Himawari Yukata

In mid-July, I spotted this woman in an attractive yukata with a himawari (sunflower) pattern.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f8, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

St. Valentines Bus

This should have been posted this earlier when it was more timely, but I have been busy.  Just after Valentine's Day (which is celebrated a little differently in Japan, chocolates are given to men by women and on White Day, men reciprocate by giving white chocolate to women) I spotted this bus in the Ginza area which has cupid prominently displayed above the bumper covering the Toei Bus Logo.

Young Clock Tower at Night

I was in Ginza several nights ago and passed the Young Clock Tower by Tarō Okamoto. It looks a lot more interesting in the evening than during the day.

Sewarage in Tokyo

Did you know that in 1987 there were 11,766,000 meter of sewer lines in Tokyo? There are probably more now.

Having this trivia memorialized on a sewer cover in Ginza seems appropriate. Sort of a manhole cover version of a Snapple cap with soft drink trivia.

It's especially interesting to me because it ties Tokyo to Miami, a place that I once considered my home.

Cuddly Bears in Ginza?

There are some unusual upscale shops in Ginza.  During one of my walks I found Cuddly Brown, Ginza Teddy Bear Museum.  I didn't go in so I am not really sure if it is a museum or really a shop.

Upon closer look this enterprising and busy bear looks like she's having a drink while at work. 

Tarō Okamoto

I've come across several public art pieces in Tokyo by Japanese artist Tarō Okamoto.  The first piece is located in Ginza and is called "Young Clock Tower".  The other piece is located near the Children's Castle in Harajuku and is called "Children's Tree".

Architecture in Tokyo...

I have been inspired to post more lately, and I am going through the shots that I have overlooked in the past and posting them.  Hopefully, someone may find these of interest.

The first is of the Tokyo International Forum in Yūrakuchō. It was designed by by Rafael Vinoly. The building has favorable reviews and has a page on greatbuilding.com. I have always found this building stimulating. To me it feels more like cathedral than a concert hall. The space is grand and modern.

A short walk away is the Peninsular Hotel. I haven't had the chance to take a stroll inside, but the exterior is just as grand with a modern new world feel. 

Summer in Japan...

I returned from my vacation in Australia and was greeted by Tokyo's summer heat.  There were plenty of people out enjoying the city and the park despite the stifling weather.

This couple looked comfortable on their way towards Ginza wearing their yukata.

Others in Hibiya Park were sweating and dancing the merengue to the Latin music in celebration of Colombian Independence Day.