Tokyo Mobile Life

Useful TV

2011-01-27T15:51:00.003+09:00

It is amazing what is on Japanese TV in the afternoon.
How about a programme on how to shop with a credit card. Now that's what I call useful.

Boring Job

2010-11-02T14:15:00.011+09:00

All of us have complained about our jobs being boring at one time or another and also uttered that watching paint dry would be more exciting, Well this guy has that job or one close to it. Here he is watching over his drying concrete.

I walked passed him twice today and he was just standing there with no one else around on both occasions. Tough work, but I guess someone's got to do it.

Polling Day

2010-07-11T16:06:00.001+09:00

Which one of these handsome devils is gonna get your vote in today's election?
Not sure why looks are so important here. Plus what happened to number 22 and the other blanks. Of course I can't vote anyway, being a foreigner.

Campaign Trail

2010-07-10T16:09:00.001+09:00

Well its the election tomorrow and all the parties have been out and about today giving it their best and making as much noise as possible. Campaigning in Japan usually means going around in a van covered in speakers and continuously shouting out that you will do your best. The preferred time being early Sunday mornings, which pisses me off when they wake me up.

This was more unusual however, a couple of politicians battling their way through the afternoon crowds in Ikebukuro. Somewhere in the middle of the scrum were the top guys from the KokuminshintoParty. The banners say 'against increasing tax' by the way.

Narrow Paths

2010-07-01T13:10:00.001+09:00

You usually only see these narrow streets in the oldest areas of Tokyo. I found this one near my local shopping street and was totally surprised by it's length and the beauty of some of the old houses, which hinted at it's age.

Going Home

2010-06-27T22:24:00.013+09:00

Its always fun to watch the other drunkards on the train home. Falling over, sleeping and if you are in Shinjuku maybe fighting.

An alcohol inspired view from my seat after a night out near Tokyo Station. Plus the station itself.

Left Over

2010-06-13T14:15:00.002+09:00

Found this lovely old building nestling amongst the blocks of offices and flats on my lunchtime stroll around Nihonbashi and Kyobashi. I guess it is certainly prewar and probably a lot older.
Let's hope it continues to survive into the future. Maybe for another 50 or 100 years.

Nihonbashi Bridge

2010-06-06T15:42:00.015+09:00

I haven't been here for years, maybe 15 or so. As I was working nearby I decided to take a look. It was one of the first places I heard about in Tokyo, probably because its the home of the first Japanese department store, Mitsukoshi.

The bridge first became famous during the 1600s because it was the starting point of all the five major Edo roads including the Nakasendo and the Tokaido. Maybe for this reason even today all distances from Tokyo are measured from the centre of the bridge.

Originally built of wood, the current Renaissance-style stone Nihonbashi Bridge was constructed in 1911. However it's beauty has been hidden since the 1960s when a highway was built directly over it. Typically Japanese.

Spot the Worker

2010-05-28T11:05:00.000+09:00

Some more red stick men. Can you spot the one guy actually doing some work? I have to mention that there were another 2 red stick wavers behind me too.

Delayed by Suicide

2010-05-03T19:12:00.015+09:00

Its pouring with rain and I have just discovered that the Odakyu line has stopped running because of a people incident, which is a polite way to say there has been a train suicide.

Probably some poor over worked salary man who had had enough of his crap life and job, and the shitty weather was the last straw.

Local Line for Local People

2010-05-02T13:55:00.001+09:00

Love this little railway (Tokyu Setagaya Line), or maybe more accurately a tramway that runs solely in Setagaya Ward between Sangenjaya and Shimotakaido.

An unexpected find when I was forced to work in Sengenjaya. Also if you consider it to be a tramway it makes it one of the only two surviving trams in Tokyo the other being the Toden Arakawa Line.

Taking Pictures of You Taking Pictures.

2010-04-24T12:46:00.000+09:00

I see this all the time around Omotesando and Harajuku. I guess it is down to Omotesando's connection to fashion and it's popularity amongst young people.

Not sure what was attractive about this shot, taken directly outside the concrete block of a Japanese High School.

View from Work

2010-04-17T17:39:00.002+09:00

This is the view from the fire exit at work. Talk about feeling in a cage.

Doll

2010-04-15T11:42:00.004+09:00

Got this from Yahoo auctions, it cost 200 yen. Now on proud display in the genkan (entrance) of my flat.

