From December 23rd to 25th, the Tokyo Skytree was illuminated in special colors for Christmas. People enjoyed the red illumination inspired by a candle and the green illumination which reminds you of a Christmas tree, on the first Christmas since the world's tallest TV tower completed.
The massive Christmas tree soaring in the huge capital brought people peace, calmness and happiness on the holy night.
The Tokyo Sky Tree Christmas Special Illumination [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Dec. 25th, 2012
Keyakizaka Street, which is lined with keyaki trees, or Japanese zelkova trees, passes through Roppongi Hills, one of the luxurious areas in Tokyo. The trees along the street are gorgeously illuminated every Christmas season.
When you stand on the pedestrian bridge across the street on a winter evening, you can see the Tokyo Tower soaring and shining at the end of the glittering street. Even if you were busy preparing Christmas, you could not help stopping there to enjoy the brilliant scenery.
Christmas Illumination at Roppongi Hills and the Tokyo Tower [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Dec. 23rd, 2012
Hagoita, or Japanese battledores, are a traditional new year's toy which has been popular among young girls. It used to be a common sight to see kids playing with them on a street during new year's days. It is, however, now becoming rare to come across the scenery in urban areas.
Hagoita also often serve as ornaments. At Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, Hagoita Fair is held every December 17th to 19th. The precincts of Tokyo's oldest temple are filled with numerous stalls serving beautifully decorated hagoita. It is very enjoyable to search for your favorite one among their many varieties.
Hagoita-Ichi (Japanese Battledore Fair) at Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Dec. 19th, 2012
From November to December, many 'lucky rake fairs' are held at shrines around Japan. People visit a fair to get a decorated bamboo rake, which, it is said, has a charm to gather luck. Tori-no-Ichi, that takes place at Otori Shrine in Asakusa, Tokyo in November, is the most well-known rake fair.
There is also a large fair called Okame-Ichi in my city Kawaguchi. It is held at Kawaguchi Shrine, the guardian god of the city, every December 15th. The street, leading you from Kawaguchi Station to the shrine, is lined by 600 food stalls and entertainment stalls, while the precincts of the shrine are dominated by rake stalls. The area bustles with numerous people exploring stalls, buying a rake and worshiping at the shrine on the winter day.
Japanese Lucky Rake Fair with Many Stalls at Kawaguchi Shrine [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Dec. 15th, 2012
If you would like a great view of the Rainbow Bridge during winter, visit Harumi Pier at dusk. Around the winter solstice, you can watch the sun setting on right side of the bridge across the Tokyo Bay from east to west.
The bridge, connecting central Tokyo and the massive artificial island Odaiba, is illuminated in rainbow colors in December and the first few days of new year. It is literally the Rainbow Bridge.
Rainbow Colored Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Dec. 12th, 2012
Sensoji Temple, located in Asakusa, is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. It is also known as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo, which is always crowded with numerous people. It is, however, not as bustling at night as in the daytime. You can quietly enjoy the view of the historical buildings being gloriously illuminated. Although the souvenir shops along the main approach of the temple are closed, it is worth considering to visit there at night.
Sensoji Temple Night View at Asakusa, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Dec. 7th, 2012
The Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest TV tower at 634 meters, is located in an old residential area dominated by small houses and shops. It was designed to avoid tall buildings that would disturb radio waves passing through.
In the area, there are several local shopping streets. They had been declining for decades due to the flourishing of major supermarket chains and large shopping mall chains. They hoped that the opening of the tower would galvanize them with newly built tower's attraction. However, it was not all it was cracked up to be. The number of people who visited the shopping streets decreased rather than increased after the tower's opening. People chose to visit the Tokyo's new landmark and its surrounding facilities including a large shopping mall without stopping over the old streets.
It would be sad if nostalgic scenery like this would be completely replaced with uber-modern structures.
Old Shopping Streets at the Foot of the Tokyo Sky Tree [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Dec. 7th, 2012
As the first Christmas event since the Tokyo Skytree completed, the world's tallest TV tower is being illuminated in different colors from usual. Five illumination types are prepared and they change depending on the hour and the day. You can enjoy the special spectacle of lights from the sunset to 11 pm until Christmas. On every weekend, you can see the 1995 LED footlights changing their colors at 8 pm and 9 pm.
Tokyo's new landmark lights up winter nights quietly and warmly.
The Tokyo Sky Tree Illumination for Christmas [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Dec. 7th, 2012
Meiji-Jingu Gaien, or Meiji Shrine Outer Precinct, is a massive garden including a gallery, a hall and a variety of sports facilities such as National Olympic Stadium and Jingu Baseball Stadium. It was built to honor the Meiji Emperor's deed after his demise and has been run by Meiji Shrine.
The main approach of the garden, that leads you to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, is outlined with gingko trees. The entrance of the avenue is one meter higher than the end of it. Moreover, it is designed that the trees at the entrance side grow taller than the ones at the end side do. They are to make the avenue and the gallery look more beautiful in perspective.
The trees are gloriously ablaze in late autumn. The warm scenery, in the season in which you feel the advent of winter, is a delight for people walking by.
Gingko Avenue at Meiji-Jingu Gaien, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Nov. 27th, 2012
Route 122, which connects central Tokyo and Iwatsuki, Saitama and is also known as Iwatsuki Road, was once called as Nikko Onari-Michi that literally means Nikko Shogunate Road. During the Edo Period ruled by the Tokugawa Shogunate, the successive shoguns made processions along the road. It was to visit Nikko, where Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the shogunate, is enshrined. The procession took place 17 times from 1617 to 1843. Although it was initially frugal, it increasingly became glamorous to show citizens their dignity. The procession held in 1728 by Yoshimune Tokugawa, the eighth shogun, was made up of 133 thousand people consisting of the shogunate family and their retinue. Some of shoguns were not able to cope with the cost of making a procession and had to give it up.
The road passes through my city Kawaguchi, located in just north of Tokyo. There were once two inn towns in the section where now the city is; Kawaguchi Inn Town and Hatogaya Inn Town. The first several processions went along Nikko Road, a more easterly route. However, Iemitsu Tokugawa, the third shogun who was known as a gourmet, changed the route to have his first day's lunch of the four day trip to Nikko, at a temple in Kawaguchi Inn Town. The temple might have served good lunch.
Nikko Onari-Michi Festival was held on an autumn Sunday in Kawaguchi City, to re-enact the historical parade. The festival had two sites; Kawaguchi Inn site and Hatogaya Inn site, and the parade moved the one to the other by subway. It was probably the first shogun's procession in the history which took a train. A few big names, including Ken Matsudaira, a famous period drama actor, and Rino Sashihara, who was once a member of the pop group AKB48 and is now a member of HKT48, also joined the parade and excited the crowd. Although the number of the people making the procession was quite smaller than the ones which took place several hundred years ago, 180 thousand spectators gathered at the sites to see the old but new procession, that was more friendly than before. They did not have to kneel but cheered when the procession passed by.
