Akasaka Flower Planters

I was exploring our new neighborhood last weekend and came across this beautiful stepped terrace of flower planters in front of a school. 

Urban Haikyo (or does somebody live in there?)

I come across buildings like this in Tokyo quite often, and wonder does someone live there?  I am pretty sure that this building has not be abandoned, just yet.

Heiwa no Mori Koen - Obstacle Course

The family went to Heiwa no Mori Koen and tried the "Obstacle Course". According to an article in the Japan Times, this is more commonly known as "Field Athletics".

It's a brilliant playground for our kids who are now in elementary school and a great way to burn off some calories. There's 40-different play structures or obstacles in this course!

The obstacles in the water play area were my children's favorites. It probably took them about 15 to 20-minutes to cross the floating bridge, rope & raft crossing, the paddle & tub and the water wheel, but we stayed in this area for about an hour.

Sakura and Roppong Hills Residences

Before I went to Aoyama Cemetery, I made a quick stop at Roppongi Hills.

Peak Blossoms in Aoyama Bochi

I hurried over to Aoyama Bochi Monday morning before heading into work to grab a few shots of the cherry blossom tunnel near its peak bloom. Too bad I didn't have time to look around and set up a better shot, so this will have to do.

Tokyo Skytree from Ueno

While at the Ueno Park on a beautiful spring day, I caught this great view of the Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリータウン).

Early blossoms and Hanami

There weren't many cherry trees blooming in Tokyo this past weekend. The buds are out in force, but they haven't burst open to reveal the pale pink flowers that welcome spring.

It didn't seem to matter to most that the majority of trees were not flowering, just yet.

I am not sure what variety of cherry this is, perhaps it's not even a cherry tree. Anyway, it didn't matter to the revelers that there were already picnicking under the pale pink flowers and fresh green leaves .

Nakagin Capsule Tower

The light was not that great on the day I visited the Nakagin Capsule Tower, so I'll have to try again someday soon.

Anyway, it's really remarkable that this building was ever built and remarkable that it still stands today.  Too bad that it hasn't gotten much love and needs to be restored before someone decides that it needs to make way for something more practical and less troublesome. 

I love that you can see shirts hanging inside windows.