Here is a collection of the nice scenery I came across on this trip. These are not photos taken with any particular theme in mind, just random shots snapped while walking around.

Tokyo Skytree on a morning after the rain

On the first day it rained and my luggage was heavy, so I had a really rough time. When I saw the clear sky on the second day, I felt so refreshed that I could hardly remember the hardship. Thanks to the rain, my skill at finding coin lockers improved too.. I guess that is the charm of travel.

Plum blossoms

Once the rain stopped, it got warm too. The plum blossoms in February seem to announce that winter is over. Korea was still far too cold at that point, though.

The Massan and Rita billboard in Asakusa

The same Nikka Whisky ad had been up there for a really long time, but thanks to Massan the billboard changed. It felt kind of strange to see a billboard change that seemed like it never would.

Ikebana (flower arrangement) in the lobby of Nihonbashi Takashimaya

Ikebana literally translates as living flowers. I had never seen a flower arrangement this enormous. It was a work of art. I could not help being amazed at Takashimaya’s boldness in placing a piece like this in the middle of the lobby.

The ikebana series

All of them were wonderful.

The ikebana series

Flowers and plants are not the materials here, so it is a stretch to call it ikebana, but this was part of the ikebana series too. Japanese department stores really are something.

Club Harie, now inside Mitsukoshi

In my opinion there are three places in Japan that make great baumkuchen: Nenrinya, Jiichiro and Club Harie. Club Harie is a famous shop out in the provinces, but for some reason it had opened a branch in Tokyo. I did not have time to go in. And as I found out later, Oxitanial is a sister shop of Club Harie as well.

The cafe menu

Baumkuchen is the main thing, and next time I get the chance I will have to drop by the cafe. That day I had to photograph Oxitanial and then get to Mitsumasa by five, so there was no way I could fit it in.

The crepe stand at the Mandarin Oriental’s dessert cafe

The crepes looked really delicious, but as usual I had no time and had to pass. No matter how often I go to Tokyo, I do not think I have ever had enough time to do everything.

Breads

The Mandarin Oriental’s dessert cafe is at a very high level. It is a bit far, so getting there is a hassle, but whenever I am in Nihonbashi I make a point of stopping by.

Desserts

For a few years now they have been putting out desserts with a design sense all their own. I always feel like I leave with some kind of inspiration.

Tokyo Tower

I wish the iPhone’s night photography were just a little bit better.

The fountain in Hibiya Park

It was a dark park with almost nobody around, and only the fountain was running. It might have been bureaucrats putting on a show, or simply a malfunction, but watching that huge fountain going while I stood there alone was very impressive. I had come a long way from Korea, and so I was alone, but this feeling of being alone is not bad once in a while.

Fountain photo 2

If I had seen it during the day, or when there were lots of people around, I do not think I would have been so moved.

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