 Most viewed - Sumida-ku 墨田区 |
Site of Lord Kira's Estate or Honjo Matsuzaka-cho Park. Lord Kira was the villain in the famous Chushingura vendetta. 吉良邸跡・本所松坂町公園765 views
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Priests splash cold water over themselves at the Nose Myokenzan Betsuin in Sumida-ku, Tokyo415 views
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The following photos were taken in March 2012. Compared to the photos above taken in 2023, notice how the plum blossoms have grown taller and thicker.240 views
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Tokyo Skytree souvenir chopsticks.221 views
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Yokozuna statue215 views
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More sales girls wearing happi coats during Tokyo Skytree pre-opening festivities for Sumida Ward residents on May 20, 2012.197 views
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Priests appear189 views
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I like the sales girls wearing happi coats, a symbol of the shitamachi (old merchants' quarters) area of Tokyo.188 views
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Tokyo Skytree as seen from the air. It just stands out since there are no tall buildings around it.187 views
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McDonald's and Starbucks will be right under Tokyo Skytree.175 views
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Old postcard showing Ryogoku Bridge over Sumida River and the old Kokugikan in the distance.164 views
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Finally went up Tokyo Skytree for the first time in Sept. 2013. I waited for a clear weekday and went early in the morning. 162 views
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Tokyo Skytree souvenir ball-point pens.159 views
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Map of Ryogoku. The Kokugikan sumo arena is north of the station, as well as the Edo-Tokyo Museum.157 views
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You can either buy a ticket at the door or buy a reserved ticket for a specific day via their Website. Visiting Tokyo Skytree on snowy days can be dangerous. Clumps of snow clinging to the struts are known to fall to the ground.157 views
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The higher observation deck called Tembo Galleria has a unique design with a spiraling walkway called the Skywalk.150 views
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The exposed struts inside the observation deck are padded so you don't crack your head when you bump into it. Lonely people who don't have anyone to hug could hug one of these. It's soft enough.147 views
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Tokyo Skytree146 views
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About the plum blossom festival. They have koto performances, serve hot sake and matcha green tea (for a fee), and a photo shoot of local tourist ambassadors.144 views
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Tokyo Skytree is clearly visible from Asakusa.142 views
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Tokyo Skytree souvenir towels.142 views
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Tokyo Skytree as seen from Sarue Onshi Park in Koto Ward.141 views
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Kapulanakehau "Kehau" Tamure has a Tokyo Skytree ornament in her hair as she performed during Opening Ceremony festivities at Tokyo Skytree for Sumida Ward residents on May 19-20, 2012..141 views
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Food court140 views
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Lower lookout deck.139 views
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Tokyo Sky Tree and plum blossoms at Omurai Katori Shrine in Sumida Ward.126 views
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One restaurant in Solamachi has an outdoor terrace.122 views
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JR Ryogoku Station platform for the Sobu Line.120 views
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Tokyo Sky Tree and plum blossoms at Omurai Katori Shrine in Sumida Ward.120 views
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On a clear day, the views are marvelous, with Mt. Fuji (upper right) and many Tokyo landmarks visible. 118 views
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Inside Sumo Photo Museum117 views
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Mt. Fuji as seen from Tokyo Skytree.117 views
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Sumo Photo Museum115 views
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114 views
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Soft drinks in Tokyo Skytree-shaped bottles.112 views
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Another stage had Mukojima geisha performing. Mukojima is in Sumida Ward. http://mukoujima-kenban.com/index.html111 views
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Tokyo Skytree has a unique curving side.111 views
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Views from the Skywalk.111 views
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Sky window over a rest area in Solamachi.108 views
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Stunning views. Sumida River.108 views
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The Skywalk can get quite warm on sunny days.108 views
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Tokyo Skytree Arena had another stage.107 views
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Mukojima geisha performing. Mukojima is in Sumida Ward. http://mukoujima-kenban.com/index.html107 views
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Books about Tokyo Skytree.107 views
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Miso from all over Japan.107 views
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Each elevator has a design based on one of the four seasons. I went inside the summer elevator with a fireworks design. The elevator is very fast going up.107 viewsPart of the elevator door is also transparent. Close your eyes or look away if you start to feel sick/dizzy. Please don't vomit in the elevator.