Shogun's Procession in Kawaguchi, Japan
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Nov. 11th, 2012
Gyudon is a rice bowl dish. Simmered beef is served on top of steamed rice. It is one of the most popular Japanese fast foods. You can see numerous gyudon stores as you walk around a city in Japan. It is also easy to make at home.
[Simple Recipe] How to Make Gyudon (Beef Bowl) with Raw Egg [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S
Ingredients for a large bowl:
350g steamed rice
150g thinly sliced beef
1/2 sliced onion
150ml water
1 1/2 tbsps Japanese sake (or white wine)
2 tbsps soy sauce
1/2 grated ginger
A dash of sugar
A dash of salt
A dash of Hondashi (or other instant dashi) *1 *2
1 Raw egg (optional) *3
Directions:
1. Boil the water in a pot.
2. When the pot starts boiling, add the Hondashi and stir it.
3. Add the onion to it and boil it until soft.
4. When the onion is soft, add the Japanese sake, the sugar, the salt, the soy sauce and the beef.
5. Cover the pot and cook it on medium heat for 10 minutes.
6. Add the ginger and wait for 1 minute.
7. See how it tastes and adjust the taste with sugar and soy sauce.
8. Place the cooked ingredients on the rice in a bowl.
9. Put the beaten egg on it. (optional) *3
*1
Hondashi is one of packaged instant dashi. Other instant dashi like Dashinomoto are also fine. Dashi is a kind of a Japanese cooking stock. It is not very difficult to make dashi by yourself, but I use the instant one this time. This is a simple recipe.
*2
I think many people from other countries overlook dashi when they make Japanese cuisine. Looks like some people make some Japanese cuisine without using dashi, even when it is necessary for the recipe. Then they say "This doesn't taste good!" Come on! Dashi is the keystone of Japanese cuisine. You can't omit it. Go to an Asian market or Amazon and get some. Or make it by yourself. If you can't get any dashi, other stocks could be used for instead. Weiba (a Chinese instant cooking stock) or bouillon cubes... But I have never tried them for gyudon. I am not sure if they work well.
*3
If you live in Japan, I recommend you to put a raw egg on it. It really tastes great. I don't recommend you to do it if you don't live in Japan. Eggs being distributed in Japan are designed to be eaten raw, but in other countries, they are not. You would have a stomach ache. I know that some people think Japanese are immunized with raw eggs. But it is wrong. Even Japanese would have a stomach ache when they eat a raw egg outside of Japan.
Yabusame, or traditional Japanese mounted archery, is the ritual dating back to 9th century. It is performed to entertain the gods. An archer dressed in a noble costume rides a horse and shoots three arrows successively at three targets. Even today, you can see Yabusame at many places.
Also at Meiji Shrine, the shrine surrounded by 170 thousand trees in central Tokyo, Yabusame ceremony is held as an act of the shrine's annual festival. This year again, the archers wowed not only the gods but also the crowd with their brilliant skills.
Yabusame at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo ~Japanese Mounted Archery~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Nov. 3rd, 2012
I came across a small festival while strolling around my neighborhood on a sunny Sunday. I found a stall selling freshly-made mochi there.
Mochi are Japanese rice cakes, which are made by pounding boiled glutinous rice into paste. The process of making mochi is called mochitsuki, which is usually (but not always) held as a year-end ceremony. People once enjoyed mochitsuki at their home, although nowadays it is not very common especially in urban areas. I remember, when I was a kid, my relatives used to gather at my grandfather's home and enjoy mochitsuki together every year-end.
Family mochitsuki is becoming a thing of the past, but it is still popular as an act of festivals and events.
Mochitsuki ~How to Make Mochi, or Japanese Rice Cake~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Oct. 21st, 2012
Kawaguchi Shrine, initially built in 10th century, is being worshipped as the guardian god of my city Kawaguchi. The autumn festival is held at the historical Shinto shrine every October. Every couple of years, many mikoshi, or portable shrines, gather at the festival from neighboring areas and parade around the shrine. Thirteen mikoshi joined it this year. They left the shrine one after another on a sunny morning, paraded around vigorously and gathered again at the square in front of Kawaguchi Station, to perform a spectacle together.
Thirteen Mikoshi Gathered at Shrine Festival, Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Oct. 21st, 2012
The field day of the kindergarten, which my five-year-old nephew attends, was held on a sunny autumn weekend at the yard of the elementary school near the kindergarten. Three to six-year-old kids got into games, performed gymnastic formation and danced with zeal. Their parents also took part in some games. All of them fully enjoyed the event as a player, as well as a spectator.
Japanese Kindergarten Field Day [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Oct. 13th, 2012
Marunouchi Nakadori Avenue, passing between the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, is outlined by beautiful trees. Trees along a street usually consist of only one kind of tree, however, the trees along this avenue are different. You can see various kinds of trees.
The trees are decorated with light bulbs from mid-November to mid-February every year. But this year, the illumination event started on October 1st. It was to commemorate the restoration of the main building of Tokyo Station which was unveiled on the same day. 230 trees along the 1.2 km avenue were lit by one million LEDs and are enjoyed by delighted people walking by.
Marunouchi Illumination 2012, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Oct. 1st, 2012
By the end of 19th century, there were already three train terminals in Tokyo. The capital, however, didn't have one in its busiest area. It was daunting to build a massive station and rail tracks in the high traffic area filled with buildings, although the government knew they needed to build it urgently.
In 1914, Tokyo Station finally opened in the bustling area. The raised rail tracks connecting to the station were designed not to interfere with road traffic. They were made of red bricks although concrete structures were becoming more popular for a massive building at that time. The main building of the station, which was three-storied and had two domes on both sides of 335 meters width, was also built with bricks and a steel skeleton.
Nine years after the completion of the station, the red brick building withstood the Great Kanto Earthquake, which caused catastrophic damage to Tokyo. However, it was not able to escape war damage. It was almost burned down by air raids in the end of World War II. Only the skeleton and the wall remained. The station building was repaired when the war was over, however, the two domes and the third story were removed, they were badly damaged.
A plan to restore the building to how it looked before the war damage was proposed in the end of 20th century. Numerous people agreed with the plan and it was put into action in 2007. After 5 years of work, not only was the building restored, it also had seismic countermeasures installed. The old foundation made of pine trees was replaced with concrete boxes, and cutting-edge quake absorbers were installed between the building and the foundation. These operations were completed without moving or disassembling the building.
On October 1st, 2012, the oldest building of Tokyo Station unveiled its restored look. The Station Manager said that he hopes people will be familiar with it for the next 100 years.
Restored Tokyo Station Building Unveiled [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Oct. 1st, 2012
He was born and raised in a coastal town. He has been living his life with surfing and loving it since he was a kid. It has been a part of his life rather than a leisure activity.
As he grew to adulthood, he began to travel around the world for waves. However, he says he still loves the waves on the shore of his hometown.
On this day, he got up at 4 o'clock and entered the sea to surf with the sunrise, as usual.
A Surfer's Day ~On a Shore in Japan~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Sep. 17th, 2012
Tokyo area has two major airports. One is Narita Airport and the other is Tokyo International Airport, which is usually called Haneda Airport.