Shibuya

2010-04-14T17:44:00.003+09:00

What can I say, a typical view on one of the main roads in Tokyo. In this case Meiji Dori just outside Shibuya,

Bikes around Omotesando

2010-04-13T16:26:00.005+09:00

I don't know why but it is particularly trendy to ride racing style and particularly fixed wheeled type bikes in and around the Omotesando area. They are everywhere. Here is a load piled up outside a restaurant.

And some more stacked next to a hair dressers.

Omotesando Hills

2010-04-11T14:48:00.011+09:00

Actually I hate this place as I think a lot of the character of the area was lost when it was built.

Mainly because it resulted in the demolishing of some 1920's style flats, the above two are the only ones that managed to survive the developers.

10th April 2010

2010-04-10T13:39:00.000+09:00

8th April 2010

2010-04-08T11:46:00.001+09:00

6th April 2010

2010-04-06T16:33:00.001+09:00

4th April 2010

2010-04-04T11:29:00.001+09:00

3rd April 2010

2010-04-03T13:19:00.001+09:00

2nd April 2010

2010-04-02T15:22:00.001+09:00

Two Worlds Apart

2010-04-01T15:25:00.004+09:00

Old run down flats in Aoyama, close to Omotesando. One of the most expensive areas of Tokyo. Although these don't look that expensive.

Gate

2010-03-31T12:44:00.001+09:00

Noticed this rather striking red gate as I wandered around Aoyama. It looks like it's the entrance to a temple or shrine.

Spring is Coming

2010-03-20T16:36:00.021+09:00

Spring must be almost here as the streets of Omotesando have been lined with tulips courtesy of Niigata Prefecture.

Anyway, some spring cheer on the plain concrete back streets isn't a bad thing at all.

Underground Art

2010-03-15T13:01:00.000+09:00

This caught my eye as I wandered through Shibuya Metro Station on the way to work. It's a temporary exhibition of 1,000 portraits taken by 12 photographers that show ordinary Tokyoites going about their business.

Most of the pictures seem to have been taken on the streets in the vicinity of Shibuya, however one or two look like studio pieces like this saucy number.

British Embassy

2010-03-08T14:12:00.003+09:00

Going to the Embassy is always enjoyable as it feels like going home. Today especially so because of the cloudy weather. For a few minutes at least you can relax and remember what it is like to act and feel British. Too points to notice. One, probably the tallest flagpole in Tokyo and two, the trees have branches.

Men with Sticks

2010-02-11T09:51:00.000+09:00

I just love these red stick waving guys in Japan. They are everywhere, protecting us from moving vehicles, road works, or any kind of construction or obstacle on the streets, or for that matter anywhere.

Here they are in Sangenjaya keeping us safe after the traffic lights went down. Very noble but did there really need to be about 30 of them. No wonder my local tax is so high.

Hikawadai Rogensakaba 氷川台浪漫酒場

2010-02-06T21:36:00.006+09:00

This Izakaya opened in August 2006 in a refurbished old wooden, Japanese style family shop. As a result it has a very interesting layout and warm atmosphere. Inside it's a real Aladdin's cave with hidden rooms leading off from steep narrow stairs. On the ground floor there is a long bar in front of the kitchen where the staff and master always find time to chat. Again the design blows you away with a mixture of old wooden beams and modern fittings. The food consists of all the old favourites, plus seasonal dishes and specials invented by the staff. All are made with top ingredients and taste excellent. Price is between 3,500 and 5,000 yen with beer (will be more expensive if you drink a lot). The monster jockey (beer mug) and pizza are highly recommended, together with anything from the special menu. You really can't go wrong.　Details

Dog Run

2010-01-23T16:17:00.003+09:00

Here in the local park you can only let your dog off their lead in this small dusty enclosure. It's not a bad idea.But why so small?

There is plenty more space.

Izakaya Nakanishi 中西

2010-01-13T01:13:00.000+09:00

From the outside this place looks like a right hole, but don't let it put you off. Inside it is certainly a little down to earth and appears more like a Shinbashi drinking den than what you would expect from upmarket Omotesando. However what it lacks in style and finesse it makes up for in price and atmosphere. This is a typical salaryman's Izakaya with its big shared tables, and cheap prices. The food might not use the highest quality ingredients, but it still tastes good and the prices allow you to order a lot of it. All the unhealthy favourites that go so well with beer are available. Yakitori, fried chicken and octopus, chips, yakisoba, etc. Alcohol is also great value and usually less expensive than soft drinks. Most people will be able to eat and drink their full and find it difficult to spend more than 4,000 yen. The perfect place for a cheap night out. Details

Snowman

2009-12-23T15:56:00.003+09:00

Found this outside the office on the way to work. Made from real snow imported into Tokyo from Northern Japan. It lasted about 3 days before it melted.

