Neil Duckett » JR Yamanote Line

JR Yamanote Line – Mejiro

Neil — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:54:22 +0000

Stop 10 on the 29 stations of the JR Yamanote Line series was Mejiro. I’d only heard of Mejiro once and that was a few weeks back, let alone bad i been there.

Sunday i headed out about 6 stops from home and had a walk around Mejiro. First impressions were it’s a pretty quite place with not a whole lot to do, those impressions carried on throughout my walk and stayed with me as i headed home a few hours later.

Not all the stops can be as exciting as Shibuya, Akihabara and Harajuku and Mejiro certainly doesn’t come close, it was however a nice residential area with quite a few foreigners calling it home.

There was quite a bit of action outside the station for a Sunday.

Too early for lunch and Sushi wasn’t on the menu anyway, although there were a few shops selling it.

There’s a massive CD / DVD store out there with cheap CD’s

This Italian restaurant called ‘Sharks’ seemed quite nice.

Ahh, the Colonel watches out over Mejiro too.

The tree lined streets reminded me of a few places back home.

Gyu-Kaku, a favourite of mine.

Interesting to see this drink called the “Pocket Juicer Stand”

I bought one and tried it, absolutely terrible, never again.

Housing seems pretty cheap out Mejiro way.

Shops really cover diverse products here, flowers and yarn at this place.

Another Sushi shop doing a decent trade.

The public phone isn’t dead in Japan.

I wish this cat was though, the only thing more annoying than the cat is actual people doing the thing with the paw.

Dude-san on a cool bike just got away from me.

Gakushuin University had an open day, sounds good to me.

In i went, there were lots of stalls and promotion posters, this one with Becky on it caught my eye.

Fancy that, a gridiron tournament in the grounds of the Uni.

Lots and lots of stalls selling food and knick knacks.

Where there’s gridiron there’s cheerleaders.

I got sick of young lads yelling English at me in the grounds of the school so i head over the tracks for some different scenery.

The Mejiro Japanese Garden was a short 5 minute walk from the station.

Free to get in and a nice place to spend 30 minutes.

On the way out and back to the station i saw this cool H2 Hummer.

Funnily enough the Hummer was right next door to this Love Hotel, Hotel Seeds.

There were a few karaoke bars nestled in the side streets.

The odd park too.

This little booth had cleaning equipment and toilet supplies in there for the public toilet.

On the way to find lunch i walked past a building that had promo posters all done with Tilt Shift Photography.

By the time i found Ramen i was actually in Ikebukuro, this was the most popular shop with a massive line, Pass.

Even Kohmen Ramen had a few punters out the front.

But once i saw this spicy promo poster i knew where i was going.

The Ramen was every bit as hot as it looks and i loved it.

Probably not a place i’ll go back to unless i have a specific reason, but Mejiro i nice enough for a walk around the Mejiro Japanese Garden was relaxing.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

JR Yamanote Line – Mejiro

JR Yamanote Line – Meguro

Neil — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:00:00 +0000

It’s been long overdue but i finally made it to Meguro this weekend to have a geezer about the place as part of the series on the 29 stops on the JR Yamanote Line.

Unfortunately i didn’t make it to the parasite museum as planned, instead i covered a few kilometers around the west and then east sides of Meguro with a bite to eat in the middle.

Meguro is only a 1/6 dozen stops from home for me and lies in between previously visited stations, Ebisu and Gotanda

As always, proof i visited the station in question.

It looks just like any other station when you first come out of the station.

It’s a reasonbably quiet station though, in comparison to others close by.

Once i hit the pavement i quickly realised Meguro was a hilly place, so for every hill i went down i would need to come back up it.

A not unfamiliar site in Japan, multi directional bridges to get you up and over several lanes and directions in one hit.

Always good having the Boss looking over your suburb.

Actually looks like not a bad sized pub for a drink, in the memory bank next time i’m looking for somewhere new.

Sumo endorsed restaurant.

Cute girl who took off down the road on the back of her roosters bike, helmet done up as securely as it is now.

West and East sides of Meguro seperated by water.

The public toilets in Meguro don’t clean themselves.

The first of MANY Ramen shops in Meguro, all contenders to provide my lunch for the day.

Down the back street i noticed another small bar underneath a Yakiniku restaurant, doesn’t get much better than that.

A rare site and something i haven’t used for a few years, a petrol station.

