A Day in Tokyo 3

In this third episode of “A Day in Tokyo”, we had a little tour of the heart of the city, in the Chiyoda district. We started with the vicinity of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, and had in mind the visit of its east gardens but unfortunately this day it was not open to the public, for some reasons we ignore. Then we wandered between the huge buildings of Chiyoda before heading back to the base and rest, as the day was terribly hot and exhausting.

Just after leaving the Tokyo station on Yamanote line, by heading directly to the Imperial Palace, we arrived at the Wadakura Funsui Koen, which is part of the Palace outer garden.

This foutain park is lovely, and it was nice to enjoy those water-jets during a hot summer day.

Tatsumi Yagura (巽櫓), also known as Sakurada Yagura (桜田櫓), is a two-storey high watchtower at the easternmost corner of Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen (Imperial Palace East Gardens). It stands above the Kikyo-bori (moat).
Yagura (櫓) is the Japanese word for "tower".

And here is the Hamaguri-bori, with on the horizon the Sakashita-mon (gate), and behind the Imperial Household Agency building.

Azunyan enjoying a patch of green, under the trees’ shade.

In the middle of Kokyo Gaien, the outer garden of the Imperial Palace.
It is impressive to see how wide the area is, despite the fact we are completely in the heart of the city, with huge buildings around.

Another view of Hamaguri-bori and some interesting fortifications.

More green spaces.

Lonely journalist? Must have been a tough day for him.

On the foreground, this is Kōkyo Seimon Ishibashi (皇居正門石橋), the Imperial Palace Main Gate Stone Bridge. As the name suggests, it leads to the Imperial Palace main gate, Nishinomaru-mon, open to the public twice in a year.

This bridge used to be made of wood, and called Nishinomaru Ōte-bashi (西の丸大手橋), but was replaced during the Meji era with a European-style stone bridge.
It is also called Meganebashi (眼鏡橋), literally “Spectacle Bridge”, because of its shape.

And behind is the Fushimi Yagura (伏見櫓), which is said to have been moved from Kyoto Fushimi castle in 1628.

Outside the Sakurada-mon (桜田門).
I really like this kind of view : traditional architecture + mordern building.

Crossing the road which go through Kokyo Gaien, and spotted this beautiful Ford Mustang. Dream car.
Question for car fans/experts : which model is it?

People lying of the grass, resting or sunbathing.

The bronze statue of Kusunoki Masashige. He was a samurai who fought for Emperor Go-Daigo during the 14th century, and his name is know the symbol of the ideal of samurai loyalty.

Ice cream vending machine. The green ones are green tea ice cream ^^

Ok, there are also pigeons here, and they are as stupid as the ones we have in France ^^
Pigeons are a real problem in my region, because of their number and the pollution caused by their droppings.
Some falcons have been introduced to hunt them.

Are they a lot of pigeons in your neck of the woods?

Typical from any place of interest : group of people following a cute guide lady wearing an uniform and a flag.
And a lot of sunshade umbrellas to protect from sunrays.

Sleeping guy in the streep. Also typical ^^

Time to head back in town to find a place to get something for lunch.
We landed in this lovely cobbled street, which kind of reminds me of a London setting.

Yummy hamburger for lunch! Azunyan wanted some too, I think.

Blazing sun, hot day. gyaaa~

On the way back to the station, going along the railway.
T’was interesting to see how many offices, restaurants, shops… live underneath.

Hello Kitty itasha bus spotted.

Waiting for the train.

Then we headed to the Mejiro station, to find a Shakuhachi shop where I could get myself one of those traditional flute.
Then we went back to the base in Shinagawa, and took some rest before wandering around Ebisu, drink some Yebisu beers and find a place to eat.

I tried to take a shot by night of this charming street in Ebisu.

And in the end we decided to have some delicous sushi for din dins.

Like a lot of sushi-ya (sushi restaurant), the chiefs stand in the middle and prepare the sushi just in front of you.
Had a great evening, chatting with the staff and some other customers. An excellent address, closed to station.

Time to call this a day, and go back to the hotel.
Another pepsi ad featuring Perfume girls.

I will leave you with some extra pictures from this day, and going to prepare next post ^^