Beer on The Streets

2009-12-12T21:13:00.003+09:00

Noticed these two chaps trying to avoid the crowds outside Omotesando Hills. Considering the concentration of luxury brands in the area, I can't believe it would have been a very successful campaign.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

2009-10-24T15:13:00.006+09:00

The main shrine building (Naien) dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Built in 1958 after the original (1920) was destroyed in WWII.

Higashihonganji

2009-09-28T13:27:00.001+09:00

Gion shinbashi

2009-09-28T12:01:00.001+09:00

Chion-in temple

2009-09-28T11:04:00.000+09:00

Kyoto pickles

2009-09-28T09:41:00.001+09:00

Azuchi castle ruins

2009-09-27T14:11:00.001+09:00

Tuna head

2009-05-25T12:55:00.002+09:00

Noticed this is Tsukuji Fish market. No sure why you would buy it or for what reason. I guess that you eat some part of it.

Sakura

2009-04-05T10:31:00.001+09:00

Full bloom cherry blossom on the Senkawa river in Seijo.

Kishibojin temple

2009-03-15T14:38:00.001+09:00

Hakone checkpoint

2009-02-22T18:45:00.001+09:00

Wakasagi

2009-02-22T13:04:00.001+09:00

Ashi no ko

2009-02-22T11:00:00.001+09:00

Black curry

2009-02-21T17:35:00.001+09:00

Hakone cable car

2009-02-21T16:22:00.000+09:00

Fujiya hotel

2009-02-21T11:35:00.001+09:00

Sounji temple

2009-02-20T16:19:00.001+09:00

Slimy potato

2009-02-20T14:49:00.000+09:00

Romance car

2009-02-20T13:11:00.001+09:00

Sushi Time

2009-02-18T17:58:00.002+09:00

The freshest sushi in town. Lunch at Tsukuji Fish Market.

Tsukiji Honganji Temple

2009-01-17T15:53:00.003+09:00

A very unusual looking Buddhist temple near to Tsukiji Fish Market. The current Indian looking building was built in 1934 following the destruction of its predecessor in the 1923 Kanto Earthquake.

Tokyo Winter

2009-01-13T13:05:00.005+09:00

Bright sunny morning as seen from my company's 16th floor office window.

Dojou Lunch

2009-01-04T14:17:00.003+09:00

A traditional Edo style fresh water fish nabe (hot pot) dish, popular in Asakusa.

Gokokuji Temple

2009-01-01T16:12:00.003+09:00

Like last year, we brought in the New Year listening to the chanting monks at Gokokuji temple. Here you can see the head monk's huge cushion in front of the Nyoirin Kannon Buddha.

New Art in Shibuya

2008-11-21T18:18:00.003+09:00

This recently unveiled 30 metre piece of art by Taro Okamato was grabbing the attention of commutors and making passage through Shibuya station difficult as I headed back to work.

Tsukuji

2008-11-15T11:31:00.002+09:00

Tuna and crab stall in Tokyo's famous Tsukuji fish market. The crabs were very lively in their tanks, by the way.

Shinbashi Station

2008-10-23T13:22:00.003+09:00

At last I finally found what is left of the first railway line build in Japan. This is the station house and plateform of Shimbashi station, once the terminus of the first line that run between Tokyo and Yokohama. Some of the buildning and plateform is original, but a lot has been rebuilt. The actual station building is now a Lion Bar.

Radiohead in Tokyo

2008-10-04T23:32:00.003+09:00

This was the first concert I had been to in years, and I only went as a Japanese friend offered me the tickets. As I hadn't listened to Radiohead since OK Computer I didn't know what to expect, but the gig exceeded my expectations. Excellent in all areas and a fantastic atmosphere.

More Summer Beer

2008-08-28T21:59:00.002+09:00

In this case some beers on the streets of Yurakucho, next to and under the Yamanote Line viaduct. Just love this part of Japanese culture.

Beer Garden

2008-08-13T18:35:00.004+09:00

The best thing about summer in Japan, drinking beer on the top of a department store. This year the theme was Korea, so the food was a touch spicy. However, reason most of us were here was the beer, plus it was as much as you could drink in 2 hours.

Pocket Monster Train

2008-08-06T14:06:00.002+09:00

Nice to see that Pokemon is still as popular as ever. Noticed this train on the Yamanote Line at Ikebukero Station.