The push bikes here are pretty serious machines.

As are the motorbikes.

Halloween is fast approaching, some places are going all out …. some places a little less.

The Meguro Cinema, a great place to catch a flick, as long as it’s not a musical.

Meguro wont be outdone, they have some scruffy options too ….. website is in Japanese and is schoolgirl themed … so i found out using my iPhone at the time.

“For Rent” …. what?

A little bit more Halloween enthusiasm.

The local kindergarten had a festival of sorts.

NO shortage whatsoever of places to eat in Meguro.

Or things to see and do.

Specialists in cleaning of Fablic in Meguro.

Another shop cashing in on Halloween.

I used to have a Mongoose when i was a kid.

Not engineered as heavily as this though.

The pair of boots on the chair weren’t secured there in anyway, i checked, because i know how long they would last sitting there in Australia.

Innovative way of storing a bike.

Of all the Ramen shops i saw, this tiny place looked like it had my name on it.

I tried to take a few pics but it was hard getting the whoel shop in.

Ramen was cheap, 600 yen in fact …. but not up to scratch.

Being bald i don’t visit the barber anymore ….. although i did feel like stopping in for a “Syampoo”

It’s not an uncommon sight seeing people line up in Japan.

It wouldn’t be a stop on the JR Yamanote Line without the Golden Arches.

And a Pachinko Parlour.

Then back to the station and time to head home.

Cute little girl dressed in her Kimono as i arrived back at the station and headed homeward bound.

Footloose In Tokyo – 1976

Neil — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:10:42 +0000

A little over a week ago i was sent a book from a guy that’s been keeping up to date with my travels around the 29 stops of the JR Yamanote Line. He asked whether i’d heard of the book “Footloose In Tokyo” a 1976 publication following the authors travels around the “Best Bargain In Japan” as the Yamanote Line is referred to.

I hadn’t heard of the book before but did think it would be useful and well worth a read. The guy that mentioned it was kind enough to send me a copy and i’ve started reading it. The best thing about the book so far is the authors opening remarks about not needing to read it in any particular order, so not unlike my travels where i move around the line in alphabetical order i can do so with the book too.

So far i’ve read the chapter on Komagome which i found quite interesting. I’ll use the book in the future to read up on each stop prior to my arrival, i’ll be keen to compare and see how much it has or hasn’t changed.

There’s a lot more to do and see on the JR Yamanote Line than just sleep.

When time permits i’ll go back and read the chapters on the stations i’ve visited so far, which have been Akihabara, Ebisu, Gotanda, Harajuku, Hamamatsucho, Ikebukuro and Kanda in that order … next stop is Meguro where i know they have a parasite museum as a point of interest.

Each chapter contains walking tours in an around each area, which you can chose to follow or simply pick out the bits that suit you.

As described in the book, whether or not you’ve lived here in Japan for a long time or you’re travelling through there’s some great information that will make each stop a bit more interesting.

If you want to buy the book you can do so from Amazon for a bit less than $3 so it’s not going to break the bank.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

Footloose In Tokyo – 1976

JR Yamanote Line – Komagome

Neil — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:00:06 +0000

I took a few hours off from the Olympics today to head out to Komagome as part of the 29 stops on the JR Yamanote Line series. Not knowing what to expect i did a little research before i left.

I found out there was some gardens out there and that along with ramen for lunch and i knew i’d be able to spend a few hours wandering around the place.

It was another first, prior to today i had never even heard of Komagome let alone had the need or desire to get out there. Still, it’s all part of the journey and the reason behind doing all the stops on the line anyway.

Let’s go for a look around the sights and scenery near Komagome station.

Not unlike many stations there’s no a whole lot too see outside the station.

The station in itself gives you an indication of what the place is like though, A lot quieter than many of the more well known stations with the facilities being a little older and more sparse, still i was here now so i set off to see what it had too offer.

Not a massive amount of traffic about the place but it is Sunday so i’ll cut them some slack.

Remnants of last nights summer festival, a lot less action here now that there was last night i’m sure.

I didn’t go to any of the summer festivals last night, i opted for a night on the couch watching the Olympics, but i digress.

Lots of greenery around the place.

A library if you’re that way inclined.

I didn’t buy one but this looks like some sort of jelly substance in the vending machine.

Seems the “No Parking” isn’t enforced too well in these parts.

