Last 24 in Tokyo

I love this city. I know that there is a lot going on under the surface, but this is the 1st time that I have been someplace and found myself so hopeful and intrigued about the human community.

Unlocked bicycles downtown.


The cherry trees are just starting to bloom around the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures building by Yoshio Taniguchi, part of the National Museum complex in Ueno ward. This building sits quietly juxtaposed to an edo temple gate out of view to the left and a 19th century monumental-style building to the right.

A couple sits in front of the Museum of Asian Culture at the National Museum complex.


These red gates of the Hie-Jinja shrine must have served as inspiration for Jean-Claude and Christo's saffron gates at Central Park. In typical Tokyo style, this shrine complex is on a rock outcropping in the middle of a bland business/embassy district.


Shinjuku at night. After some delightful wine and crisp sake, we were off to find a hidden little drinking area. Unfortunately, after serious reconnaissance, the cool little drinking area remained elusive and my man and I called it quits. The neon was starting to make me hallucinate.

Some sweeping generalizations from an alien tourist:

There are tens of millions of people living in Tokyo in close quarters while seeming to observe basic respect to each other, exacting de minimus violent crime, and going about the business of life with their families. People seemed to be participating in the acts of life with dignity and pride in their labors - remarkable. Returning to the U.S. in contrast, I wonder about the quality of life that could be obtained by prioritizing the community over the individual. What preponderance of community members have to participate in order to make a difference?