Traveling Man Joe: November 2009

Nov 29, 2009

Shonandaira

Hiratsuka as seen from the top of Shonandaira.

Hiratsuka Beach

The white speck way off in the distance is Mt. Fuju.

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These photo's came about when I decided to take pictures while running around in the surf.

Locks of Love

What are covering the walls of this viewing platform?

Locks of all shapes and sizes. This tradition is not unique to Japan; I have seen it throughout my travels. Couples typically write their names and a few wishes on a lock and then lock it someplace where the view is impressive and there is something to attach it to (typically a fence). The locks are then either left their until they are removed or until the couple breaks up and one of the two returns to break the bond.

I just have one question. How did anyone get a lock outside of the fence? If you look closely at this picture you will see that there are three locks outside of the fence. Your guess is as good as mine on this one. However this being Japan, personally I suspect ninjas.

Inarichan's Cousin II

His name Cookie-chan

Hiratsuka, Japan

Nov 20, 2009

Ikebukuro

Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower

Pictures taken yesterday in Shinjuku's skyscraper district of the Cocoon Tower. It's the 17th tallest building in Tokyo and ever so photogenic.

Eh?

Any idea's on where I took this picture?

Nov 18, 2009

Another Sunset Over Tokyo

After cloud filled Saturday afternoon the sun made a brief, but spectacular appearance.

The Toden Arakawa Line

This train line is the sole survivor of Tokyo's once-extensive Tokyo Toden streetcar system.

A few weeks ago a friend and I took a little tour along this line (one-day pass ¥600). Today the line is used primarily by Tokyo's elderly residents and stops along the streetcars route reflects that.

Sugamo, known as the Harajuku for old people, gave us a chance to explore the older side of Tokyo. Along Sugamo's main street were shop after shop selling only the most fashionable granny wear and delicious snacks. Nearly everyone on the street was at least in the 50's and everyone seemed to know everyone else.

It is no secret that Japans birthrate is falling. Outside of places like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro a stroll down a side-street will show you just how many elderly people there are in Japan. Even in Oji you can notice it when a group of people gather while waiting for the light to change.

Having a large elderly population is not a bad thing. Some of the funniest conversations I have had with my newly acquired Japanese, have been with people in their 60's and 70's. Japanese However I often wonder what Japan will look like in another 20 even 10 years.

However the Japanese have already set their course and rather than wonder about the who and the how, I take a moment to wander through these aging streets before they disappear.

新大久保

Shinokubo on a Wednesday afternoon.

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Shinjuku as seen from Shinokubo

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Shinokubo looking towards Takadanobaba

Keihin Tohoku 線

Nothing beats ridding the train late at night.

Tokyo Sky Tree Tower 東京スカイツリー

In 2011 this tower will become Tokyo's new digital broadcasting tower; replacing Tokyo Tower. Currently it stands at 333m (1,040ft); about half of its final intended height of 634m (2,080ft).

Because of the growing number of tall buildings in Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is not tall enough to broadcast a digital terrestrial signals throughout Tokyo. For that reason construction on the Tokyo Sky Tree Tower began, with is its completion coinciding with Japans plans to switch to digital TV in 2011.

Sumida, Tokyo

Cannabia Beer

This is an amusing beer I came across in Roppongi.

It is made by mixing hemp in with more traditional ingredients such as hops, malt and yeast. Although this beer does contain very small amounts of the chemical found in cannabis, one would have to consume more than 3,000 litres to feel the same affects as smoking cannabis. But after consuming that much beer, that sort of affect would lilely be greatly muted by ones level of intoxication.

Nov 5, 2009

Twice

A Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster.

Base price: $710,000.

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This is the second one I've seen in a month; the other one was purple. If thats not enough, take a closer look at the picture. Thats not any SLR, its the 2009 772S version. This car is one of only 150 available worldwide.