Street photography in Shinjuku

Shinjuku at peak hours (early morning and after six) is a very well organized chaos, an incredible number of people filling the streets and stores on the way to and after work. Surprisingly the streets are relatively empty in the hours in between.

Shinjuku street fashion has its distinct characteristics, like the other big areas in Tokyo, a mix between the elegant Ginza, and the hipster Shibuya. Perhaps due to the type of companies based in the area.

The kabukicho area is almost deserted before six, as it consist mostly of restaurant-bars, and after-hours recreational places.

The east exit area is the busiest, as there are many department stores along the Shinjuku Street.

A very fashionable girl waiting in front of Alta building.

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Cocoon Tower in Shinjuku

The Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower in Shinjuku is an educational complex designed by Tange associates, the company of the late Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Completed in 2008, it is the second tallest educational building in the world.

The cocoon like structure, hence the name, has an elegant design with white aluminum and dark blue glass. The tower is an eye magnet on the Shinjuku skyline.

The tower was awarded the Skyscraper of the year in 2008 by Emporis. The tower has a visual similarity with another Emporis prizewinner, the Gherkin in London.

The building houses three educational institutions, and the interiors are amazing, unfortunately, I was not allowed to take photos inside.

View Cocoon Tower in a larger map

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View from roof garden at Takashimaya Shinjuku

Takashimaya ‘Times Square’ in Shinjuku has a roof garden with an excellent view of Shinjuku and some of Tokyo landmarks. Skytree is visible on the background on this view.

South Tokyo Landmarks from left: Izumi garden Tower, Tokyo Tower, Shibaura Island, Midtown, and Roppongi hills.

A small shrine and the Cocoon tower on the background.

Meiji dori normally a very busy street, it is no so terrible before midday.

The large department store is a good reason to visit it, with the added bonus of the roof garden views.

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Shinjuku after the rain

Shinjuku is one of the busiest areas in Tokyo. I was in the area just after a small rain, and was pleasantly surprised on how few people were on the street.


Tokyo is not so busy these days due to the Obon season, when people go back to their hometown to honor the departed spirits of their ancestors.


Also is striking how the buildings, billboards and signs are now modestly illuminated due to energy saving measures.

View Shinjuku in a larger map

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Summer is finally over

After a long and record-breaking hot summer, almost 40º C, we started finally to enjoy tolerable days and cooler nights.


Some rain and cloudy days but we really do not mind as it’s bringing relief after the heat.


Photos of the cloudy sky from the top of the Tokyo metropolitan government building.


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Ichigaya fishing center

Conveniently located next to the Ichigaya station, in Shinjuku, Tokyo; the Ichigaya Fishing center provides quick fix to fishing fans too busy to go to their favorite fishing spot.


Several fishing pools loaded with carps, that in the clear water have no place to hide. Fishing god and bait are available for rent or you can use your own equipment.



The catch is weighed and you are given discount points, redeemable on your next visit. Your catch is transferred to a recovery pool to be later returned to the fishing pools.

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Rainy season is here

Japan’s rainy season has arrived, bringing daily rain, a 30 º C plus heat, and an incredible high humidity. Any photo shooting outing it is an excruciating experience. This is not my favorite season here.


The weather has been more generous today with a gentle breeze and a 25 º C temperature; unfortunately, we will be back to 30 º C plus tomorrow. The rainy season is expected to last until the middle of July.

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Shinjuku

Shinjuku, the largest of the three Tokyo sub cities, representing the main Japanese business districts (the other two are Shibuya and Ikebukuro). About 300,000 people live in Shinjuku and one in ten residents is from another country, making it the area with the highest percentage of foreign residents in Tokyo.


The Shinjuku station is the busiest station in the world with an estimated 3.64 million passengers every day. On the Nishi Shinjuku area at the east is Tokyo’s largest skyscraper area. Two of the most famous buildings there are the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the Park Hyatt at Park Tower (made famous by the movie “Lost in translation”). Other interesting Shinjuku location is the magnificent Shinjuku Gyoen National garden in the southern area.

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