Haneda Airport has been mainly handling domestic flights since Narita Airport, which was initially named New Tokyo International Airport, opened in 1978. However, Narita Airport is located about 60 km away from central Tokyo and not available for takeoffs and landings during the night. The airport is not very accessible or convenient for a lot of travelers.
In the 1990s, the government planned to redevelop Haneda Airport as one of the main international airports in the Tokyo area. It is located beside central Tokyo and is able to handle flights 24 hours a day. A dedicated international terminal was finally opened in 2010.
The terminal has brand new facilities including a unique shopping mall. The mall mocks the streetscape of the Edo Period, which lasted from the begining of 17th century to the middle of 19th century. You can enjoy shopping and meals in the atmosphere of old Japan while waiting for your flight.
Haneda Airport is the 5th busiest airport in the world. Planes take off and land every 2 minutes during rush hour for its large number of domestic flights, while it currently handles only a few international flights. The full-scale operation of international flights at Haneda has just begun. The more advanced development of runways and surrounding facilities is needed urgently.
Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport) [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Sep. 18th, 2012
In Japanese Buddhism, people traditionally visit their ancestral graves around equinox days. They place flowers, foods and drinks that the deceased used to love, offer incense sticks at the tombstone and tell her/him how they have been doing these days.
I also visited my father's grave on the autumnal equinox day with my mother, sister and her kids. We bumped into my cousin in front of the tombstone. My father would have been glad to listen to our stories and to meet his grandkids, whom he had never seen during his life.
Visit to Grave in Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Sep. 22nd, 2012
Misaki Port, located at the tip of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, is known as a hub of distant water fishing for tuna. It is also a popular tourist destination for people from the Tokyo area and the Yokohama area. Only a 1.5 hour train or car ride from central Tokyo takes you to the calm and quiet seaside town, where you can enjoy good and reasonably priced tuna, marine sports and glorious views.
Misaki Port, Kanagawa, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Sep. 18th, 2012
I bumped into Rilakkuma, one of the most popular characters in Japan, at a shopping mall near my place on a Sunday afternoon. Rilakkuma is a combination of two words: 'relax' in Japanese pronunciation and 'kuma', the Japanese word for 'bear'. He (or she?) was surrounded by many shoppers offering them fun and relaxation.
Rilakkuma at Shopping Mall [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Sep. 9th, 2012
Due to the rise of major supermarket chains and large shopping mall chains, local shopping streets have been declining for these several decades all over Japan. However, there are still many shopping streets supporting local people's usual life. Many of them are shopping arcades. Without having to worry about getting wet even on a rainy day, you can get ingredients for dinner, articles for daily use or something else there at reasonable prices.
Local Shopping Arcade at Akabane, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Sep. 5th, 2012
In urban areas of Japan, many buildings were torn down after the collapse of the bubble economy in the early 1990s. The following long continuing recession has been constricting the redevelopment of the vacant lots where the buildings once were.
Nowadays you can see numerous vacancies among buildings being used as a pay-by-the-hour parking lot. They usually have an automated payment machine and are unmanned, but the one I came across while hanging around the other day was a bit different. Check the video to see what it was like! By the way, are they open 24 hours a day?
Way-out Parking Lot in Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Aug. 29th, 2012
A kids triathlon was held near my place on a hot summer morning, in which about 300 local fourth to sixth-graders swam 50 m, rode a bike 4 km and ran 1 km under the scorching sun. The suntanned kids got excited about the competition and fully enjoyed the last event of their summer vacation.
Kids Triathlon in Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Aug. 26th, 2012
I wanted to make a video that makes you feel like you were traveling in Tokyo. This is why I created this video, a kind of summary of my footage taken in one of the largest capitals in the world and a few surrounding cities. I am happy if you enjoy the virtual travel.
I will keep on making videos about Tokyo and Japan for sure. Subscribe to my blog if you liked this video and want to learn more about my city and my country. :)
Tokyo 2012 ~Spring and Summer~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
All footage was taken with an iPhone 4S from March to August 2012.
Stalls are an essential ingredient for Japanese festivals. Various kinds of stalls catch your heart as you wander into the stall street of a festival. The goldfish scooping stall is one of them. You scoop goldfish with a scooper and take the fish home as a prize. The young and old savor the traditional game at a festival.
I am taking care of the fish my five-year-old nephew got at a summer festival while traveling in Osaka with his family. Fish from these stalls usually don't last long after you take them home. As a kid, however, I remember this one fish I got at a stall survived 3 years. I hope my nephew's ones lead long lives.
Goldfish Scooping ~Japanese Festival Stall~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S
Taiko, or Japanese drums, are one of the popular activities in my city, Kawaguchi. Many people of all ages join a taiko band and enjoy playing them here.
I came across some of the taiko bands showing their prowesses at Tatara Festival, the largest annual festival in the city, while hanging around the festival site. The audience was listening avidly to their vigorous performances and giving them cheers.
Taiko Bands, or Japanese Drum Bands, at a Festival [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Aug. 5th, 2012
Beigoma, traditional Japanese spinning top toys, were once one of the popular toys among kids with which they competed to see whose spinning top knocks the other ones out of the playing area or whose can continue to spin the longest. It was a pretty common sight in Japan to see kids playing with the moldable toys on streets till several decades ago, but cutting-edge toys have been taking their place and nowadays these classical toys are hardly seen.
Nissan Foundry Inc. is a small foundry located in Kawaguchi City, my hometown, which was once known as the center of the casting industry. Now they are the only beigoma manufacturer in Japan. They run a booth to promote their products every year at Tatara Festival, the largest annual festival in the city, and show the traditional toys to people. This year as well, adults reminisced about their old days and kids enjoyed the old but new experience there.
Beigoma, Traditional Japanese Spinning Top Toys [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Aug. 5th, 2012
Tanabata Festivals, or Star Festivals, are basically held around Tanabata Day, July 7th. It is based on the Chinese myth about the star Vega and the star Altair. But some festivals in some regions take place in August according to the lunar calendar. It is said that your wish will come true when you wish upon stars on Tanabata Day.
Warabi Hata Matsuri, held in a city next to my city, is one of the festivals which are held in August although the Tanabata Festival takes place in July in my city. I can wish upon stars twice a year. What a lucky guy I am.
Tanabata Festival at Warabi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Aug. 4th, 2012
Tatara Festival, the largest annual festival in Kawaguchi City, my hometown, takes place at Kawaguchi Motorcycle Race Circuit every first weekend of August. The name of the festival originates from 'tatara', the traditional Japanese furnace, since the city was once known as the center of casting industry. The industry has been declining for these several decades and the city is now serving as one of bedroom suburbs of Tokyo, but this festival name reminds its citizens of what the city was like.
A lot of performances and events are held in the festival including mikoshi or portable shrines, fireworks and exhibitions relating to the indigenous industry. Numerous people fully enjoy them in the middle of summer every year.