Once again, you’re never far from the cultural side of Japan when you take a walk through the streets.

A small roadside garden, complete with gardening tools hanging from the tree.

Multi level bike parking.

There were some tasty smells floating around but i was holding out for Ramen.

Create a line, and they ill join it.

In their dozens mind you.

A couple of scruffy looking laundromats were working overtime.

Yes, i love beer too.

It wouldn’t be a tour of Japan without a picture of a pachinko parlour.

Indo restaurant. As tempting as it was to get in there, if only to use a much over due line i’ve wanted to use, “Kore wa nan desu ka?” while pointing to the nan bread …. i resisted.

I won’t bother with explaining the joke, anyone with a little Japanese will get it … i hope.

A Bridgestone trike doing the promotion for a local … legitimate, massage parlour.

Once again, a spot of Japanese culture nestled in amongst the buldings.

Good to see the Colonel looking over things in Komagome.

Hmmm, is this a drink or actual Kit Kat’s? It turned out to be Kit Kats, which i will eat tonight.

Into Rikugien Garedens i went, well i hoped, it turns out the gates were a further 370 m up the road.

Nothing but blue clothes in this shop.

Still hadn’t reached the gardens and walked past a bottle shop …. making it tough for me to push on but i did.

OK, at the Rikugien Gardens just as it started to drizzle. Not much explanation needed for the next set of photos. A very relaxing walk that can take between 30 mins and 1 hour depending on the tracks you take.

My first sighting of a turtle in Japan.

I had my video camera with me and caught a little bit of footage for Vimeo.

Rikugien Gardens from Neil Duckett on Vimeo.

I didn’t realise how in an abundance the Turtles were until i got round the other side and saw heaps more in the water …. that an Turtle soup for 500 yen per bowl.

It’s a bit late seeing the map on the way out but it was there nonetheless.

All that walking and it was time for some Ramen, a beer then to return home.

JR Yamanote Line – Kanda

Neil — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:51:54 +0000

Closed on Sundays. That’s what the sign should say when you get to Kanda. Still, regardless of the lack of people and lack of things open i still spent a few hours in the stiffling heat, wandering around Kanda taking a few photos as part of my mission to cover all 29 stops on the JR Yamanote Line.

I didn’t take my still shot camera, instead i opted to take my video camera and unfortunately didn’t find anything to film so i came back with still shots only.

The quality on here is pretty low to keep the page loadable but the full size versions came up a treat, i’m very happy with it as a camera too.

Kanda is pretty much on the opposite side from where i start on the JR Yamanote Line and it took a good 30 minutes to get there. Out to Kanda i arrived, as always, proof i was there, a picture of the station

Cars with multiple aerials was my first impression of Kanda.

The streets were so quiet, i was thinking it would be busier, right about now i was wishing i’d had lunch before arriving.

Seriously, right about now i thought i was in some trouble and the heat wasn’t helping any.

Not much os a fan of Soba noodles so onward i pushed. Atleast it was looking up, there were some palces to eat that were open.

Sundays in Kanda, a great day to get construction done.

The streets were eerily quiet.

As were the water ways.

Under the train line there were a heap of bars and restaurants, only open at night though.

Lots of homeless people around the streets of Kanda. Probably more visible due to the lack of other pedestrian traffic.

You don’t have to go too far to see another cool bike in Japan.

Of all the street signs in Japan i happened to see this one.

A park with some more homeless people residing in it.

Although as the sign says, no cooking, clothes washing or staying overnight.

A rare sight for me these days, a few birds.

Amazing how many pushi bikes i see branded by auto companies.

Even the petrol station was closed.

A disgarded scruffy magazine.

The smallest can of beer i have seen. Compared to the 500ml cans i slug down on the train on the way home from work this 135ml can is tiny.

Not too many people shopping for suits on Sundays in Kanda.

Not sure whether this guys bike came standard with this or not.

Just when i though kanda was free of any nefarious activity i rounded the corner.

Although the streets were quiet i could see that it gets lively at night.

In between all the action they managed keep some tradition.

Pachinko is just as big in Kanda as it is anywhere else in Japan.

Grab a drink and watch a little TV at the same time.

High rise car parks.

This bar looks like it’s worth a look one night.

As does this new hostess bar.

Sushi, this one wasn’t open but the one down the road was.

So in i pulled for a few beers and some lunch before heading back home to get out of the heat.

