10-May, approximately 1900 - After a sumptuous dinner at Roppongi Hills, we decided to visit the Tokyo Tower which was located relatively nearby. To help us to burn off some energy from all the good food in Japan, we started off on our 30 minutes walking journey to Minato, where the tower is located.
Tokyo Tower (東京タワー Tōkyō tawā) is a communications and observation tower located in Shiba Park, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. At 332.5 metres (1,091 ft), it is the second tallest artificial 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, the tower's main sources of revenue are tourism and antenna leasing. Over 150 million people have visited the tower since its opening. FootTown, a 4-storey building located directly under the tower, houses museums, restaurants and shops. Departing from here, guests can visit two observation decks. The 2-storey Main Observatory is located at 150 metres (490 ft), while the smaller Special Observatory reaches a height of 250 metres (820 ft).
The tower acts as a support structure for an antenna. Originally intended for television broadcasting, radio antennas were installed in 1961 and the tower is now used to broadcast signals for Japanese media outlets such as NHK, TBS and Fuji TV. [Source: Wikipedia]
The Tokyo Tower at night. After we were done with taking photos of the tower, we proceeded next to the Rainbow Bridge, which was located in proximity of the tower.
A night shot of a temple near the Tokyo Tower. Effect turned out to be quite good, after giving it a 1 second exposure.
Cigarettes promoters in Japan. With such vending machines around and easy access to smoke, I wonder what is their secret to long life?
Finally, after another 20+ minutes of walking, we saw the Rainbow Bridge.
The Rainbow Bridge (レインボーブリッジ Reinbō burijji) is a suspension bridge crossing northern Tokyo Bay between Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront development in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
Construction started in 1987 and was completed in 1993. The bridge is 798 metres (2,618 ft) long with a main span of 580 metres (1,903 ft). Officially called the "Shuto Expressway No. 11 Daiba Route - Port of Tokyo Connector Bridge," the name "'Rainbow Bridge" was decided by the public. [Source: Wikipedia]
A shot of the Rainbow Bridge with the night sky.
Feeling hungry from all the walking, we stopped by a small shop for supper! Now you see it...
Now you don't! Haha
Happy travellers with a full stomach.
In Japan, 7-11 type convenient store was often our best friend as we tend to stock up food late at night for our breakfast tomorrow morning. This was due to the fact that we were often rushing off to visit places in the morning and we simply do not have the luxury of time to sit down and enjoy our breakfast. As the saying goes "An apple a day keeps the doctor away", I am trying not to fall sick during my time in Japan. =p
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