Tatara Festival 2012, Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Aug. 5th, 2012
Itabashi Fireworks Festival and Todabashi Fireworks Festival take place across the Arakawa River, which divides Tokyo Metropolis and Saitama Prefecture, at the same time every summer. They are often treated as one festival and called 'Itabashi/Todabashi Fireworks Festival'. Over 10,000 colorful fireworks light up the summer night sky and about a half million people enjoy the spectacle every year. The scene of fireworks being set off from two sites across the river like a competition is truly a remarkable sight.
I used to go see this festival when I was a kid with my family and my aunt's family whose house was near the festival sites. Although I went to three fireworks festivals this summer and this one was not as large as Sumida River Fireworks Festival, out of the three, I liked this one the best. It is the one I am most familiar with since my childhood.
Itabashi/Todabashi Fireworks Festival 2012, Tokyo-Saitama [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Aug. 4th, 2012
This video is the cutoff version which featured the finale of Itabashi/Todabashi Fireworks Festival. Long version video of the festival will be posted soon.
Handheld fireworks are one of the traditional toys in Japan which are usually enjoyed in summer. Japanese kids look forward to playing with them during their summer vacation. But of course small kids are not allowed to play with them without an adult around.
My five-year-old nephew begs me to play with the fireworks with him every time he comes to visit me during his vacation. This is a kind of video compilation of clips of when he came to visit me the other day.
Handheld Fireworks ~Japanese Kids' Summer Activity~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 19th, 2012
Tsutaya, the largest music and video rental chain in Japan, was the first company which implemented the idea of selling books at video rental stores.
They opened 'Daikanyama T-Site' in the Daikanyama of Tokyo, a stylish commercial complex centering on its large bookstore. You can browse books sitting on a chair or a sofa before buying them at the store.
The facility has various stores: restaurants, cafes, a clinic, a toy store, a dog salon, a camera store, an electric power-assisted bike store, and so on. It would be a good idea to enjoy shopping after browsing and buying books or read a book you bought while drinking good coffee at a cafe.
Daikanyama T-Site, Stylish Commercial Complex by Tsutaya [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 31st, 2012
Kyu Asakura House, located near Daikanyama Station, Shibuya, is one of a handful of traditional Japanese-style houses in central Tokyo. It was built in 1919 by Torajiro Asakura, the chairperson of the Tokyo Council.
The quaint house is designated as a nationally important cultural property and is now managed by Shibuya Ward. You can visit and see a part of its buildings and its stunning garden. It is the right place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Traditional Japanese House at Shibuya, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 31st, 2012
There is a statue of Manneken Pis at the platform of Hamamatsucho Station, Tokyo. The first ceramic statue was donated in 1952 in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Japan's first railway opening. Three years later, when the platform was renovated, the bronze statue you can now see was donated by the same person.
The statue was initially naked, but nowadays you can see it dressed up in different costumes every month. It is said that a girl put a woolen hat on its head on a cold winter day, and that this was the origin of the custom to dress up the statue of a boy.
Manneken Pis at Hamamatsucho Station, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 26th, 2012
Sumida River Fireworks Festival, one of the 'Three Great Fireworks Festivals of Tokyo', is the oldest fireworks show in recorded history of Japan, which has been held since 1733. It was a small show with around 20 fireworks when it started, but nowadays over 20,000 fireworks are set off in the show and almost one million people enjoy the spectacle every year.
From this year, since the completion of the Tokyo Sky Tree, you can take in the gorgeous view of fireworks being set off beside the world's tallest TV tower in this show.
Fireworks and the Tokyo Sky Tree at Sumida River Fireworks Festival [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 28th, 2012
The Rainbow Bridge is a suspension bridge which connects central Tokyo and Odaiba, a massive artificial island floating in the Tokyo Bay. It has two decks and carries three transportation lines: Metropolitan Expressway on the upper deck, and Tokyo Prefectural Road and Yurikamome, a fully automatic transit system, on the lower deck.
You can also cross the bridge on foot. This option is highly recommended for people who love strong winds and traffic noise. Even if you are not so crazy about them, you would be impressed by the panoramic view of the Tokyo Bay from the bridge. Note that I almost froze to death once when I crossed the bridge on a blowy frigid day in deep winter.
Walking Across the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 26th, 2012
There are many hot spots in Odaiba, a massive artificial island floating in the Tokyo Bay. This 'full-length' Gundam is one of them. You can see it in front of Diver City Tokyo Plaza, a commercial complex which opened this spring.
The 18 meters tall Mobile Suit is lit up by the illumination shows that take place a few times a night. Looking up at the Gundam in the lights and the night sky above it, people may dream about a future in which numerous people live in space colonies.
Gundam Illumination Show at Odaiba, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 26th, 2012
Kochikame(*) is a long-running popular comedy manga and anime in Japan. The manga has been serialized since 1976 with over 1700 chapters. It is the longest-running manga series in history.
The story is set in Kameari, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. Around Kameari Station, you can find several bronze statues of Kankichi Ryotsu, or Ryo-san, the main character of the story, and a few other supporting characters.
*The formal title of Kochikame is 'Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen Mae Hashutsujo' which literally means 'This is the police box in front of Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward', but it is usually called by the shortened name.
Kochikame Statues at Kameari, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 24th, 2012
In Japan, fireworks are a feature of summer. Hundreds of fireworks shows take place all over Japan during summer and millions of people go see them.
Katsushika Fireworks Festival, held at Shibamata, Katsushika, marked the beginning of the shows of this summer in Tokyo. Over 10,000 colorful fireworks lit up the summer night sky and over a half million people enjoyed the spectacle.
The fireworks season has just begun. Numerous shows are following this. Folks living in Japan, don't miss them!
Katsushika Fireworks Festival 2012 at Shibamata, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 24th, 2012
There is a small park named Gorilla Park under a highway near my place. There, a massive gorilla putting up a wrong clock is watching for kids riding around their bike.
Gorilla Park at Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 23rd, 2012
Bon, one of the Japanese Buddhist customs, is to honor the spirits of one's ancestors. Various festivities and observances take place in Japan during the Bon season, around July 15th.
Bon Odori is one of them, which literally means Bon Dance. It is said that its origin was a folk dance to welcome the spirits of the dead. Nowadays thousands of Bon Odori Festivals, from small to large ones, are held in summer evenings all over Japan and people simply enjoy the dancing rather for the original meaning of the custom.
You will come across some Bon Odori Festival taking place at a small children's park or anywhere else for the matter. That is, if you live in a populated residential area in Japan.
Local Bon Odori Festival at Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 19th, 2012
River pollution has been decreasing significantly in Japan for these several decades. However, there are still some polluted rivers like this one floating near my place. It can't be said at all that this river is clean although the condition of it has got better than when I was a kid. We need to make more effort to depollute. Not only rivers but also the whole environment of the Earth.
Polluted River in Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 13th, 2012
Ningyo-yaki, which literally means 'baked doll', is one of traditional Tokyo sweets. Those small baked cakes are formed into dolls and have red bean paste inside traditionally, but nowadays you can also find ones filled with chocolate or custard.
This video was taken at a ningyo-yaki shop at Nakamise Street in front of Sensoji Temple, Asakusa. You can watch how the cakes are made and get fresh cakes there.