On the way back to the station i noticed this guy, stuck in a box all day, not for me thanks.

That was my trip to Kanda, it’s not really a place i’d suggest to visit unless you have a specific purpose. On the other hand, here’s a list of things to do while in Japan and if you haven’t voted yet, please stop by and do so, there’s only a week left before i announce the seven wonders of Japan.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

JR Yamanote Line – Kanda

JR Yamanote Line – Ikebukuro

Neil — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 06:14:31 +0000

After a quite week getting back into the swing of things, this weekend saw me get out to Ikebukuro, not once but twice, to visit the next stop on the 29 Stops of the JR Yamanote Line series.

Ikebukuro is 5 stops and a little over 10 minutes from my home base and the first time i’d set off in the other direction on the loop line. Ikebukuro is a major stop on the Yamanote Line with many other lines connecting at this station. This is the second businest Subway station in Japan, second only to Shinjuku station. Approximately 1 million people pass through it each day.

As for entertainment and excitement, Ikebukuro has plenty of both. At night it’s a haven for the young and anyone chasing a beer and a good time.

The eating and drinking options in Ikebukuro are endless and there’s more than one option to suit all preferences.

After a Saturday night look around Ikebukuro i decided i’d head back Sunday and see how different things were.

With the exception of a few pictures i managed to get back to most of the spots i’d visited the night before.

Access to the station from the street takes you down stairs where there’s several lines to choose from.

No matter what time of the day you’re in Ikebukuro, there’s an abundance of Taxis out front of the station.

Out and into it you don’t have to walk far to get to the action.

A little less populated Sunday mornings with most places still cleaning up from the night before.

Whether it’s a bar you’re looking for or food there’s plenty of both in Ikebukuro.

Midday was still a bit early for this place to get some lunch.

Pachinko parlours are always willing to take your money, night …..

Or Day.

Parking is the same here as it is anywhere in Japan … wherever you can.

Most people opted to ride home the night before.

The most annoying Ramen Shop in Japan with their loud speaker telling you how good their Ramen is, over and over and over again … In Japanese and English.

If you’re feeling a little weary, you can have a kipper in this メンズ　リラクゼーシヨン　クラブ　”Mens Relaxation Club”

There’s a selection of DVD’s to choose from if you can’t sleep … all with a common theme.

There’s not too many areas in Tokyo, especially the larger ones, where there’s not a Hub within close proximity.

Ikebukuro is no different.

The food options are everywhere and the signage makes them hard to miss.

Hotel Domani, another option if you’re a bit on the tired side, generally it’s expected you’ll have some compnay in this sort of venue though … you can pull up stumps for 3 hrs for $75.

These rooms have all the trimmings with regards to Multimedia if you’re having trouble getting some shut eye.

Every classy hotel has a water feature.

Mos Burger, only been there once since coming to Japan … a better alternative to McDonalds.

And open all hours of the day and night.

Feeling a little Dirty? Stop off at a “Soap Land” … NGF … so i’m told.

If you want somewhere more secure for your bike, there’s always the paid parking near the station.

Closes at 3 from memory but is chockers again the next day …. although, some of these bikes look familiar from the night before.

Lots of youths smoking outside restaurants …. either before or after dinner.

Not so many the next day.

Looks like the big open expanse is a meeting spot late at night.

And a popular spot to spend some time in the daylight hours.

Drinking seemed to be condoned in the streets and in this area specifically.

A constant stream of traffic coming in and out of Ikebukuro. Taxis were frequent at night …

And busses moreso during the day.

Every corner you take, there’s another small street with some activity on it.

If you’re dog is feeling a little cold there’s no shortage of outfits you can kit it out with.

Old mate was cleaning out the cages when i came past Sunday midday.

Karaoko is as popular in Ikebukuro as it is everywhere else in Japan.

Not open yet, but won’t be far away.

Game parlours are plentiful too.

Open day and night and populated heavily at all times.

The Colonel looks out for everyone in Ikebukuro. He provides sustenance late at night.

And breakfast the following morning.

Lets pile the rubbish up here.

You wouldn’t know it the next morning.

Ikebukuro is a great place to visit day or night and should be on any travellers list of places to visit.

JR Yamanote Line – Harajuku

Neil — Mon, 19 May 2008 05:38:55 +0000

It was one of the best days we’d had in a while, on the weekend anyway, so it was off to Harajuku for me for the next station on the JR Yamanote Line which is 1 stop or roughly 2 minutes from home so it doesn’t get much easier than this week.

