the actual project, uhh... how's the progress then... I haven't heard a single news bout that project... you guys got any idea bout that project?? I'm really fascinated about it!

Kirk

January 15th, 2008, 09:28 PM

auckland16

January 16th, 2008, 12:14 PM

Japan is the only country in the whole Asia which is the best... !!

SEED

January 16th, 2008, 01:47 PM

kick'arse pano! :cool:

Ryuhei

January 16th, 2008, 08:04 PM

Great pics, Shinjimomo, Venom :okay:

Oh, and today´s banner:

http://i10.tinypic.com/8dwpyty.jpg

TR-909+

January 17th, 2008, 03:07 PM

Tokyo bay picture from http://bluestyle.livedoor.biz/archives/2008-01.html
http://www.blue-style.com/jpg/40a83e1e.jpg

sumisu

January 17th, 2008, 03:42 PM

Dang, I love Tokyo.

ikari

January 17th, 2008, 03:48 PM

^^ Amazing!! *___*
I need to go again to Tokyo *__*

Ryuhei

January 18th, 2008, 12:47 AM

:drool: at that 6702 x 867 panoramic view!

JuanCarlos

January 18th, 2008, 01:56 AM

^^ :master: OMG!! :cheers:

SEED

January 18th, 2008, 01:52 PM

^^ Hmm.. wat more can i say! thats a marvelous pano! :cool:

SEED

January 18th, 2008, 02:02 PM

a city well plan! :cool: i like yoko! :cool:

Trances

January 18th, 2008, 02:37 PM

is the very thin building on the side a car park or what ?

Kirk

January 18th, 2008, 08:35 PM

It's an incinerator.

TR-909+

January 20th, 2008, 05:52 AM

Nishi Shinjuku
http://image.blog.livedoor.jp/bluestylecom/imgs/1/0/10732828.JPG

shinjimomo

January 20th, 2008, 10:57 AM

Wow amazing! I love Tokyo! :D

shinjimomo

January 20th, 2008, 11:32 AM

Shibuya

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2095/2205999992_5521b27b7c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2392/2206000106_9aaf554e68_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2150/2206000242_1841ac6387_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2043/2206000352_91344fa658_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/2205211817_d00a7e0eee_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/2206000912_458e0c9f56_b.jpg

Harajuku

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2249/2206001010_0f8a793e53_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2260/2205212065_49f7123ffd_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2223/2205212143_7452920372_b.jpg

Shinjuku

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2082/2205212267_361a8a937d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2384/2205212323_a9c30b6dd0_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/2206001452_9737193568_b.jpg

ALKUN

January 20th, 2008, 12:03 PM

great pictures !!

RyukyuRhymer

January 20th, 2008, 05:11 PM

Vapour, thanks for the pictures!

I just went there two days ago. I'd post some pics up, but they're pretty much the same as yours .. but worse since its winter and all the trees are dead :P

Its certainly a nice statue. I think it was 900円 for admission.. but to be honest, I think some will lose interest in that Ushiku is kind of far from Tokyo (not too far, but not convenient), and that you gotta take a pricey bus ride too. Maybe if they had some other things around there, it would be worth it for them.. but all I saw on the bus ride to there were just farm land.

Munichpictures1970

January 20th, 2008, 05:31 PM

Nice pics, thanks for sharing

JuanCarlos

January 20th, 2008, 09:58 PM

Great pics shinjimomo. :cheers:

_Night City Dream_

January 21st, 2008, 11:34 AM

Yeah, really awesome, thanks a lot. If you can post herer some more, that will be great.

By the way, are there many European cars there?

SEED

January 22nd, 2008, 01:32 PM

those streets pics looks great! gosh.. im soo obsess wit how the people there dressup! :cool:

Blackraven

January 22nd, 2008, 06:19 PM

http://image.blog.livedoor.jp/bluestylecom/imgs/1/0/10732828.JPG

Is that the Fashion School building that I see? (the one with the curvy shape)

Ryuhei

January 22nd, 2008, 09:02 PM

Is that the Fashion School building that I see? (the one with the curvy shape)

Yes :)

http://i29.tinypic.com/kbev4w.jpg____ http://i28.tinypic.com/2e4c5mw.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/289g413.jpg

http://bluestyle.livedoor.biz/

ikari

January 23rd, 2008, 01:30 AM

^^ I just LOVE that building *___*

jeff Chang

January 24th, 2008, 01:57 PM

thanks for sharing

Assemblage23

January 25th, 2008, 12:45 AM

In NEED to go to Tokyo again...I spent a couple of weeks there last May and I just couldn't have enough of it. The whole city drove me crazy :nuts: in the best way possible :)

Looking forward for my next visit :banana:

Borble

January 25th, 2008, 10:23 AM

Found this clean pic of Tokyo, dont know if its been posted or not so here it is :)

http://www.unparent.com/images/pano_tokyoTower.jpg

BrizzyChris

January 25th, 2008, 04:13 PM

As I'm going to Japan for about 12 days (Tokyo for 8, Kansai region for 4) in a week, I have a few questions that I would be very greatful if people had any answers to or suggestions. I will just list them to make it easier.