Waiting for the Fireworks

2008-08-02T18:02:00.002+09:00

The sun going down before the Idabashi Firework display. Actually waiting for the wife to return with the beer. :)

Odawara castle

2008-07-18T19:47:00.001+09:00

Kuro tamago

2008-07-18T12:57:00.001+09:00

Ashinoko

2008-07-17T16:18:00.001+09:00

Tokaido

2008-07-17T12:13:00.001+09:00

Underround Art

2008-07-04T12:33:00.002+09:00

Its rare in Japan but recently companies like Tokyo metro are trying to introduce design and art into the usually functional Tokyo transport system. Here's any example on the new Fukutoshin Line.

Typically tokyo

2008-06-28T21:32:00.001+09:00

New and delayed

2008-06-16T22:53:00.001+09:00

The first weekday on the new line but massive delays. Not very japanese like.

Beer

2008-05-24T20:07:00.001+09:00

Next stage completed.

2008-05-04T10:07:00.001+09:00

Another wall papered and the painting finished. Now its time for a beer.

The matrix at work

2008-04-24T18:12:00.000+09:00

Wallpaper

2008-04-21T15:44:00.001+09:00

First stage done

Hikone castle

2008-03-29T15:35:00.001+09:00

Early cherry blossom

2008-03-23T15:01:00.001+09:00

The weather's been so spring like for the last few days, so its no surprise that the first cherry blossom has started to appear.

Sake's ready

2008-03-17T15:50:00.001+09:00

Kondo isami's grave

2008-03-17T10:14:00.001+09:00

Tsuruga castle

2008-03-16T14:59:00.001+09:00

Suicide

2008-03-16T10:33:00.000+09:00

The spot where 16 young samurai committed suicide during the boshin war.

Cheeky chap

2008-03-15T16:45:00.000+09:00

Found this guy in entrance of our hotel.

Edo traveller

2008-03-15T16:14:00.001+09:00

tonight we are staying at Ouchijuju. This is a street of edo period inns, which used to be on the main road between aizu and edo. many are still family run hotels.

Tonohetsuri

2008-03-15T12:11:00.001+09:00

This spot is famous for its strange mushroom shaped rock.

Setting out

2008-03-15T08:23:00.001+09:00

I still feel rough from a cold and i managed to get up at 6am. I made it, here's my spacia dead on time.

New Mansion

2008-03-07T14:27:00.002+09:00

The new mansion is down the street is almost finished. What amazes me about these Japanese flats is that they all look the same. It doesn't matter where you go in Japan, they are all built with the same materials to the same design. The only thing that might be different is the colour.

Spring Plum

2008-03-02T14:16:00.002+09:00

Headed out to the Tokyo Botanical Gardens of Tokyo University today to see the first plum blossom. The gardens date back to the 1680s and currently contain around 50 plum trees.

Local Izakaya

2008-03-01T22:47:00.002+09:00

Saturday night and I fancied a beer, so popped into the local bar for a spot of grub and some beers.

Degu Happier

2008-02-27T22:42:00.001+09:00

My pet degu are perking up a bit now that spring is on its way. Here they are waiting for their food.

Tax

2008-02-24T12:43:00.002+09:00

It's that time of the year again, time to nip down to the local tax office and meet the really helpful and friendly tax officers, not!!! At least this year it didn't take too long, just a few hours.

Hoppy

2008-02-23T21:43:00.004+09:00

Here's an interesting way to have a cheap beer. Mix a hop based drink (hoppy) with shochu (potato spirit). Sounds strange but it actually works. Tastes good and is healthy too. Well worth a try.

Afternoon Tea

2008-02-23T13:48:00.003+09:00

As a birthday treat I taken to the Imperial Hotel for afternoon tea. Although reasonable in price, the sandwiches and cakes were a little disappointing. At least the tea was OK, and the view fine.

Smoking Patrol

2008-02-22T11:11:00.002+09:00

Smoking is banned while walking on the streets of some Tokyo wards. These guys spend all day hunting for smokers and giving out portable ashtrays. A good idea, just a shame that their not so serious about smoking inside.

Doughnut Craze Continues

2008-02-21T11:54:00.002+09:00

It has been almost a year but the Japanese are still willing to queue up for about an hour to get their Krispy Kreme doughnuts. At least it was sunny today in Shinjuku.

Choco Time

2008-02-11T00:34:00.000+09:00

Here in Japan it is time to receive chocolate from your loved ones. Here is some from my wife. She surprised me with these when I got home from the pub. I guess I was too drunk to really appreciate them.