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.

It was the Magic Hour in Shibakoen

I was pretty tired but I still felt the desire to get out in hopes of finding something to offset the feeling of let down after two nights of exciting concerts. Also knew I wanted to try to get back to Zojo-ji Temple which I last saw in 2011. Sun was setting and things were looking a little dark and dull.

A white tulip tree seemed to glow a little.

Underneath were squirrels on pedestals. I don't know why.

The sculptor did catch that look squirrels give you when they see you, that friend or foe side-eye.

Like Daimon, Sangedatsumon was also disappointingly covered up. Guess it was time for repairs and refurbishment.

 Not daunted I went through and into Zojo-ji. I was in luck to see the Daiden Hondo, main hall, with Tokyo Tower now glowing beside it.

It was twilight, the magic hour.

The view at Ankokuden hall was also luminary. I could see why photographers and film makers love to shoot during this time period.

Walking over to the Shinto Kumano Shrine the wind blew a little and leaves rustled as if something was stirring.

The air had a feeling that something could happen. Like possibly seeing Yatagarasu the three legged crow.

Walking to the back of Zojo-ji Temple, Tokyo Tower was even more vivid against the darkening blue sky.

Glowing even above the Mausoleums of the Tokugawa Shoguns where the wooden sobota rattled although there was no wind. I would not have been surprised to see a figure in armor appear as the air darkened around me.

I decided to revisit Daitokuin Mon, the remaining gate of the mausoleum for Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada.

I noticed something special had happened. I could see Nio Ungyo, who represents latent strength, clearly.

The same for Nio Agyo, who represents overt strength.

It was as if the protective wire screen in front of them had almost vanished. It was magic.

But it was that Tower that captured my attention. Even next to what was the pathway up to the area where Hidetada's mausoleum once was.

 Walking up the sky darkened. But was still light enough to make out some of the Zojo-ji buildings.

Cresting the top of the hill by Prince Park Tower Hotel night had descended and the view was enchanting.

 I walked down to the small Benzaiten Shrine on the other side of Shiba-koen to find Tokyo Tower was captured in one of Benzaiten's ponds.

 I have a few posts about Zojo-ji, Shiba-koen and Daitokuin. Just click on the labels below if you want to see more photos and read a little more.

Finally Figured Out Where I Was

Actually I knew where I was but will explain that in a bit. But first I was focused on my first dinner in Tokyo. For that I decided to go back to a place I stopped at in 2011. CoCo Ichibanya in Hamamatsucho. Not only that but I wanted to see how their newer vegetarian curry was. Nice to see their choices right next to my seat.

 When I was last here I tried their Caesar salad. Which wasn't quite up to snuff. This time it was better.

Along with the eggplant version of the vegetarian curry. I would have tried one of the others but seeing there was bell pepper in it, I decided against having that upset my digestion on the first full day of my trip. While the eggplant might not be the prettiest plate of curry it was definitely full of flavor and very much curry. Well done Coco Ichibanya!

Quite full but not ready to settle down for the night I decided to explore the area I knew well from my visits in 2010 and 2011. Good old Shibadaimon.

Except the Daimon was under repair to my surprise. But really it did need a new coat of paint and clearly got one.

Still it was nice to see the roof and part of the supports. This gate gives it's name to the Daimon Station which is almost under it. Many stories under it.

I was also thrilled to see this lovely plum tree in bloom. So much so that I took photos at night.

Along with seeing Tokyo Tower next to Zojo-ji's main gate Sangedatsumon. Not the first time I'd wandered these streets at night. Even took a few photos from about this same spot. Sadly no illuminated heart on Tokyo Tower this time.

Also good to see the well lit Nio of the So-mon Gate. Which is actually in Shiba-koen, aka Shiba Park. I was feeling pretty tired by this point so didn't walk over there at the time. Counting my long walk through Los Angeles Airport my feet were saying enough.

On my way back I passed by a sign gate I didn't remember. Not sure if it's newer but it's for Shiba. Which was the actual area I was staying in. Since my hotel says it's Hamamatsucho I previously thought the area was Hamamatsucho. However where the hotel is isn't. It's actually Shiba, a ward in Minato and the area where Daimon is actually is in Shibadaimon which is also in Minato. Hamamatsucho is right by there but it's a small area with the same named station and a bit of the wharf and such. I guess because the station is thought to be well known the hotel uses it as part of their name even though it's not actually in Hamamatsucho. Confusing? Yes it is since some wards are so small you might walk right through them and not know you missed it. Wards are really like neighborhoods in a way.