Things to do in Tokyo-Part 2

Moshi moshi friends,
                             The city of the rising sun is a unique blend of tradition and modernity.The sun rises as early as 4 in the morning here.So it gives you ample of time to explore the city,so wake up early and get going.Here is part 2 of things to do in Tokyo.(Part 1 of this write up can be found here).

Tokyo Tower-
At 333 metres (1,093 ft), it is the second-tallest artificial structure in Japan and is 13 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower of Paris, and the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower.

180 floodlights make Tokyo Tower an attractive display in Tokyo.These lights sparkle in warm orange in winter and in cool white in summer from dusk to midnight.

The famous Tokyo Tower!!!

Tokyo Tower has two observation decks—the Main Observatory at 150 meters and the Special Observatory at 250 meters. You get a distant view of Mount Fuji - one of the most recent entrant to the list of world heritage site.

Luckily, the window of our room offered a panoramic view of the city's skyline with Tokyo Tower. We couldn't get enough of this beautiful view. 

Tokyo Tower from our hotel room - Night Time

Tokyo Tower from the hotel room -Daytime

Zojoji Temple, one of Tokyo's major temples, is an attraction close to the tower. While ringing of bell in shrines and temple may not be unique to Japan but the size of the bells definitely is. In fact the size is so big that the monks have to heave the hammer with entire body-effort. The sound can be heard kms away. Read more about the temple here (http://www.zojoji.or.jp/en/)

Evening Ringing of the Bell. Notice the effort from the monk !!!

One of the most intriguing aspect of Tokyo is the that ultra modern culture thrives juxtaposed with the traditional without conflict. It is often the same people who are seen embracing both these aspects.

Girls in traditional kimono

How to reach
The closest subway stations to Tokyo Tower are Onarimon Station on the Mita Subway Line and Akabanebashi Station on the Oedo Subway Line. You can also walk there from Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line in about 15 minutes.

Rainbow Bridge-

View from the beach side

The Rainbow Bridge is a suspension bridge crossing northern Tokyo Bay between Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront development in Minato, Tokyo.
The towers supporting the bridge are white in color.There are lamps placed on the wires supporting the bridge, which are illuminated every night using solar energy obtained during the day. The Rainbow Bridge carries three transportation lines on two decks.The bridge supports an expressway, a regular road, the Yurikamome train line and pedestrian walkways along both sides.

Rainbow bridge looks beautiful in the night

The French Statue of Liberty came to Odaiba,in April 1998  commemoration of "The French year in Japan". In 2000, a replica of the French Statue of Liberty was erected at the same place because of its popularity.Two more exist-one in Shimoda and one in Osaka.
Taking the train to crossing the rain brow bridge is a wonderful experience. The train, glides over the  bridge,curving along its gracious curves.We did not sit during the entire journey and stood right at the front so we do not miss any moment of this delightful ride.Take a walk or the train-ride over this beautiful bridge..
How to reach:
The easiest way to get to Rainbow Bridge is to take the Yamanote line to Shinbashi Station, then get the Yurikamome train from Shinbashi to Shibaura-Futou.From there it is a 10 minute walk to the bridge.

Asakusa-

The famous Asakusa KannonTemple

Sensoji,  also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. When approaching the temple, visitors first enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the outer gate of Sensoji Temple and the symbol of Asakusa and the entire city of Tokyo.A shopping street of over 200 meters, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon.

Entrance

 Typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata, folding fans and various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area are sold along the Nakamise. The shopping street has a history of several centuries.The walk to the temple from the outer gate is particularly crowded on a Sunday.

Nakamise and me :):)

.While the walk to the temple is buzzing with restaurants and the crowds, one building that will catch your attention is the The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. 

Culture Tourist Information Center. Interesting design.

15-20 minute walk from Asakusa temple will take you to the famous Sumida river. You may indulge in sightseeing cruise, dine in a on-boat restaurant or enjoy the evening long the observation platform by the side of the river.

Sumida River!!

From left to right- Sumida City Hall, Tokyo Skytree, Asahi Beer Tower & Asahi Beer Hall

The Asahi Beer Hall (a.k.a. Super Dry Hall, or Flamme d'Or) is one of the buildings of the Asahi Breweries headquarters located on the bank of the Sumida River.

Travel Tip: The cherry blossoms along the Sumida River are a sight we heard during the Sakura season.

Arigatou gozaimasu for stopping by.