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.

Tokyo from Above

I mentioned Mori Tower in my last post. That was my destination for the day. The 52nd floor to be exact.

Which offers amazing views of Tokyo. So of course I took photos. So follow as we go around Tokyo. Starting with Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji Temple just to the right of it. I've posted a few times about Zojo-ji and Tokyo Tower. I did not get over there this trip. Still it was great to see them from the air.

These photos are going clockwise around the tower. So moving right from Tokyo Tower you see Tokyo Bay with Odaiba Island. The building with the gold ball is Fuji TV.  Right there is Rainbow Bridge. The bridge farther out is Tokyo Gate Bridge and the dark band on the horizon is Chiba Prefecture. Must be an amazing view on a clear day.

Continuing clockwise if it was clear you would be looking out toward Haneda Airport and Yokohama beyond that. The tall beige building is the Forest Tower Condos.

Turning just a little clockwise the building in the middle of the green space is the Tokyo Metropolitan Library in Minato. Tokyo seems to go on forever.

If it was clear we could probably see Mount Fuji in the center of this photo. But sadly it wasn't. What I could see is that big stretch of roadway which is probably part of the Shuto Expressway.

Something a little nicer, lots of green space. The closest area is the really large Aoyama Cemetery. I have not been there but maybe one day I will take a look. Further out on the left is probably Shibuya and Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine Gyoen. The tall buildings are most likely Shinjuku with Shinjuku Gyoen just to the right of them.

The building with the blue green roof in the middle of that lovely green space is Akasaka Palace which is now used as a State Guest House. Very impressive Neo-Baroque building.

Still going clockwise and you can see a really tiny Sky Tree on the right way out there. Just to the left of there is a lot of green space. That is the Imperial Palace and Grounds.

Here is a closer look at that. When the photo is at original size the towers such as Fujimi-yagura and others can be seen along with the Imperial Palace. That same day they showed Emperor Akihito's video where he stated he was considering stepping down. Gave me a feeling of seeing a bit of history as I looked at the Imperial Palace that day.

Continuing clockwise it's almost back to where the photos started. Sky Tree is almost center and if you go right beyond the photo you would see Tokyo Tower again.

So that's a quick tour of Tokyo. I wish I could point out more things but one discovers when there that area boundaries aren't always that easy to find and there are sooooo many buildings I always was grateful when I could figure out where I was at.