Tokyo Sweets Ningyo-Yaki [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 9th, 2012
Numerous matsuri, or Shinto festivals, take place during summer to autumn in Japan. Usually they are held at a Shinto shrine to welcome Shinto gods who are related to the community and ask them for prosperity and good harvests. Many of the festivals have mikoshi parades in which people march through a town with carrying mikoshi, or portable Shinto shrines.
The mikoshi festival was also held at a shrine near my place on the national holiday, Marine Day. People gathered and paraded ebulliently although it was a pretty hot and humid day.
Local Mikoshi Festival at Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 16th, 2012
Ume is an oriental fruit tree similar to western plum and apricot. It blooms from late winter to early spring and bears edible fruits in late spring. Umeshu, or plum wine, is one of the most popular products made from ume fruits. It is a bit sweet and a bit sour light liquor with a clean finish. Many people love its taste. You can get it at a store, or make it by yourself.
It is not so difficult to make umeshu at your home. What you need for ingredients are ume fruits, liquor and sugar. They are all easily available at a supermarket here. Fortunately there is an ume tree in my small garden and I can make umeshu without paying a penny for the fruits. I enjoy homemade umeshu at a reasonable price every year. I have to wait to make it till early summer because my tree is late-blooming and late-bearing, but it is not a big deal.
Why not try some umeshu when you visit Japan, or make it at your home?
I would like to thank my friend Yuki for joining this video as a voice cast. Her clear narration made the video intelligible.
How to Make Umeshu, or Japanese Plum Wine [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S
Sensoji Temple, located in Asakusa, is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo. It is always crowded with numerous people, and the number of the people rise further when some festivity takes place.
Hozuki-ich, or Bladder Cherry Market, is one of the festivities. It is held on July 9th and 10th every year, related to "Day of 46,000 Blessings". It was said that worshiping on July 10th was equivalent to worshiping for 46,000 days and called "Day of 46,000 Blessings", but people wanted to become the first worshiper on that day and got to visit there the day ahead. In time, also July 9th came to be called "Day of 46,000 Blessings".
On those days, the temple bustles more than usual with the people who visit there to worship and get bladder cherries, summer fruits which were once used for medical herbs but are now mainly planted for decoration.
Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo ~Bladder Cherry Market Day~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 9th, 2012
The Tokyo Sky Tree, the world's tallest TV tower at 634 meters, is illuminated from dusk to midnight by LED floodlights installed entire the tower. It shows two illumination patterns alternating daily: Iki, sky blue; Miyabi, purple.
Seeing the tower brightening across the Sumida River, you could feel calm while being in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
The Tokyo Sky Tree Illumination [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 9th, 2012
By the completion of the Tokyo Sky Tree, the world's tallest TV tower at 634 meters tall, the Tokyo Tower ended its service as Tokyo's main TV tower. The 333 meters tall tower is no longer tall enough to cover all the broadcasting area for the capital filled with skyscrapers. It is now being operated as the backup tower of the Tokyo Sky Tree.
It is still a popular tourist attraction although it ceded the spotlight to the brand new tower. Personally, I think its look inspired by the Eiffel Tower is more gorgeous than the gangly new superstar.
An illumination show associated with Tanabata, a wont based on the Chinese myth about the star Vega, the star Altair and the Milky Way, takes place at the observation deck of the Tokyo Tower during Tanabata season every year. You can enjoy the glorious illumination that reminds you of the Milky Way.
When I visited there to see what the show was like, they were giving free admission to people who wore a yukata. Oh my goodness; I didn't know that! I should've worn a yukata!
The Tokyo Tower Milky Way Illumination [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 5th, 2012
Based on the Chinese myth about the star Vega and the star Altair separated by the Milky Way, a lot of festivities take place in some Asian countries around on July 7th. Here in Japan, the day is called 'Tanabata' and Tanabata Festivals are held here and there. People say that your wish will come true when you wish upon stars on that day. At the festivals, you can see decorations that remind you of the Milky Way and colorful paper strips on which people wrote their wishes.
A Tanabata Festival is held also at a local shopping street near my place every year. Despite the rainy season, a lot of people gather there, enjoy the festival and wish upon stars.
Tanabata Festival at Local Shopping Street, Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 6th, 2012
Once upon a time, in the sky, there was a princess and a prince. The princess was the star Vega, a daughter of the Sky Emperor, the prince was the star Altair. They fell in love with each other and were blissfully married. However, they got carried away by their happy marriage too much and became to neglect their jobs. This made the Sky Emperor angry and he separated the lovers across the Milky Way. But he felt sorry for his daughter and allowed them to meet on the seventh day of the seventh month every year.
This Chinese myth has many variations and the above is the most well-known version in Japan. In some Asian countries, people hold festivals and events based on the myth. Also here in Japan, a lot of festivals and events are held around on July 7th (based on the Gregorian calendar) or August 7th (based on the lunar calendar). The day is called 'Tanabata'. It is said that your wish will come true when you wish upon stars on Tanabata day. During this season, in towns, you can see colorful paper strips on which people wrote their wishes.
Also at Zojoji Temple, located at the foot of the Tokyo Tower, you can see the wish strips flowing in the breeze in Tanabata season. Unfortunately July 7th is in the rainy season and the weather is not often clear in Tokyo area, but people enjoy Tanabata and wish upon stars over clouds.
Tanabata, the Day of the Star Festival ~Zojoji Temple, Tokyo~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jul. 5th, 2012
A half century ago, Tokyo had one of the largest tram networks in the world, but as car traffic increased, people began to claim that trams were causing traffic jams. This made tram lines go out of service one after another and only one line survived.
Nowadays a lot of cities all over the world are starting to focus on tram system as the keystone of easing traffic jams and a transport system with clean energy. However, Tokyo can no longer return to 'the city of trams'. It is absolutely impossible to build tram tracks again in this massive city bustling 24 hours 7 days a week. What a shame!
The Toden Arakawa Line, the tram line that survived, goes through Oji Station located in North Tokyo. There, you can see trams running on the street among cars. There is a footbridge over the large crossing in front of the station. It is one of my favorite places to watch trams, trains, cars and people passing by.
Views from a Footbridge at Oji, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 4th, 2012
The video below was taken several months ago. I forgot taking it and found it on my HDD today.
I came across a small exhibition titled; "Can an Android Be in Love?" when I was shopping at Shinjuku, Tokyo. It was taking place at a department store. The signboard was saying that "Geminoid F", the android in the showcase, was developed by a research team of Osaka University and ATR, an institute of telecommunications.
Holding an Android phone, She put various look on her face as girls in love do. Do you think that she really will be able to be in love with someone someday?
Can an Android Be in Love? [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Feb. 8th, 2012
If you would like to find something new about one of the most luxurious districts in the world, explore its alleys. Ginza is known as an upscale area of Tokyo, but is also an old town. The network like a massive spider's web made up by alleys in the town is a remnant from the old days, the period before the land readjustment project was implemented. Going down alleys between buildings, you would see another face of the glamorous town and find something old, but new for you.