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I overheard one woman say, "The city looks like it's made of Lego." I had to agree. 107 views
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Filled with a water hose106 views
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Male (kane) hula dancers at Tokyo Skytree.106 views
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On the food floor, they were giving out yummy samples. This is shumai.106 views
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106 views
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Nose Myokenzan Betsuin at a street corner. In Feb., priests at this small temple splash cold water on themselves for 30 min. Near Honjo-Azumabashi Station on the Toei Asakusa Line or JR Kinshicho Station on the Sobu Line.105 views
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One of the shopping alleys inside Solamachi.105 views
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The first/lower observation deck is called the Tembo Deck. 105 views
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Here, you can buy another ticket for 1000 yen to go up further by 100 meters to the higher lookout deck called the Tembo Galleria, 450 meters above ground.105 views
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105 views
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Front of Kokugikan. The wide stairs make it quick for many people to exit the building. It is a sleek, modern building with a spacious interior. The roof collects rainwater for use in the toilets.104 views
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The problem with buying a reserved ticket for a specific day is that you won't know what the weather will be like that day. It's not worth going up on a cloudy/rainy day.104 viewsLow clouds can easily cover the lookout decks and all you may see is cloud white. They also close the tower on windy/stormy days.
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I saw one school girl here who looked very nauseous (likely threw up in the bathroom) with a friend rubbing her back.104 views
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They were extending the train station. Roof still under construction.103 views
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103 views
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Opening sale on the food floor.103 views
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Much more crowded in late morning with lots of school kids on class trips.103 views
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Sake from all over Japan.102 views
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The least crowded time is weekday mornings between 8 am to 10 am. I got there at 9:30 am on a Friday and was happy to see no line to buy a ticket (2000 yen) to go up. 102 views
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Gateway Bridge102 views
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Asakusa Kannon temple, Sensoji as seen from Tokyo Skytree.102 views
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Tokyo Skytree souvenir shop.101 views
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On May 20, 2012, dancers from the Hawaii Aloha Academy danced to songs played by Kehau and her trio on May 20, 2012.101 views
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The shopping complex integrated with Tokyo Sky Tree is called Solamachi (meaning Skytree) which includes an aquarium and planetarium. This is an odd sight at first with all these people, after having gotten used to seeing this place devoid of people.101 views
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Foot of Tokyo Skytree which was the only thing not open during pre-opening festivities for Sumida Ward residents on May 20, 2012.101 views
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Near the foot of Tokyo Skytree during pre-opening festivities for Sumida Ward residents on May 20, 2012.101 views
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The Skywalk is not recommended if you fear heights.101 views
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101 views
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Ryogoku101 views
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Asakusa Kannon temple, Sensoji101 views
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Ueno Park (National Museum)101 views
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Northern Sumida River101 views
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The Solamachi (Skytown) shopping complex below Tokyo Skytree was also open to Sumida Ward residents for a preview on May 19-20, 2012. All the shops were open and held an opening sale. Tokyo Skytree officially opened on May 22.100 views
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Merchandise of Tokyo Skytree's official mascot.100 views
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I went from 0 to 350 meters above the ground in less than 10 min. There are four elevators.100 views
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Tokyo Skytree ticket counter. Empty on weekday mornings from 8 am to 10 am.100 views
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The line for that ticket was also very short before 10 am. Elevator to go higher.100 views
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Ryogoku100 views
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Asakusa100 views
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On May 20, dancers from the Hawaii Aloha Academy danced to songs played by Kehau and her trio on May 20, 2012.99 views
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99 views
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From the Solamachi shopping complex, there is a window from which you can view the foot.99 views
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The food floor was the most crowded and noisy. This fish market was holding special opening sale selling lotta seafood for 634 yen (in reference to the Skytree's 634-meter height) during pre-opening festivities for Sumida Ward residents on May 20, 299 views
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It's much cheaper to visit Skytree on your own instead of going on a typical bus tour. But a bus tour may exempt you from a long wait to go up since they have their own reserved tickets for a specific time.99 views
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Sumida River and Asakusa99 views
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Tokyo Skytree Station99 views
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This road connects Tokyo Skytree Station with Oshiage Station and was formerly crowded with people before the Skytree opened.98 views
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A load of fish for only 634 yen. In Japanese, "634" can be pronounced "Musashi" which refers to the Skytree's 634-meter height. Musashi was also the name of the old province that included most of Tokyo.98 views
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98 views
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Tokyo Tower98 views
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Tokyo Dome98 views
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98 views
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Back on the lower deck.98 views
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This is the ticket line for the higher Tembo Galleria. A 20-min. wait already by late morning.98 views
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Tokyo Skytree 東京スカイツリー97 views
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97 views
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The shopping complex hides the tower's three legs.97 views
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This stage in a small park near the Skytree, they had hula performances in the afternoon on May 20, 2012.97 views
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On May 19-20, 2012, Tokyo Sky Tree held pre-opening festivities for Sumida Ward residents (Tokyo Sky Tree is in Sumida Ward). Various entertainment was held at three performance stages.97 views
