Harajuko

Today was a free day in Tokyo before the meetings start. We went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuko because it had an observation deck on the top floor. From there I saw Mt. Fuji- way off in the distance. Tokyo is a huge sprawling city, but relatively short. There are not many skyscrapers you might associate with a city this large.

"The Metropolitan Government Building "held title of the tallest building (by roof height) in Tokyo, at 243 meters (799 feet), from 1991 until late 2006, when it surrendered its title upon the completion of Midtown Tower. The two top-floor panoramic observation decks are free of charge to the public and contain many gift shops. They are open till 11 pm on weekdays. Use of cameras is permitted, but tripods are forbidden."

Mmnn. tripods are forbidden??

After that, we walked around Shinjuko some more and ate lunch. The menu was completely in Japanese and we could do nothing but point to the pictures on the menu and hope for the best. My sizzling hot plate arrived and I was told to "flip over" meaning the rare beef strips still cooking on the hot plate. Accompanied by a salad, a cup of broth and a plate of rice- lunch was very good.

The rest of the team headed back to the hotel and me and another took off in search of Harajuko. With some walking and lots of asking people for directions, we found it and was instantly amazed. The area was a web of pedestrian streets packed with teenagers. A bustling connection of streets, alleys and side street with boutique, nooks, and tiny shops selling street fashions, jewellery, shoes, and just about anything else really. It was like Portobello market. I stood off to the side and watched people and took as many photos as I could.

Some things I noticed today:

• Very few birds are seen in Tokyo. I think i saw 3 Pigeons and a Starling in total. There are very few trees as well.
  
• From the observation deck- Tokyo is silvery grey. There are a few parks but not a lot of green
• The proportion of men to women is obvious
• Many people, but not all, wear white medical masks. No one mentions Sars. I've been told the reason is due to: pollution, "it's influenza season", pollen, "people who wear the masks tend to get sick", hay fever
• an unusual obsession with American Rock & Roll. They sell Buddy Holly glasses with with clear, non prescription enses.