Alleys in Ginza, an Upscale Area of Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 14th, 2012
You may occasionally see sumo wrestlers in a city during your stay in Japan. If you visit a district where a lot of sumo stables are, you can often see them strolling around.
Sumo Wrestlers Getting on a Packed Train in Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 23rd, 2012
I came across a woman walking her meerkat at Harajuku, Tokyo. People who did not expected to meet this beastie in the middle of the capital were stopping by to look at it and took pictures of the adorable superstar.
Meerkat in the Middle of Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 24th, 2012
McDonald's Japan is now doing a promotion in which you can get a free Coke glass when you buy a Large Value Meal. Sometimes they do this kind of a promotion in not only Japan, but also other countries. However, the design of the glasses are probably different. What you can get now in Japan is London Olympic version.
I don't often go to McDonald's, just go there to drink 100 yen coffee sometimes. But I went there for the glass this time. The promotion succeeded in attracting me at least.
McDonald's Japan Free Coke Glass Promotion (London Olympic ver.) [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 26th, 2012
Due to the long-continued recession, you don't often see expensive cars and rare cars in Tokyo nowadays. However, you may see a relatively large number of them at Omotesando Street.
'Omotesando' literally means 'main approach of a shrine or a temple'. The street was initially built as the main approach to Meiji Shrine, but is now well-known for its high-end stores. Executives come here in executive cars, and enjoy executive shopping.
Even if you are not interested in executive shopping, it should be enjoyable to stroll around this elegant district; see what the district is like or watch various cars passing by. Can you spot your favorite car in this video?
Omotesando Street Car Expo, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 24th, 2012
Ura-Harajuku, which literally means 'back streets of Harajuku', is an area where you can find a lot of small fashionable boutiques, beauty salons, cafes and restaurants. It is also called 'Ura-Hara' for short. Cat Street and its branches are one of the most bustling streets in the area. You can see young people dressed up and enjoying shopping there.
There was a river once where now Cat Street is, but the river was covered over for the development of this area when Tokyo Olympic was held in 1964. This is why the street is winding.
According to my friend whose birthplace was beside Cat Street, when he was a kid, the area was not like what it is like now, but was a typical old residential area. However, as he grew up, a lot of stores opened around there and it became a popular place among the young.
It would be fun to stroll around with imagining what the fashionable streets were like once.
Cat Street, Hot Spot for the Young at Harajuku, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 24th, 2012
Here is the video about Takeshita Street, the most popular shopping street in the Harajuku area. Check also this!
Takeshita Street, Harajuku ~The Fashion Center of Tokyo~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 11th, 2012
Gyudon, or beef bowl, is one of the most popular Japanese fast foods. Several gyudon chains are competing for market share here. You would find cities filled with gyudon shops when you visit Japan.
A brand new gyudon chain, 'Tokyo Chikara Meshi' which literally means 'Tokyo Power Food', is starting to become popular. Gyudon is normally a bowl of rice with simmered beef, but their gyudons are a bit different. They grill beef instead of simmering. They taste good and you can have a new experience with them. Worth trying.
Grilled Gyudon, or Beef Bowl, at 'Tokyo Chikara Meshi' [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 24th, 2012
I found they were doing this Free Hugs Campaign in front of Harajuku Station on a Sunday afternoon. People who joined it looked so happy with touching their warm hearts.
Free Hugs Campaign at Harajuku, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 24th, 2012
Large train stations in Japan often have a lot of shops and restaurants inside. Tokyo Station, the terminal of 'Shinkansen' or 'bullet trains', has 120 shops inside ticket gates and 80 outside. They make up a massive shopping and gourmet district named 'Tokyo Station City'. Their main staples are 'bento' or 'lunch boxes' which you can enjoy on a long-distance train. A good bento would make your trip more enjoyable.
You might wander in the city like a huge labyrinth(*) when you go into there without a map. But at least you don't have to worry about starving or freezing to death as long as you have enough Japanese yen. They serve and sell various things you could be in need for while wandering. Of course you can also use them on a train, or after getting off the train.
Tokyo Station City ~Shopping Streets at Tokyo Station~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 20th, 2012
*Note: The challenge level of Tokyo Station as a station labyrinth is beginner level. The most challenging station in Tokyo is Shinjuku Station. Here is the video about the station. Check also this!
Tokyo Rush Hour, Shinjuku Station [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Mar. 27th, 2012
Crossing the Arakawa River and leaving Tokyo Metropolis, the train entered into Kawaguchi City where I live. From its window, I saw the evening sky glowing after a typhoon had passed.
Glow of Sunset on My Way Home [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 20th, 2012
When you explore an old town, you often find it like a maze with alleys. Ginza, the most luxurious district in Tokyo, is also an old town like it. Going away from glamorous streets and down alleys, you would see another face of Ginza.
Sometimes you come across a curious alley like the one in this video. Walking along the gloomy alley, you have to cut through a modern cafe and end up finding a small shrine sitting at close quarters.
Curious Alley at Ginza, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 14th, 2012
Typhoon #4, named 'Guchol' which means 'turmeric' in a Micronesian language, became the first typhoon of this year that hit mainland of Japan. It did not cause considerable damage fortunately, but it caused a leak in the ceiling of my house...
Typhoon Guchol Passing by Tokyo Area [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 19th, 2012
The maximum speed of the Shinkansen during commercial service is 300 km/h (187 mph), but they have to slow down in urban areas due to curved tracks and noise issue. You can see the bullet trains traveling between buildings quite slowly in those areas.
Yurakucho, just south of Tokyo Station, is one of my favorite places to watch the trains going by. When a train passes by, you can also see its reflection on the mirror wall of a building.
Shinkansen ~Bullet Trains Running between Buildings in Tokyo~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 14th, 2012
Here in Japan, there are small shrines here and there. You can see them in mountains, on seashores, beside rice fields, in residential areas, and even in developed city areas.
Ginza, Tokyo is one of the most luxurious shopping and gourmet districts in the world, but it is not so difficult to find a shrine there once you go down back streets.
Asahi Inari Shrine, one of the 'largest' small shrines in Ginza, settles beside a back street three blocks away from the main street. This Shinto shrine appears as a common small shrine among buildings at a glance, but is a bit different. The shrine you can see at the street is not a main shrine. When a building was built where once the shrine was, the main shrine was moved to the rooftop of the building. They also built the vice-shrine beside the street for people to make it accessible to worship. This is a kind of an urban-type shrine.
Shrine on Rooftop of Building in Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 14th, 2012
Standing in front of Marunouchi Central Exit, Tokyo Station, you can see a wide street leading straight to the Imperial Palace located in the west of the station. There, you can watch the sunset over the palace at the end of the street in sunny evenings.
Tokyo Sunset ~The View from Tokyo Station~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 14th, 2012
In front of Harajuku Station which is known as the gateway of Tokyo's fashion center, there is a stately Shinto shrine gate. This is the main entrance of Meiji Shrine.
