Today I cycled a loop around the central core of Tokyo, focused on the Imperial Palace area.
With the new camera in hand, I ended up shooting constantly. Clear skies with maybe 20% cloud, temperatures around 23°C — a perfect Sports Day.
Let’s go through the route.
A) Tokyo Tower
Viewed from Sakurada-dori. I’d been before, so I just passed by.
B) Imperial Palace Outer Garden
Saying “as always” might be more accurate — the Palace grounds have a steady stream of runners. Since running clockwise gives you a signal-free loop, it makes sense. But coming from the countryside, there’s a small part of me that wonders why anyone would choose to run here with all the exhaust fumes. Then again, it’s become a Tokyo institution.
Oh — the Metropolitan Police Department. A favorite of Detective Conan. You can just see a bus peeking in at the bottom — almost certainly one of the sightseeing loop buses. There were a lot today.
C) The National Diet Building
Under maintenance — scaffolding up. A little disappointing.
Quiet on weekends, with mostly tourists and cyclists like me.
D) The Supreme Court
Deserted, as expected. Has a distinctive presence.
E) The National Theatre
Today’s October kabuki program was “Kyo wo Midasu Uwasa no Kagizume.” People there to see Koshiro Matsumoto, I imagine.
F) Yasukuni Shrine
First visit. People of all ages and backgrounds — including many foreigners, as you can see in the photo.
The shrine draws attention repeatedly due to Prime Ministerial visits. From the Yasukuni Shrine website:
Yasukuni Shrine was founded to comfort the spirits of those who gave their lives for the nation and to preserve their deeds for future generations. As the poem composed by Emperor Meiji during his first visit on January 27, 1874 expresses, the name “Yasukuni” — meaning “peacefully governing the nation” or “building a peaceful country” — was given by the Emperor himself.
G) Ochanomizu
The Chuo Line viewed from near Ochanomizu Station.
From the train I’ve often looked out at the pond alongside the tracks, but seeing it from the opposite angle was a first.
H) Akihabara
I come here by train occasionally to pick up electronics, but never by bike before.
The painful incident that happened here about a year and a half ago is something I haven’t forgotten.
The pedestrian zone is still closed to traffic.
My usual Yodobashi.
I) Kanda
Deserted!
Is it only busy here on weekdays? One station from Akihabara and the atmosphere is a complete 180.
Spotted a peculiar sign here:
“Crossing here may void your insurance in the event of an accident.” Does this mean crossing this road? Or… hmm.
I puzzled over it. The sign direction was ambiguous.
Someone, please explain.
J) Tokyo Station, Yaesu Side
Yaesu is currently under redevelopment — construction everywhere.
The BIG ECHO main branch I’ve been frequenting lately is around here.
K) Ginza
Kawamura Ryuichi moved to Avex… he was on Victor when he had his big hit. That’s all.
In front of the Sony Building, I spotted someone on stage who appeared to be in the ASIENCE shampoo ad. Switched to the telephoto lens to get a shot.
Portrait rights being what they are, I can’t post the actual photo.
Bonus) Oimachi Racecourse
Happened to pass by on the way home, so I took a photo.
Today was an off day, so it was sparse. Must be absolutely packed on race days.
Photo-heavy post, but we covered a lot of ground.
Work has been hectic and I haven’t been able to bring colleagues along. Hoping to change that soon.
Today’s ride: Distance: 45.3 km / Time: 3 hours 20 minutes