Rizal is in the Park

I was once told that I may be a distant relative of Jose Rizal. I haven't had the time to confirm, but the relatives that I did ask didn't deny it. Perhaps, it's true and I am correct.

Anyway, I came across a monument to that martyr of the Philippines in Hibiya Park. It seems that he visited Tokyo in 1888 and this monument was placed here to commemorate that visit.

Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 92 mm, f5, ISO 200, 1/800 sec.

Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 80 mm, f5.6, ISO 200, 1/100 sec.

Paniculata Hydrangeas in Azabu Juban

In early June I came across these beautiful white Paniculata Hydrangeas (or PeeGee) in Azabu Juban.  I wasn't really sure if they were in fact hydrangea because of the cone shaped bloom.  Most hydrangea that I am familiar have blooms that are ball shaped. 

Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 32 mm, f5.6, ISO 200, 1/320 sec.

Yoyogi Eclipse

The school my children attend had the morning off a few weeks ago due to the annular eclipse.   So I decided to take the morning off and find a place to view to with them.  At first we were thinking of someplace high.  Eventually, we decided that Yoyogi Park would make a good place.  When we got there we settled in and joined other people watching the eclipse from a pedestrian overpass between Yokogi Olympic Stadium and Yoyogi Park.

The moon doesn't pass in front of the sun everyday, so I wish I was a little better prepared and took a more interesting photo.  Oh well, I've decided to post it anyway although it seems very average to me....

Tokyo Midtown Cricket

This father's day I had a walk in Tokyo Midtown's Garden with my daughter. She was looking for bugs to catch in a bottle, but wasn't too successful. She caught a couple dango mushi (or rolly polies) that were under the bushes. I found a cricket sitting on a blue hydrangea.

There was also this beautiful fresh fern growing in the garden.

Torii Gate Tunnel

It's been a while since my last post.  I've been very busy at work, moving apartments, catching a cold and keeping up with the end of school year activities with the children.  It's not like I haven't been taking pictures.  It's just that I haven't had the time to write or post.

Anyway, here's something to keep those who do follow this website from losing all interest.  I did explore the Akasaka neighborhood with a co-worker and visited Hie-jinga Shrine. The photos I took of the shire were very average, so I am posting my slightly more interesting photos of the torii gate tunnel and steps that leads to the shrine.