The shrine was built to be dedicated to the spirits of Meiji Emperor and his wife, Shoken Empress. It is surrounded by an artificial forest made up by trees that were donated by people from the whole Japan. The huge forest, which covers 700 thousand square-meters, initially had 120 thousand trees, but it has been growing up naturally and now has 170 thousand.
On your way to the worship place, you can breathe the fresh air and relax your mind at the calm and quiet place while being in one of the busiest capitals in the world.
Harajuku, located next to the Shibuya area, has two faces. One is the face of a worship place, the other is the face of a fashion center.
Takeshita Street is a narrow but busy street where you can see what is hot now among the young here in Japan. To experience the peak of the bustle of the street, you should visit there in a weekend afternoon, but this video was taken in a weekday afternoon. I wanted to avoid the crazy bustle to be honest. Sorry for my laziness. However, you can at least see what the street is like in this video.
Shibuya Station is the world's 5th busiest station, in 4th place in Japan, and in 3rd place in Tokyo. This video is just to give you an idea of what Shibuya Station is like. This was taken in a weekday afternoon, not so busy hour.
The world's busiest stations ranking (users/day)
1. Shinjuku Station, Tokyo, Japan (3.6 million)
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station, Mumbai, India (3 to 3.5 million)
3. Ikebukuro Station, Tokyo, Japan (2.7 million)
4. Umeda-Osaka Station, Osaka, Japan (2.4 million)
5. Shibuya Station, Tokyo, Japan (2.1 million)
Three of them are in Tokyo!
Shibuya Station, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 17th, 2012
Here is the video of the busiest station on the planet, Shinjuku Station.
Tokyo Rush Hour, Shinjuku Station [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Mar. 27th, 2012
I came across these adorable dogs while strolling around my neighborhood. I was trying to play the staring game with one of them, but he kept growling at me quietly without barking. I realized he was seriously preparing to pounce on me, quit shooting the video, and got away. :P
Adorable Dog Growling Quietly [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 7th, 2012
While strolling around my neighborhood, I found that this exhibition titled; "Handkerchief Art Project" was taking place at the Citizens Gallery. The description signboard was saying that an art professor asked people to paint pictures on white handkerchiefs, which he gathered together and made the exhibition using them. Oh my goodness; I didn't know this project had been going on! I should've joined it!
Handkerchief Art Project in Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 24th, 2012
I came across this small and open-air exhibition of bonsai on Satsuki azaleas while strolling around Ueno Park.
This massive public park is located next to Ueno Station which is one of the largest terminals in Tokyo. It has a few museums, a zoo, a temple, a shrine, 2500 sakura trees, and a large pond famous for its lotus. Everyday, there are small exhibitions, festivities and markets at this place. A great place to stroll around when you want to relax.
Satsuki Azalea Bonsai Exhibition at Ueno Park, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 30th, 2012
Sugamo, located in North Tokyo, is well-known as an area where the old gather. It is also called 'Grandma's Harajuku' after Harajuku, a hot spot among the young. At Sugamo, You can see what is hot among seniors. It looks like the most trendy thing now is 'Lucky Charm Red Underpants'.
The main attraction of the area is Koganji Temple, also called 'Togenuki Jizo' Temple, where a 'Jizo', or a Ksitigarbha statue, reputedly cures people by washing and scrubbing the part of the statue that corresponds your area that ails you.
On every 4th, 14th and 24th, there are more than the usual number of markets on the Jizo Shopping Street, the bustling street in front of Koganji Temple. On those days, you may find something that you cannot find elsewhere.
Sugamo, Tokyo ~Grandma's Harajuku~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 4th, 2012
Here is the video of 'original' Harajuku.
Takeshita Street, Harajuku ~The Fashion Center of Tokyo~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 11th, 2012
Rail transport is the keystone of urban transport in Japan. A total of over 22 billion people use railroads every year here. This figure ranks first in the world and there is a huge gap to second-place, India, with 8 billion people.
This video was taken at a weekday evening near Oji Station in North Tokyo. It was originally about 20 minutes in length, but cut down to less than 11 minutes. You can see how busy Tokyo's train schedules are on it. How many trains and trams do you see?
How Many Trains and Trams Do You See? ~Tokyo's Busy Train Schedules~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 4th, 2012
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari, located in Odaiba, Tokyo's waterfront entertainment area, is an onsen theme park, or a hot spring theme park, with various baths using natural hot spring water pumped from 1,400 meters below ground. The theme park houses not only baths, but also restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and an accommodation facility. You can relax your body there after you fully enjoyed the area.
Onsen Theme Park, or Hot Spring Theme Park, in Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 2nd, 2012
Diver City Tokyo Plaza, a brand new commercial complex which opened this April in Odaiba, Tokyo, houses over 150 shops and a few entertainment facilities. You can get these Hello Kitty shaped baked cakes at 'Hello Kitty Japan' by Sanrio, one of the shops. Too cute to eat? Come on, it would be a waste not to try them. They taste wonderful and are cute!
Baked Hello Kitty at Diver City Tokyo Plaza [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Jun. 2nd, 2012
In areas east of Tokyo, you would find several areas with many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines when you look at a Tokyo map. The areas are called 'shitamachi'. Although the word 'shitamachi' literally means 'downtown', they are not like Manhattan. It is more like a place dominated by small old residences, typical Japanese shops and narrow streets. In other words, they are old towns.
Yanaka, one of them, is located in the northwest of Ueno area. There, older buildings are being replaced with modern ones. However, you can still feel the distinctive atmosphere of old Tokyo.
Yanaka, Old Tokyo Town [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 30th, 2012
Here in Japan, as in many other Asian countries, you often encounter sudden showers, especially in summer afternoons. The rains seem to be intensifying with climate change in recent years. Do not forget to check the weather forecast and take an umbrella with you when it is necessary during your stay in Japan.
Sudden Shower, Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 28th, 2012
Sometimes you might come across a small festival held at a local shopping street on a weekend if you live in Japan. You can see there stalls serving fast foods and drinks, the shops beside the street selling things at reasonable prices, a flea market where local people are selling things, and some tiny shows presented.
I came across this local festival when I was going to central Tokyo to find something fun for a Sunday afternoon, but I changed my plan and ended up enjoying the festival.
Small Festival at Local Shopping Street, Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 27th, 2012
A small festival was held at a local shopping street near my place on a sunny Sunday. A karate center beside the street presented this performance there. Watching them destroying boards, bats or something with their bare hands and foot, I was like "Ouch!"
Karate Performance at Local Shopping Street Festival, Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 27th, 2012
Kawaguchi City, my hometown, located in the north of Tokyo Metropolis, was once known as the center of casting industry, however the industry has been declining for several decades and the city is now serving as one of bedroom suburbs of Tokyo. Nowadays you can see the city filled with residences instead of foundries. A few factories are still operating, but hundreds of them were torn down, and some were abandoned. It probably costs a lot to tear down buildings.
I found this abandoned factory being reused as a monthly parking when strolling around my neighborhood. Going into the parking, I felt the atmosphere of my childhood there. It seemed that the parking's largest account was the post office. Some red post cars were parked there.
