Shinjuku Sights

Shinjuku is a place with varied views. Go out one way from Shinjuku Station and you are in the shopping entertainment area. Out a different exit on the east side and you are at the vast green of Shinjuku Gyoen after walking a little. Out the west exits and you could end up seeing some of Tokyo's iconic architecture like the curved Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Head Office Building.

Along with the well known Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

The most famous is probably the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower. It is a 204-metre, 50-story educational facility.

Which stands out even in the sea of skyscrapers of Shinjuku.

After my time at Akasaka Palace I first got something to eat and then took the Oedo Line to Shinjuku. Part of what I wanted to see was at the Keio Plaza Hotel which is nestled amongst those famous skyscrapers. Where for Hinamatsuri they had 6500 hanging silk ornaments for good luck.

Along with the display of all these ornaments they had Kai-awase laid out. Kai-awase is a painted clam shell matching game which is played during Hinamatsuri. The paired clam shells represent united couples, so they say.

Of course they had a traditional Hinamatsuri doll display.

 Their set featured Heian period figures and was quite elegant.

I didn't stay long because I was meeting my friend to do a little shopping. On the way to meet her I passed Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) which use to be known as Piss Alley. It's known for the bars and tiny restaurants crammed into this narrow street.

But that wasn't my destination. Which was actually the other side of the station where there are lots of shops and entertainment places. Don't be fooled by this photo, it's actually a very busy area with lots of pedestrians. Found my friend and we did a little looking around before we ended up at Marui Annex. We did a little window shopping, bought a few things at the KERA Shop and I found Marui Annex was a good place to get regional Kit Kats.

We were both hungry and my friend wanted to try Tully's limited sakura drink. I think this was the Sakura Matcha Latte.

We both got the limited Sakura Strawberry Waffle Sandwich. Which was a cream type mousse and strawberry flavoring. Except for the pink sprinkles it was more strawberry than sakura. The waffle was fresh which was nice.

We sat and talking for a time about the concerts, music, people, life. She also gifted me this bit of duck foie gras. I still have to come up with something to use it for. I'm sure I will think of something.

I found this lovely choker in the KERA shop. I'm sad that there was no tag in the package after I purchased it so I don't know who made it.

Also a few of the Moi meme Moitie things I bought at the KERA Shop and at Atelier Pierrot Laforet in Harajuku. I also bought a choker. Happy that at Atelier Pierrot I was able to get the hashi (chopsticks). I haven't used them yet but I have been tempted. Really need an elegant meal for that.

Springtime in Shinjuku

What they say about sakura in Japan is true. At least in Tokyo. If you see sakura trees blooming, you will find a crowd of people beneath it.

Not even in full bloom there were many people beneath the trees of Shinjuku Gyoen taking selfies. Sighting a bird in the branches overhead, I felt more inclined to photograph it.

Glad he's visible against the bright blue sky.

Along with the pink sakura.

It was just the start of the bloom but even then the flowers were irresistible.

There are around 1500 sakura trees in Shinjuku Gyoen. Being able to see the different shades of colors from various varieties next to each other adds to the beauty.

It must be magical when all the trees are in bloom.

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March also means ume or plum trees bloom. I saw less of those at the park but they were still pretty riotous with blossoms.

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A few other plants were blooming. This is a popular ornamental bush not only in Japan but in America. It may be Spiera Ogon, Mellow Yellow.

As I headed towards the main gate to leave, these magnolia trees were getting a bit of attention also.

So through the main gate I went back to Shinjuku station to take a train or two to Harajuku. Which will be my next post.

The Garden of Words Shinjuku Gyoen

Welcome to a little exploration of the Garden of Words. Yes part of my reason for wanting to see Shinjuku Gyoen was because I enjoyed that anime. Part because seeing the different gardens of Japan is enjoyable. Part a desire for a break from the crowds. So on a Wednesday I took the Oedo Line to Shinjuku Station. Somewhere in that labyrinth station is this interesting glass and metal mural. The green markings on the floor means it's near where the Oedo Line platforms are. I could not find information online as to who the artist is.

Not only is the station a bit confusing since some directional signs are blocked by other signs or placed out of eyesight as you struggle to find your exit, also making sure you are going the right direction once you are out can be a bit intimidating due to the many skyscrapers that tower over you.

I tend to go by landmarks and maps but this time I added in taking random photos along the way in case I had trouble getting back to the right station entrance. Along with a photo or two of the almost clear blue sky. I could review the photos walking back looking for the same landmarks.

I was walking in the right direction to the park. But going the wrong direction to the main gate so I ended up walking down a very long side street while sakura blossoms waved at me over the garden fence.

And blue violets nodded their heads just beyond the very long fence.

After a while I reached the Shinjuku Gyoen Sendagaya gate, paid my entrance fee and began to explore. This is not the main gate to the park which is on the other side of the park.

One of the first things that struck me was how brown the grounds were. All the photos I've seen always shared how green and lush the garden is. Instead I was reminded of Southern California in summer. Except this was March. I guess Oregon has spoiled me with green winters. Also notable was how many trees were ready to bloom with flowers.

Despite the dried grass people were enjoying resting in the nice weather. I did notice that there were a good number of tourists from other countries in the park, more than I noticed in other parts of Tokyo up till that time.

Since I was going to meet up with someone later in the day I had to limit what I saw so I decided to follow the waterways to the other side of the park where the main gate is.

I think this was a good choice since there are a number of ponds and streams through out the Japanese Garden section and was calming and spacious. This is something to note in Tokyo since a lot of one's time there is spent in very crowded trains and streets.

One of the lovely buildings in the garden is the Taiwan Pavilion, Kyu-Goryo-Tei. Built in 1927 in commemoration of Emperor Showa's marriage, it offers a unique place to view the park landscape.

I imagine in the heat of the summer it must be quite nice in here. The building was designed by architect Matsunosuke Moriyama and is in the Minnan style. The building was donated by voluntary Japanese residents in Taiwan.

Along with that the wood carving inside matches the beauty outside. Information about it can be found at this Shinjuku visitors website.

Just a little of the view from the Pavilion. There were a number of photographers with very large camera lenses trying to take photos of birds in these sculpted pine trees.

Definitely a place to escape Tokyo crowds.

Even with the Tokyo skyline within sight.

 There are a number of these shelters at the ike (ponds). This one must look lovely when the flower vines over it bloom.

There are also a few stone lanterns along the paths of the Japanese style garden section.

Even carp in the streams. Curved bridges cross in places, their unpainted wood blending in to the natural feeling of the garden.

While this garden feels a little more wild than some formal Japanese gardens, there is still great care taken in the sculpting of many of the trees. This lovely one shelters a rugged stone lantern.

I have to say that Shinjuku Gyoen is a little oasis in the middle of Tokyo.

In case you are wondering what this building that looms over the park and Shinjuku is, it is the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building, third tallest building in Tokyo.

You may be wondering where those sakura blooming trees are? Well I took a lot of photographs and to avoid overwhelming in one post they will be in my next post about Shinjuku Gyoen.