How many cranes are at the construction site for the new Kokuritsu-Kyogijo (National Stadium)?

Took my annual long Labor Day (US Holiday) walk through Tokyo yesterday. Decided to head from my place towards Shinjuku before heading over to my children's school.

My travels brought me to Kokuritsu-Kyogijo (National Stadium) Station. However, currently there is no stadium since it is under construction for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Anyway, I ran by this place about two weeks ago on a long weekend run with a friend. We counted over a dozen cranes from our position; however, looking at this photo it looks like there are over 20-cranes of all sizes on the site working feverishly. BTW - Although there were at least three more cranes to the left of this shot, there are already over 20-cranes in this photo alone.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Autumn Cocoon

I have a special fondness for the Cocoon Tower in Shinjuku. It just pushes the right visual buttons and is one of the many iconic buildings in Tokyo designed by Tange Associates, founded by Kenzo Tange.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4,.0 ISO 100, 1/800 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4,.0 ISO 100, 1/320 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4,.0 ISO 100, 1/60 sec.

Return to Omoide Yokocho (one week later)

I returned to Omoide Yokocho a week later from my previous post and took another snap walking through memory lane, a.k.a piss alley. Not sure which I like better... What do you think?

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f5.6, ISO 400, 1/13 sec.

Omoide Yokocho Yakitori Lantern

Two-weekends ago I took a stroll through Omoide Yokocho (or Memory Lane) near Shinjuku Station's west exit (or Nishi-Guchi). Some may also know it as Shonben Yokocho or (Piss Alley). This narrow alley is full of small restaurants and has a unique, charming and authentic feeling. At times this crowed dirty alley makes you feel like you've left modern Shinjuku and traveled back in time. Then suddenly your snapped out of your trance by the tourists crowding out the locals in this unique time-capsule. CNN has a great post located here.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 100, 1/30 sec.

Croissant Taiyaki Mashup in Shinjuku

Although, I haven't posted frequently in the last few months, the number of photos I've taken hasn't really gone down. I've just been busy with life and perhaps now that I've got a little time there's quite a big of blogging to catch up on.

This past Sunday, I wandered by this Croissant Taiyaki shop in Shinjuku. It's located out in the front Studio Alta just across the street from the East Shinjuku exit. I like taiyaki and croissants, so I had paid ¥210 and quickly devoured a custard creme version of this mashup, and was not disappointed. It's was delicious as expected. If I'm in the area again, I'll have to give the azuki bean or chocolate filled a taste. Hopefully, this pop-up shop doesn't disappear anytime soon.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf8.0, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf5.6, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf5.6, ISO 100, 1/125 sec.

Cutest Ever Hello Kitty Traffic Barricade in Shinjuku

Not sure what to say about this... Traffic and construction barricades are common all around the world. There are many other novelty types that other have spotted in Japan, but this is the first that would require some a licensing agreement. Thinking about this (especially the business and safety decisions made by the manufacturer and construction company ) make my head hurt with cuteness and confusion.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Kabukicho, Shinkjuku at night

Earlier this year my wife and I had a wander around the Kabukichō district in Shinjuku one cool March evening. I am always surprised how busy certain areas in Tokyo can be at almost all hours of the day and night. Kabukichō had all sorts of people venturing out on who knows what sort of adventures...

We were looking for a fabric shop to get materials for some kids costumes. In addition to the fabric shop, we wandered by plenty of karaoke shops, bars, video shops, and the famous Robot Restaurant.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f4.0, ISO 800, 1/125 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f4.0, ISO 800, 1/125 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f4.0, ISO 800, 1/125 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f5.6, ISO 800, 1/250 sec.

Shinjuku Park Tower from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Back in January, I posted several photos of Star Wars themed t-shirts in a souvenir shop on the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and a shot of the LOVE sculpture located nearby at ground level. Well I went back to the photos taken that day and thought that I should share at least one photo taken from the observation deck.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f8, ISO 200, 1/400 sec.

The tall building with the three spires on the left is the Shinjuku Park Tower. The New York Grill, a great restaurant and bar, is on the 52nd floor. Needless to say it has a fabulous view. This building is also the home of the Park Hyatt Tokyo and was featured (along with the restaurant) in "Lost in Translation". The tall building just to the right is the Tokyo Opera City Tower.

LOVE in Shinjuku or I like my LOVE at an angle

On the same walk through Shinjuku and visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, we walked by this famous sculpture that is recognizable worldwide.  I think the first time that I must have seen it was on a stamp, but it has been featured in many television programs and movies.

Love is located near the Shinjuku I-LAND Tower in Nishi-Shinjuku.  It was created by American artist Robert Indiana and is one of many located around the world.  Perhaps there is one located near your home?

Nikon D700with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f5, ISO 200, 1/100 sec.

Nikon D700with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f8, ISO 200, 1/50 sec.