Abandoned Factory Reused as Parking, Kawaguchi, Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot with an iPhone 4S on May 25th, 2012
The Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest TV tower on the planet, and its related commercial facilities have finally opened on May 22nd, 2012. You need to have advance tickets to climb the tower's two observation decks, however, it is now difficult to get ones. But don't worry, you can at least enjoy the facilities without reservations.
Solamachi, one of the facilities, is a shopping complex which houses 312 shops and restaurants inside. You can get various things there including fancy souvenirs of the new landmark of the capital. Its English name, that means "Sky Town", should be "Soramachi" in the romaji method, the application of the Latin script to write Japanese. Why did they adopt the spelling "Solamachi" officially although we Japanese generally don't pronounce the sound of "L" correctly? Maybe it is a kind of pun. The letters "Solamachi" could remind you of the word "solar". The complex has solar panels to generate power on its roof, and the tower is like a giant tree rising to the sun.
Solamachi, Shopping Complex at the Foot of the Tokyo Sky Tree [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 23rd, 2012
If you would like to feel the distinctive atmosphere of Asia during your stay in Tokyo, Ameyoko, a market street along the Yamanote line tracks, would be the right place to visit. The street is dominated by small shops selling various Japanese foods and other Asian foods, clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. Diligent shopmen in their business sell things at reasonable prices there. The bustling scene would be what the word 'Asia' reminds you of. It was a place without morals when it was serving as a black market in the years following World War 2, but nowadays it is one of popular tourist attractions in Tokyo. No need to worry about being shot by a gun.
Ameyoko, Market Street with Asian Atmosphere in Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Apr. 29th, 2012
An annular solar eclipse was observed on the Pacific coast of Japan, including Tokyo area, on May 21st, 2012. It was Tokyo's first annular solar eclipse in 173 years. People in Tokyo area were able to watch the sun appearing as a ring of fire behind thin clouds. A lot of eclipse events were held all over Japan and people enjoyed the astronomical show.
People Watching the Annular Solar Eclipse of May 21st, 2012 in Japan [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 21st, 2012
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, or Tokyo City Hall, has two panoramic observation decks. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Tokyo without paying any admission there. I have to say the views from other popular observation decks, like the ones at Roppongi Hills, the Tokyo Tower or the Tokyo Sky Tree, are more glorious, but you have to pay admission to climb them. It is worth visiting this public facility especially at dusk to enjoy Tokyo economically.
Twilight View from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 14th, 2012
The cutting edge vending machines with facial recognition in Tokyo recommend you what to drink based on your age, gender or something. It would be a waste not to try it and see what you should drink when you visit a station in the metropolis. But what a machine at Shibuya Station recommended me to drink were... I ended up ignoring its suggestion and buying one with a cool bottle cap.
Tokyo's Vending Machine Recommends You What to Drink [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 17th, 2012
At the foot of the skyscrapers in West Shinjuku, there is a narrow street named Omoide Yokocho, or "Memory Alley", along which tiny restaurants and bars stand side by side. It is also called Shomben Yokocho, which means "Piss Alley".
Many years ago, when the street was serving as a black market after World War 2, there were no bathrooms there. People were forced to piss in the street. The name "Piss Alley" may have originated from this time period, however, times have changed. A lot of reasonable restaurants and bars were built there, also public lavatories.
Nowadays it is a middle-aged men's oasis. They enjoy eating and drinking without having to worry about where to piss.
Omoide Yokocho, or Piss Alley, Shinjuku, Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 14th, 2012
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo? It would be a good idea to visit a Buddhist temple or a Shinto shrine for relaxing your mind.
There are thousands of temples and shrines in the giant metropolis. Zoshigaya Kishibojin, one of them, is close to Ikebukuro area. You can feel the quiet atmosphere at the worship place located only 1 km away from the crowded town.
The surrounding old residential area is also calm. Strolling around there, you could feel nostalgic even if you had never lived there.
Zoshigaya Kishibojin ~A Quiet Temple in Tokyo~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 7th, 2012
The Chinese myth goes that brave carps could transform into dragons when they climbed up rapid falls. In Japan, based on the legend, we put up Koinobori, or carp-shaped streamers, in the sky from April to May 5th, Japan's Children's Day, hoping the children will rise like a dragon.
The spring sky was decorated with a lot of colorful carps even in urban areas like Tokyo when I was a kid, however, now you hardly see them swimming in the sky in cities filled with buildings. Fortunately, a Koinobori event takes place every year in my city, Kawaguchi. Nowadays a lot of cities hold this kind of event and fly Koinobori. You can enjoy them even if you don't have enough space to put them up in your garden.
Koinobori ~Japan's Children's Day~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on May 5th, 2012
Akihabara, also called as Akiba, was an electric town when I was a kid. I remember that in those days my grandma called the town not Akihabara, but Akibahara. I didn't know the town was once called by a different name and I was like: 'Hey, grandma! Not Akibahara but Akihabara!'. Come to think of it, 秋葉原 (Akihabara in Kanji) can be pronounced in both ways, Akihabara and Akibahara. But I've digressed.
People used to visit there to get electronic parts, audio components, or home appliances at that time. It is still the largest electric town in Japan, but it is now more well-known as an "otaku town" and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo. You can find everything about anime, manga, games and other "otaku" things there. Even if you are not interested in them, it could be still fun to feel the Akiba atmosphere and get electronic equipment at a reasonable price.
Akihabara, Tokyo's Electric and Anime District [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Apr. 29th, 2012
In 1850s, the US demanded the opening of Japan and starting trades to Western countries to the Shogunate of Japan, which basically did not allow commerce and traveling between Japan and other countries at that time under the policy called Sakoku. Seeing the US military's ships coming to negotiate, the Shogunate saw a threat and decided to build an artificial island to put gun batteries in for the purpose of defense in the bay --- what we call Tokyo Bay today. The island was named Daiba, which means 'Battery place', and is now often called 'Odaiba' with the honorific prefix 'o'.
Eventually the batteries were never used and the Shogunate opened up the country. The island was expanded in the last half century. It has developed dramatically since 1990s and now is a massive island known as a major tourist attraction with a lot of commercial and leisure facilities.
The newest hot spot in the area is 'Diver City Tokyo Plaza', a commercial complex opened on April 19th. You can see a full-length Gundam in front of the brand new facility. It was initially placed at Odaiba and had been taken away for a while, returning to his hometown only recently. I wonder how they ended up calling it 'full-length' when it is originally two dimentional. Or has it really been made into real?
Odaiba Area, Tokyo ~Gundam Returning~ [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Apr. 25th, 2012
This is why I recommend tourists to visit Japan during spring. You can see glorious sakura, or cherry blossoms, here and there. Under the trees, people stroll, sing, eat, drink, lie down, and get intoxicated by their beauty. The flowers' lives are short, but that could make them more beautiful.
Sakura, Cherry Blossoms, in Tokyo [iPhone 4S/HD]
- Shot in 1080p full HD with an iPhone 4S on Apr. 8th to 10th, 2012
