I returned to Tokyo for a quick weekend hop to meet up with a good friend before continuing my journey to the other side of the world. Otherwise, I didn't have much on my agenda, returning to places I have been thanks to better weather, and looking for a vantage point to see the city's changes over time.
City Hall in Shinjuku offers a free observation deck with very decent views. It appears both towers were open today.
The crisp winter air meant I could see all the way to Mount Fuji.
Love the fake food so you can expect what you have blindly ordered.
Shinjuku offers tremendous shopping opportunities, but I was only looking for 2 specific things today. 1 was a cheap 100 yen store.
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"The destructive effects of automobiles are much less a cause than a symptom of our incompetence at city building" - Jane Jacobs 1961ish
I spent Christmas 2015 in Germany exploring the Christmas markets. So I was surprised Tokyo had their own European-style Christmas markets as well. This one looked authentic but the things they sold looked more like a North American flea market instead.
I headed up Yebisu Garden Place once again, only to find there was actually a 2nd floor with even better views than what I found on my first visit. They seemed to have renovated a section specifically for visitors to enjoy the views.
Shinjuku
The view is quite broad. To the right of Shinjuku is Tokyo Tower.
Kamakura is an ancient city dating from the 12th century. Blessed with many temples and an ocean setting, it is now a popular day trip only an hour from Tokyo. I have been here years ago but in cloudy weather, but my 2nd visit was absolutely gorgeous. I began my day at Kita Kamakura. The station itself is quite simple and small. A short walk away is the first temple - Engaku-ji.
Satisfied, I decided to walk to the next temple, and with the sun shining, not take the train to the main Kamakura station.
Just off the main road is Meigetsuin, famous for its room with a circular window towards the garden.
A grand approach with shops leads visitors into Kenchoji.
Behind the main temples, fall foliage was still fully visible and without the crowds.
Surprise, surprise! Mount Fuji is in the distance!
Linear Mode