1. Will it be difficult riding the subway/trains with luggage if coming from the airport, or going from hotel to metro (particularly in rush hour) and then to shinkansen?

2. I don't understand any Japanese at all (except maybe a couple of phrases). Will I be totally lost on the streets/metro/restaurants?

3. Is there any restrictions on places or things that cannot be photographed?

NegaSado

January 25th, 2008, 11:03 PM

1. Will it be difficult riding the subway/trains with luggage if coming from the airport, or going from hotel to metro (particularly in rush hour) and then to shinkansen?

Depends. During rush hour, having bags with you will make transport very, if not impossibly, difficult. I managed fine myself, but I arrived around noon. Exactly where are you headed, and what time do you arrive?

2. I don't understand any Japanese at all (except maybe a couple of phrases). Will I be totally lost on the streets/metro/restaurants?

Yes. About maybe 5% of the restaurants have english menus, they usually put a note stating that on their front doors. The rest of the restaurants have Japanese menus, generally with some pictures. I tried to stay in the restaurants with the english menus, but they were quite hard to find in the outer neightbourhoods. About the metro, you will get lost there anyway, regardless of your Japanese language skills. All signs are in English. Be sure to study the subway map VERY carefully and try to plan ahead on your destination. I spent a good deal of time being lost. The Japanese are very willing to help you though. Stare at the subway maps on the walls with a puzzled face and they will come to you. Try the business people, they usually talk some english. Remember, most Japanese can read English perfectly well, they just can't speak it. Use notes if you have to.

3. Is there any restrictions on places or things that cannot be photographed?

No. The Japanese wont move a finger if you photograph them. They have gotten used to it, I'm sure. I never got into trouble and I photographed everywhere. Some observatory decks even allow tripods. Use common sense which ones. Be sure to check some observatories when you're there - most are free and they are quite numerous. Be sure to check out the one close to Ginza, called Saint Luke's Garden. Totally awesome view, for free, and I was there all by myself.

Songoten2554

January 26th, 2008, 09:27 AM

well as far from arriving if your coming in tokyo then Narita will be your airport to land and once you do if your trying to head to the city well their are options

1. there is the Narita Express (NEX) which is JR property (Japan Railways) but problem with this Railway line is that its expensive but the routes they go to are great they head to Shinjuku and also Tokyo Station but it depends on where you want to head if you get a JR Rail pass then it could be cheaper to use it but if you don't then its expensive or so i heard

2. there is the Kesei Skyliner trains which is cheaper to ride but they are not part of JR its more private but the thing is that they won't head into Shinjuku or Tokyo Stations but they take you to Ueno Station well to that area and you might have to Transfer to another Stations

3. currently no Shinkansen Lines go to the airports of any airports in japan sorry about that althrough there was going to be one which was called the Narita Shinkansen it was going to head into the Narita Airport but then it got cancelled and was the only shinkansen route to ever have its fate doomed but don't worry JR is building a replacement of the Narita Shinkansen called the Narita Rapid Railway the NRR and this will use Standard Guage like the Shinkansen but it won't go at the speeds of Shinkansen nor will it allow Shinkansen Trains to pass thru it but it will provide a faster link from Tokyo to the Narita International Airport

well thats what i can say about this well good luck too and yeah like alot of people said you have to study real closely to the Metro map of Tokyo or any japanese city because its complicated

i have never been to japan but i do know a couple of people that live there and i researched on it so if people if i am mispelling something or saying something wrong help me here my knowledge of japanese is not high at all

Vapour

January 26th, 2008, 10:53 AM

1. Will it be difficult riding the subway/trains with luggage if coming from the airport, or going from hotel to metro (particularly in rush hour) and then to shinkansen?

Where is your hotel?

Xeni-2

January 26th, 2008, 01:33 PM

This is a fascinating city
I could cross mountains and seas to go in !
In plane or not, what's the matter, i love !
gaaa.

nice pics people

BrizzyChris

January 26th, 2008, 03:56 PM

Where is your hotel?

I'm staying at the New Koyo Hotel for the first 5 nights. I think its more like a hostel type thing, which is what I wanted initially. It's just north of Ueno, near the Minowa metro station.

I plan to travel to Osaka on the Thursday on the shinkansen, and I wanted to leave fairly early, so I was thinking about a 8am or 9am train. But then I realised I will need to get to Tokyo station, and to get there, I will need to go on the subway, which could be really packed at that time.

Once I get back from the Kansai area, I'm still deciding on where to stay in Tokyo. I might book a more expensive place to stay in (New Koyo is only 2700yen per night!) and see how the experience differs. But I'm not sure what area I should look to find a hotel in. I'm thinking maybe somewhere near Roppongi or towards Ginza/Tokyo station.

NegaSado

January 26th, 2008, 04:52 PM

I'm staying at the New Koyo Hotel for the first 5 nights. I think its more like a hostel type thing, which is what I wanted initially. It's just north of Ueno, near the Minowa metro station.

