Many visitors to Tokyo will say that Tokyo is ugly and overall grey. My impression is that like many cities, there are pockets of charming areas, a smattering of gorgeous architectural wonders and an expected amount of concrete. Unlike many dense cities though, we found Tokyo to be very quiet (no honking!), extremely clean, and very safe (practically zero crime rate). And we enjoyed plentiful sunshine and meditation time within some of the loveliest urban parks I’ve been to. Tokyo is dominated by architecture completed by world famous Japanese and foreign architects alike. Some districts are best viewed at twilight when the buildings start to glow and the power lines recede into the background. Others are beautiful during the daylight when one can appreciate the material details and tree-lined boulevards on which they sit. This is by no means a comprehensive visual tour, just a sampling of some of the weird and wonderful. We were fortunate to spend a holiday Sunday in Tokyo during which many of the main streets were designated pedestrian-only, affording us unique views and easy access into shops and galleries. There’s still plenty of areas we never got to see…so I guess we’ll have to return one day 🙂
As seen from the Sumida River
One of my favorite buildings, near Tokyo Station
As seen from our hotel, Remm Hibiya
Don’t let Santa get away! (left); What the heck?? (right)
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend
A fierce competition for the flashiest facade along the popular Ginza street
National Art Center, Roppongi district
A bamboo hedge planted in a bamboo hedge, Roppongi Hills
Starchitects Herzog & de Meuron’s stamp on the Prada empire, Omotesando
Graeme + Amanda's Adventures 