A quiet Saturday night meant i was up and into it early, hoping to have a good look around and get plenty of pictures.

Harajuku on a Sunday is busy at the best of times, a Sunday with weather around 25 degs is definitely enough to gaurantee anyone tossing it up, would make it out.

Harajuku is a must for any tourist visiting Japan. It’s a great mix of cheap stalls and shops in Takeshita Dori to the expensive brand names and boutique stores along and around Omotesando Dori and into Aoyama.

It’s a place i’d been many a time but mostly i’ve stayed on the beaten track so this time i was determined to get a bit further a field and see what else Harajuku had on offer.

Over the bridge and you’ll find one of the more famous and popular shrines in Japan, Meiji Jingu.

I didn’t get in to Meiji Jingu this time, i’ve done the walk many times before and will no doubt do it again, next time i have a few overseas visitors i’d imagine.

Some early Cosplayers on the bridge, must be hot with all that black get-up on.

Heading down to Takeshite Dori the crowds were arriving on mass.

I’d seen a reference to these t-shirt earlier this month from Andrew.

And still they come, every few minutes a train arrives with more people keen for a day in Harajuku.

Toe Socks, one of the most painful items of clothing i’ve worn in japan. Still makes me laugh when i sit in a meeting and see a pretty high up guy opposite me, shoes off, wearing toe socks.

Interesting mannequins about the place.

Crepe stores are in their dozens, i still haven’t had one … they look too sweet for me.

The interesting characters are limited to just the bridge.

At the end of Takeshite Dori it’s just like any other intersection in Japan.

Ahh, Kebab for lunch, it really hit the spot too … to hard juggling the kebab and camera to take a photo of it though.

The view down Omotesando Dori.

Heading over Omotesando Dori into the quieter streets of Aoyama i found a lot of food options and some great clothes stores, mostly new but several second hand ones too if that’s your style.

Parking is at a premium … anywhere you can find a spot

Full on my Kebab meant i didn’t stop for any Octopus

If i had the parking at home i’d consider getting one of these bad boys

Right in the middle of the 2 way road there’s room for a playground

28,000 yen and this bike is all yours

Not a whole lot of construction going on but was there was were major works indeed

Alley upon alley there were small bars and cafes full of people eating and enjoying Sunday in Harajuku station.

Looking down Omotesando Dori once again, this time from the walking bridge from Aoyama.

Some Vespa enthusiasts had gathered to compare their vintage Vespa’s.

Lots of Bars and Cafes … almost outside … not quite in the sun though.

Yet another small Cafe tucked in the back streets, far from the craziness of Takeshite Dori.

Another entrance to Meiji Jingu, much quieter than the main one.

Back up to the bridge and it was a dissapointing collection of Cosplayers. Maybe it was too hot, maybe they had an off day, i don’t know. I’m sure i’ll be out that way again soon but for now i’ll just have to point you towards past visits of Harajuku for all the Cosplay action.

JR Yamanote Line – Hamamatsucho

Neil — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:55:09 +0000

So onward I push on my journey to cover all 29 stops on the JR Yamanote Line with today’s trip taking me to Hamamatsucho.

After 23 minutes from my home station Yoyogi only to find i’d actually used this station several times to connect with the Monorail to go to Haneda Airport. I’d usually take the Toei Oedo Subway and change at Daimon, now i know i’ve realised how much easier it would be to use the JR line instead … the connection is much easier when you have luggage.

The ride past Hamamatsucho was the original inspiration for me to visit all 29 stops on the JR Yamanote Line. I can’t remember where it was i was going, but on route through this station i saw scenes i hadn’t previously seen so today i was off to explore in greater detail.

Right next door to the station was the Kyu-Shiba Rikyu Gardens and for 150 yen you can spend all day there if you like.

“The focal point of the garden is the large pond, Sensui, which like Hama Rikyu’s pond still is, was once filled with seawater from Edo Bay by means of a inlet, that can still be seen.

Nowadays the lake is freshwater and contains a number of islands, rock formations and massive carp” - Japan Visitor

A couple getting married Saturday were having their photos taken. If they had chosen any of the 5 days before or the few after to get married they would have been disappointed with the weather, they were lucky on this day as it was actually quite sunny and warm.