Minowa's easy to reach from the airport.

When you leave the costums, you will find yourself generally in a big hall where you can exchange money. There are also counters to buy tickets for transportation into the city. There is a stand that sells 1000yen tickets for the Keisei line to Ueno. This line is generally not so crowded from the airport all the way to Ueno since it mainly runs through suburbia. The ride will take a little more than an hour (1:15 something). Once you are at Ueno, you will have to make a long underground walk to reach the Hibiya line up to Minowa. This is a good opportunity to buy a metro pass (if you plan to use subways a lot you'll need a 5000yen one which'll last you just about a week). The Hibiya is VERY crowded at some times, mainly in the morning and in the afternoon + evening, so be preperared. It'll be just for one stop, but after a long flight it's very nasty. Be sure to keep your bags to yourself and in your personal space because Japanese find it very rude if one takes up a lot of space.

I stayed in a hostel near Minami Senju, by the way. It's one stop further from yours. The Hibiya line's a perfect one since it brings you non-transfer to places like Akihabara, Ginza, Roppongi and Ebisu (which is near Shibuya). For Shinjuku and Ikebukuro you'll have to train hop generally.

I plan to travel to Osaka on the Thursday on the shinkansen, and I wanted to leave fairly early, so I was thinking about a 8am or 9am train. But then I realised I will need to get to Tokyo station, and to get there, I will need to go on the subway, which could be really packed at that time.

Yes, plus, reaching Tokyo from Minowa is a challenge. Your best bet is to take the Hibiya Line to Ueno (which'll be totally packed with people), and there take the Yamanote to Tokyo Station. I didnt use the Yamanote much myself, but I'm sure it'll be very crowded. Be sure to take a lot of time, I ended up barely making it to my flight myself, hehe. Though I wouldnt have mind missing it. Tokyo's a blast.

Once I get back from the Kansai area, I'm still deciding on where to stay in Tokyo. I might book a more expensive place to stay in (New Koyo is only 2700yen per night!) and see how the experience differs. But I'm not sure what area I should look to find a hotel in. I'm thinking maybe somewhere near Roppongi or towards Ginza/Tokyo station.

Asakusa's generally the place to go for budget stays... There's a big hotel too in Asakusa, called the Asakusa View I believe. There's also a big hotel next to Tokyo Dome, not sure what the name is. Then you got the famous Park Hyatt in Shinjuku. After 8 days you're gonna feel bored with having to travel up the Hibiya Line all the time, so you might as well stay in a place closer to everything. Roppongi is a good one, but it's my least favourite place in Tokyo since it's got tons of foreigners (and their problems).

Vapour

January 26th, 2008, 05:10 PM

I'm staying at the New Koyo Hotel for the first 5 nights. I think its more like a hostel type thing, which is what I wanted initially. It's just north of Ueno, near the Minowa metro station.

I plan to travel to Osaka on the Thursday on the shinkansen, and I wanted to leave fairly early, so I was thinking about a 8am or 9am train. But then I realised I will need to get to Tokyo station, and to get there, I will need to go on the subway, which could be really packed at that time.

Once I get back from the Kansai area, I'm still deciding on where to stay in Tokyo. I might book a more expensive place to stay in (New Koyo is only 2700yen per night!) and see how the experience differs. But I'm not sure what area I should look to find a hotel in. I'm thinking maybe somewhere near Roppongi or towards Ginza/Tokyo station.

Arriving in Tokyo from Narita even during the rush hour shouldn't be a problem given that you'll be able to get a seat at the airport station - it only may become crowded in the last stations before Nippori. Anyway from my experience the Keisei line is not particularly busy.
However, reaching Tokyo station at 8 am is indeed a different story. I hope your luggage is not that big :P
For budget hotels try http://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/

Tri-ring

January 26th, 2008, 05:20 PM

I'm staying at the New Koyo Hotel for the first 5 nights. I think its more like a hostel type thing, which is what I wanted initially. It's just north of Ueno, near the Minowa metro station.

I plan to travel to Osaka on the Thursday on the shinkansen, and I wanted to leave fairly early, so I was thinking about a 8am or 9am train. But then I realised I will need to get to Tokyo station, and to get there, I will need to go on the subway, which could be really packed at that time.

Once I get back from the Kansai area, I'm still deciding on where to stay in Tokyo. I might book a more expensive place to stay in (New Koyo is only 2700yen per night!) and see how the experience differs. But I'm not sure what area I should look to find a hotel in. I'm thinking maybe somewhere near Roppongi or towards Ginza/Tokyo station.

If you are planning to move to Kyoto on a Monday morning I advise you to reserve tickets way before schedule since Monday morning is the big move for business men who spent their weekend at home in Tokyo and moving back to their designated offices in Nagoya and/or Osaka.
Sunday morning is alittle less crowded if you know what I mean.

Vapour

January 26th, 2008, 05:45 PM

In 2006 I went to Shonandai in Fujisawa city to visit the Shonandai Culture Center by Itsuko Hasegawa, 1990.

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