Tokyo Snap Shots

A broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010 and reached its full height of 634.0 meters (2,080 ft) in March 2011, making it the tallest tower in the world, displacing the Canton Tower in China, and the second tallest structure in the world after Burj Khalifa (829.8 m/2,722 ft) in Dubai. The tower was illuminated with a special light-up for celebrating 2018 Winter Olympics on February 9. *Taken by Mijo Sato Provided by Sakurako Sato Taken by Joe Myers Provided by Yuta Nakajima Taken by Hiromi Suzuki Taken by Kenny Lahaina

Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumo Hall), Sumida-ku It opened in 1985 and has a capacity of 11,098 people. It will host the boxing competition at the 2020 Summer Olympics. Taken at 2018 Hatsu Basho (Opening Tournament) by Yoko Kawakami   Taken by Yoko Kawakami   Opening ceremony of the September Grand Sumo Tournament *Taken by Hiromi Suzuki   Sumo wrestlers! *Taken by Elizabeth Ishiyama     Skyliner A limited-express airport train service between Ueno and Narita Airport. Kaiungo (開運号), a limited express for worshippers to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. “Kaiun (開運)” means “Better fortune”. Also its front is decorated by kabuki makeup (kumadori,

A communications and observation tower located in the Shiba-koen district of Minato-ku, Tokyo. At 333 metres (1,093 ft), it is the second-tallest structure in Japan. The structure is an Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice tower that is painted white and international orange to comply with air safety regulations. Built in 1958.   Hello, 2018! Taken by Takahiro Suzuki   Thank you and good bye, 2017! Taken by Midori Takashio   Tokyo marks 1,000 days until 2020 Olympics Taken on October 28, 2017 by Mekdachi Khalil   With Kumamoto bamboo lanterns Produced by CHIKAKEN. *Taken by Megumi Johjima   Taken by Megumi Johjima

Taken by Takahiro Suzuki   A dog having a smug look on his face! Because 2018 is a Year of the Dog. In Chinese astrology, each year is related to a Chinese zodiac animal according to the 12-year cycle.  Reference source: China Highlights Taken in Shibuya by Akira Tamachi   Oshiruko (お汁粉) A sweet porridge of azuki beans boiled and crushed, served in a bowl with mochi. Taken by Isao Tokuhashi Taken by Yukiko Sato   Hakone Ekiden (箱根駅伝) Officially called “Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race” (東京箱根間往復大学駅伝競走). It is one of the most prominent university ekiden (駅伝, relay marathon) races

Nakameguro Jewel Dome 2017 The Meguro River near Nakameguro Station is covered by thousands of LED lights over a distance of 500 meters. Taken by Megumi Honzawa Taken by Jun KikuChi   Roppongi Hills, Minato-ku Taken by Kumiko Hirama Taken by Jun KikuChi   Shibuya Blue Cave 2017 The event originally started in Naka-meguro (Meguro-ku) in 2014, then moved its location to Shibuya last year. It stretches for about 800 meters from Shibuya Koen Dori Street to Yoyogi Park Zelkova Avenue. Taken at Shibuya Koen Dori Street by Satomi Nishino   Sanrio Puroland, Tama New Town Opened on December 7,

A district in Taito-ku, Tokyo. It’s famous for the Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Jinja Shrine. There are several other temples and shrines in Asakusa, as well as various festivals. Also Asakusa is famous for its annual Brazilian style Carnival.   Hagoita Fair A popular annual event in Asakusa that is held as the year nears its end. Tens of venders gather at Sensoji Temple to sell a variety of colorful hagoita (羽子板, wooden paddles), from ornamental ones to those for children to play with. The fair was held from December 17 until December 19, 2017. Taken by Yayoi Minowa  

Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks 2017 The out-of-season fireworks display takes place every Saturday in December (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th) at 7pm. Taken by Sarah Nishina   Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival One of Tokyo’s biggest summer fireworks festivals which began in 1980. 2017 Taken by Jun KikuChi 2015 Taken by Naoya Mukai     Makuhari Beach Fireworks Festa 2017, Chiba Pref Held on August 5, 2017. Taken by Fumie Kemi   Sayama City Irumagawa Tanabata Festival & Fireworks, Saitama Pref Held on August 5 & 6, 2017. Taken by Ayumi Hirokawa   Meiji Jingu Stadium You can enjoy fireworks in the

Also known as “Western Tokyo”, consists of the part of Tokyo Prefecture to the west of the 23 special wards.   Inokashira Park, Musashino/Mitaka On May 1, 1918, it opened under the name Inokashira Onshi Koen (井の頭恩賜公園), which can be translated as, “Inokashira Imperial Grant Park”. Taken by Yayoi Minowa A squirrel taking the summer heat at Inokashira Park Zoo. *Taken by Nobuyuki Hayasaki Taken by Yayoi Minowa   Yokota Air Base A United States Air Force base in Western Tokyo. Among its facilities are the broadcast center for the American Forces Network Tokyo radio service and the headquarters of

The main residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is built on the site of the old Edo Castle. Taken by Hirotaka Tominaga   Taken by Sachi Takao   Taken by Isao Tokuhashi   Taken by Takeyuki Sato   Taken by Shigeki Kakutani   Taken by K-2 Style   Taken by Mariko Mugitani   Taken by Aya Karasuyama   Taken by Kiwako Agake   Taken by Megumi Honzawa   Taken by Alice Chiang   Taken by Masanori Tsuchibuchi   Cars on Hibiya-dori Avenue near Imperial Palace *Taken by Kumiko Kato   Taken by Akira Tamachi   Taken by Adrian Ringin

Shirasagi-no Mai (White Heron Dance) A ceremonial parade that dates back to the Heian period in Kyoto. It was revived in 1968 to celebrate Tokyo’s 100th Anniversary. Taken by Sarah Nishina     Kishibojin Oeshiki Held at Homyoji Temple, which is located south of Ikebukuro Station. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the death of Nichiren, the founder of the Buddhist Nichiren sect. One of its highlights is the parade of ten-thousand lanterns called Manto (万灯), three to four meter high floats that are decorated with numerous white flowers made from washi (和紙), or Japanese paper. Taken by Masayuki Miyazaki