I only had a brief walk around the Gardens but what i did see i was impressed.

There was no shortage of Ramen shops in Hamamatsucho, by now i had decided i would try some local ramen for lunch.

Although i took the JR Yamanote Line there’s easy access by car via the endless overhead highways.

A quick walk through the Italian Gardens, which i didn’t really expect to see, located next to the JR Line.

The peaceful nature of the gardens provide a good place for some people to catch up on some sleep.

I keep threatening to by a bike and when i do i’ll get one with big handle bars like this one.

Some statues that look strangely like humans sniffing backsides in a dog like fashion.

Back out into the side streets and i found some good pockets in Hamatsucho with plenty of bars and restaurants. It looks like Hamamatsucho comes alive after dark.

Yakitori and Ramen restaurants were plentiful.

This is the Ramen shop i ate lunch at.

All that walking was thirsty work. The Ramen was pretty good too, not as good as Hon-Atsugi Ramen though.

The inspiration to visit all 29 stops on the JR Yamanote Line was this scene i once noticed when transiting through.

The river is littered with these boats that during the day had no life in them whatsoever but i’m sure after dark it’s quiet a different story.

What i’m guessing is a burial place of sorts.

As usual walking the streets there were many different and interesting sights.

Just cause you’re homeless it doesn’t mean you don’t have washing to do.

If i had dollar for every water feature i’ve seen in Japan i’d be a rich man. Needless to say we don’t have the same water restrictions here as they do back home.

Another of the sights, viewable from the passing train, that inspired me to see more of what’s in an around the Yamanote Line.

JR Yamanote Line – Gotanda

Neil — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:28:14 +0000

This week on the 29 stops of the JR Yamanote Line i visited Gotanda, this was the first time i’d been to Gotanda and exactly the reason behind visiting all 29 stops, to go to places i ordinarily wouldn’t have thought to visit.

Gotanda (五反田, Gotanda) is described as a busy but unfashionable neighborhood in the Shinagawa ward of Tokyo, Japan. The name “Gotanda” can be literally translated as “a (rice) paddy of half-hectare’s size”. The district straddles the Meguro river, and is located between the Meguro and Ōsaki stations on the JR Yamanote Line.

“The JR loop severs the neighbourhood into two districts. Higashi (East) Gotanda lies inside the Yamanote loop, while Nishi (West) Gotanda is outside the loop. Nishi-Gotanda is largely residential, with moderately-sized apartment buildings close to the JR station and quiet leafy streets in the outlying reaches.

Higashi-Gotanda is home to Seisen University, NTT East Kanto Hospital, several temples and shrines and as many office towers like a mid-sized North American city.

Higashi-Gotanda also has a substantial number of hotels, including some of the famed capsule hotel style. Some of the buildings making up the sprawling world headquarters of Sony are found along the eastern edge of Higashi-Gotanda.”

Gotanda on first impression would be what i would describe as very Japanese, lots of small bars and restaurants big enough for only a handful of people, something that has vanished from many other areas. Gotanda lacked the big name brand stores otehr places i’ve been in Japan have had but there were still plenty of shopping opportunities, miso paste and obscure Japanese knives being some of the more unique items available.

Much to my amazements i found out about one business that would be unimaginable in other countries, which was a ”puppy rental” store that will rent you a young dog to walk for an hour or two, as hard as i try i never did find it.

Being located on the river i’m sure there are many hanami festivities planned over the coming weeks, unfortunately i was a few weeks early so i had to amused myself wandering around the streets on what was a fantastic and sunny 16 degrees.

Straight out of the station and off for a look around.

A near by walk way gave me a good view back of the station that’s having a considerable amount of work done.

And back down the road to what was a prett quiet Sunday in Gotanda.

Gotanda is divided by a body of water.

A large scale shopping centre.

A couple walking and watering a dog, their dog? I don’t know i didn’t ask.

You don’t have to walk far in Gotanda to find old and traditional Japanese sights.

Restaurants are plentiful in Gotanda, this one specialises in Beef and other meat products, my kind of restaurant.

Beer is readily available in vending machines here in Japan, great for those hot days walking about the place.

Once again, bikes as far as the eye can see.

Those pesky park benches with the divider to pursuade the homeless from sleeping on them.

The Tokyo Design Center is in Gotanda.

A sizeable, skinny legged horse at the Tokyo Design Center.

