Night Time Views of Tokyo Tower and Zōjō-ji

One of the nice things about Japan is most places are fairly safe to walk about at night. And something I like to do is walk at night. Even when there is a little rain.

Since I was staying in the area near Shibadaimon and Shibakoen, I went to check out the Daimon gate. The repairs happening last year were complete and it was nice to see the whole gate again.

Also nice to see Tokyo Tower and Sangedatsumon, the main gate for Zojo-ji, main temple in the area and for the Tokugawa family back in Edo times.

I was reminded of the time after the Great Tohoku Earthquake when I spent time here at night. Difference is the lovely glow from the lit-up Tokyo Tower. 

The rain soaked stones reflected back the light of Tokyo Tower. 

I walked up to the great main hall, Daiden and walk around the wrap around walk-way. Tokyo Tower is on a hill just beyond Zojo-ji.

The overcast sky added a little eeriness to the view. 

I walked through the grounds, remembering my walks here in the past. The four Great Bosatsu of Compassion and Mercy took on a difference feeling in the dark.

Soon views of Tokyo Tower would be blocked by sakura blossoms and leaves. But this night the sakura was just starting to bloom. 

However the camellias were beautifully in full bloom.

Starting off with a Shrine

 My first full day in Tokyo was a rainy one. So I was already going to my museums and indoor places list. On my way to one of those, just across from the train exit was the Juban Inari Shrine.

 Rebuilt in 1997, this shrine is part of Minato's Seven Gods Walk.

 There are actually eight stops in that walk. One for each lucky god and this one for their treasure boat, Takarabune. On one side of the steps up to the shrine there is a statue of the seven gods in their treasure boat.

 The other side features a couple of frogs. I mentioned frog statues in posts of my prior trips. Fire was always a problem in Japan and the Gamaike Legend is that during one fire a giant frog appeared spouting water that put out the flames.

 Despite the rain I decided to ascend the steps to check the shrine out. The red lanterns looked very attractive against the gray concrete.

 At the top was a pair of impressive komainu.

 They were very detailed.

 Also impressive was the sakura tree that shaded the steps. Lucky me to see a few sakura blossoms open.

 The shrine houses the three kami Uka-no-mitama, Yamato Takeru, and Munakata-san-megami.

A view from the shrine down to the street. I imagine this place is really nice at night when the sakura is in full bloom. I did not stay very long because the rain made it difficult to take photos. But still, it was nice to visit.

Back to Japan

 Last year I did not know if I would ever be able to go back to Japan. But I was not going to just let that happen. So this year in March, I found myself on a half empty plane flying to Los Angeles International Airport. Where I would board my flight to Tokyo. Not only was this me being able to continue doing what I enjoy, but it was also ten years from my first trip to Japan. And my sixth visit there.

So I was up before dawn at Portland International Airport. Very early flight but it had one benefit. The back of the plane was empty so it was great to enjoy having a whole row of seats to take a nap on. And to be able to see the rising sun color the clouds outside the windows.

 Arriving at Los Angeles, I was hungry. As I walked the very long distance from my arrival gate to the international terminal, the smell of bacon was everywhere. I haven't eaten bacon in a very long time. But because I was hungry and tired, my willpower was weak. So I gave in to these breakfast tacos at Border Grill. Almost felt like a crime not to have tacos since I was back in L.A.

 I won't detail my flight because it's not the most fun. Fast forward to leaving Narita International Airport on an uncrowded train. Back on that Keisei Narita Express line. I don't remember if this was the front or back of the train.

Made it to my hotel in Minato-ku. After having to deal with a problem caused by my credit union, I got my room and headed out for food. Really hungry I found a seaweed daikon salad and this karaage bento. The bento was fine but it reminded me, why so much rice? Since I eat less salty food and less rice along with very little fried food or meat, this is one of the few konbini bento that I ate. As for why this salad, it is because salads in Japan tend to have a lot of cabbage and less lettuce and other greens. I rather enjoy the seaweed versions more. Plus they may be a little more healthy.

 Grey and rainy day but I wanted to get out and walk a little. Back to the canals that I last saw on my last day of my 2017 trip. It was nice to see them.

Even though the area is mostly commercial buildings and concrete apartments, it's still a relaxing view with the water and bridges.

And I was really happy to be back in Tokyo. A place where I feel centered.

Shiba in Tokyo

Nope, this isn't about dogs. It's about a small area that is in Minato which is a bigger area in Tokyo. My third time staying here had welcoming blue skies above the concrete surrounds.

Back again to see the local Inari shrine.

The kitsune still look angry but really, Inari-sama here is helpful.

Shiba in Tokyo really doesn't have much that stands out. It's mostly businesses in concrete buildings mixed in with apartments in concrete buildings.

But here and there are a few shrines and cemeteries.

Along with a Buddhist stature or two.

 It was nice to see this place hadn't changed since March 2011.

Although the ume tree was taller. Which is a good thing.

That same ume tree back in March, 2011.

 It was refreshing to see all this lovely natural wood in the sea of concrete buildings.

Curved roof lines instead of straight.

Along with a little nature.

Something that has changed in Shiba was a street that has a little air of a shotengai. From what I remember in 2011 there wasn't much in the way of purchasing food around here. Now there are a couple small markets.

 The old fish shop was open.

Seeing this made me wish I had a kitchen available to cook up some of the lovely shellfish and fish.

Despite all the concrete people in Shiba still try to have a bit of nature around them.

 Gardens in pots still are popular.

I was delighted to see this little pond in a bowl was still there.

 Although the condition of this sakura tree made me sad. Seemingly tossed aside and still in the same pot it was in six years ago.

 Six years ago it was much smaller and in a place where it was appreciated.

I didn't expect to see an aquarium outdoors but there it was. Along with languid goldfish.

Just one photo of a local Shiba night spot Timer Bar. If I had been braver I would have looked inside. There aren't many bars right around there since just across the river there is a thriving nightlife in Hamamatsucho.

 I have no idea how old this map of Shiba is.

Or if there is actually a giant maneki neko in the middle of things there (I know it's a map decoration). I do know that I have come to feel like this little part of Tokyo is like a second home to me. I know there are many great areas in Tokyo to live. I'm just glad there is a little part that coming back to felt familiar to me.