The Tokyo Oyster Bar, not my thing but i’m sure it’s very nice for those partial to a few Osyters.

After the Osyters kick in you may want to catch a show.

Or stop in for a massage.

I always see one of these bikes near work, i still find it strange to see these as road registered bikes.

Not too many big brand names but plenty of place to do some shopping.

I will be back to Gotanda to try out the Steak Kitchen Factory.

After your steak there’s plenty of Karaoke to be found.

As always, in close proximity to the Pachinko is the T.U.C Shop for cashing in the worthless prizes for some cash.

There were quite a few parks in Gotanda.

But observe the rules, no yanking flowers, no kicking rubbish, no throwing things ar others, no pets and most importantly no offering lollies to children.

The supermarkets get bigger the further out you get from mainstream Tokyo.

The highlight for me, when i was on my return to the station was this standing Sushi Bar.

A great way to finish of the days expedition was with some sushi and a cold beer.

Back to the station it was a last look to the left and a last look to the right and i was off home again.

JR Yamanote Line – Ebisu

Neil — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 07:36:36 +0000

The 2nd stop for me of the 29 Stops on the JR Yamanote Line is Ebisu, it’s 3 stations from home so an easy one to get too. Prior to today i’d only been out to Ebisu once and that was for an afternoon at the Ebisu Beer Hall with the other members of the language school i was attending.

Ebisu, formally Yebisu before the ‘ye’ was dropped for just an ‘e’ also happens to be a popular beer in Japan and it was actually the beer that named the town and the railway station, not the other way around as many would imagine.

As a place Ebisu would best be described as a quiet place located in the Shibuya ward. Ebisu is conveniently situated next to Shibuya and Roppongi so it’s only a matter of heading on the Yamanote Line or Hibiya Line for a few stops to get into the thick of it. Having said that, there is no shortage of bars and restaurants all with their own individual style which can keep you occupied for many a lazy evening.

Ebisu’s main tourist attraction tends to be centered around the newer Yebisu Garden Place and the Westin hotel area. Accessible from the Ebisu Station East Exit via the “Yebisu Skywalk” covered moving walkway, it features the headquarters of Sapporo Breweries, The Beer Museum Yebisu and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography.

“Ebisu was founded around 1928 as a community developed around the Japan Beer Brewery Company facilities where the Yebisu Garden Place now stands. Yebisu Beer, named for Ebisu, one of the Japanese Seven Gods of Fortune, was introduced in 1890 by Japan Beer and has long been a local favorite. The area adopted its name from the train station built in 1901 by the company to facilitate distribution of its beer. Japan Beer has since reorganized and was renamed Sapporo Breweries Ltd. After the beer factories were moved to Chiba in 1988, the area was redeveloped as the Yebisu Garden Place, opened to the public in 1994.”

I took the Sky Walk out to Garden Palace.

Upon arriving outside the station you’re met with pretty peaceful surrounds.

Walking around Garden Palace there’s a big mixture between concrete and water features.

And a random Harpist playing for the general public.

There’s a wealth of shops in Garden Palace with many big brand names. I’m also getting creative and putting the camera on an angle for this shot.

Walking tours for some retired folk, more than likely from out of town.

Away from Garden Palace and it’s pretty much like lots of other places in Japan.

With cool motor bikes to get around on.

If you’re peckish you can stop in for some Octopus at this hole in the wall take-out place.

Then sweeten your taste buds with some Japanese Ice.

There’s NO shortage of colour in Ebisu, one of the things i liked about the place.

The smokers are kept in the confines of the smoking area.

Ebisu has a strong and fit police presence.

Many streets i walked down were veritable treasure troves of bars and clubs, all closed, maybe i’ll need to do the 29 stops again as an after dark special.

It wouldn’t be Japan without a Hostess Bar and some Pachinko.

Parking was free in many places, not right next to the station though.

The in between a ballet school and a restaurant it was straight back to cultural Japan.

Spring has sprung.

CAM It’s not just a place to get drunk, it’s a Personal Networking Bar

The later the afernoon got the more people were out and about, often relaxing in the sun.

Then it was time for the 7 minute journey back home on the Yamanote Line.

Although i could have stayed in a Capsule Hotel if i wanted.

Next week on the 29 Stops of the Yamanote Line it’s time for Gotanda, i haven’t been to Gotanda yet so i’m looking forward to it.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

JR Yamanote Line – Ebisu