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Kapulanakehau "Kehau" Tamure who was a member of Nā Palapalai, provides music along with her trio.97 views
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Going further up.97 views
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National Diet Building97 views
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Tokyo Skytree shadow.97 views
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On May 20, 2012, dancers from the Hawaii Aloha Academy danced to songs played by Kehau and her trio on May 20, 2012.96 views
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Menu96 views
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Kids exercising.95 views
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Benches provided95 views
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Solamachi means Sky Town.93 views
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If you look closely, you can see stairs winding around the tower.93 views
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Picture-taking service on lower deck.93 views
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See-through floor93 views
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Waiting for the elevator to go down. It took longer for me to go down than to go up. There's no time limit on the observation decks. You can stay there all day I think.93 views
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Elevator with autumn design93 views
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Sumo Photo Museum 相撲写真資料館92 views
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The following photos were taken in March 2012, about two months before Tokyo Sky Tree opened on May 22, 2012.92 views
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Tokyo Skytree and plum blossoms.92 views
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Shopping complex.91 views
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The new Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobe Line, just one stop from Asakusa Station. Renamed from Narihirabashi Station.91 views
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See-through floor91 views
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Line for the elevator to go down.91 views
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Elevator with winter design91 views
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Near the construction site was this little Info Plaza showing a model of Tokyo Sky Tree.89 views
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This little park was purchased in 1934 by locals and donated to Tokyo to mark the site of Kira's estate. Free admission.88 views
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Pet memorial, Eko-in88 views
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After it snows in Tokyo in winter, beware of chunks of snow falling from Tokyo Skytree. They have known to crash into nearby homes below.88 views
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The Tembo Deck has three floors. One floor has a cafe and prices were quite cheap. Almost the same as any coffee shop on the ground.88 views
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Tokyo Skytree Station platform.87 views
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The walls inside have panels such as this one. Painting depicting Lord Asano's attack on Lord Kira at Edo Castle.85 views
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Tokyo Skytree and carp streamers.85 views
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Chanting prayers84 views
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The temple itself looks so modern and ordinary that it does not look like a temple.84 views
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Sumo monument in Ekoin temple. Sumo matches were held here regularly from 1833 to 1909 when the Kokugikan sumo stadium was built.82 views
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Marker for the Ako retainers' avenging their Lord who was forced to commit seppuku when he attacked Lord Kira at Edo Castle.82 views
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As soon as you get out of Oshiage Station, you can see it towering above. Already it draws many tourists to the area gawking and photographing it.82 views
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Tokyo Skytree Station platform.82 views
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Memorials for those who died in maritime disasters.81 views
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Pet memorial, Eko-in temple.81 views
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Old entrance to Ryogoku Station with a high ceiling and giant portraits of sumo wrestlers.80 views
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Gate to Eko-in temple where early sumo tournaments were held. The temple was originally built in 1657 for the repose of over 100,000 people who died in the Great Fire of Meireki (Furisode Fire). 回向院80 views
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Next to a portrait studio is a small garage with sumo photos on the walls.80 views
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In April 2010, I went to see what the fuss was about. I can see Tokyo Skytree from my window at home in eastern Tokyo, so naturally I got very curious about this thing which seemed to have sprouted from nowhere.80 views
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JR Ryogoku Station. This part of the station building is now a beer hall. The train station entrance has moved to the right of this.79 views
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In early May, koinobori carp streamers are displayed for Children's Day at Tokyo Skytree.79 views
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In early May, koinobori carp streamers are displayed for Children's Day at Tokyo Skytree.79 views
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Present entrance to Ryogoku Station (during spring festival).78 views
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Shop selling sumo goods.78 views
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Sumo monument in Eko-in temple. Sumo was first held here in 1768. 力塚78 views
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Poster announcing the train station name change.78 views
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Tokyo Skytree Station78 views
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58 days until Tokyo Skytree opens.77 views
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Shrine hall76 views
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JR Ryogoku Station 両国駅76 views
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Ryogoku Station exit. Only one sumo portait hangs here.76 views
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The temple has many other memorials and monuments.76 views
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When the tower opens to the public in spring 2012, it will no doubt become a major tourist attraction. The sleepy neighborhood of Oshiage will transform into one of Tokyo's hottest spots.76 views
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Tokyo Skytree Station platform.76 views
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Tokyo Skytree and carp streamers.76 views
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Tokyo Skytree is near Oshiage Station in Sumida Ward which is next to Asakusa.75 views
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Tokyo Skytree Station platform.75 views
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Painting depicting the retainers proceeding to Ryogoku to get Kira's head.74 views
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People gawking at Tokyo Skytree. It's best to see it on a sunny day with the blue sky in the background. Even at 338 meters high, it is already looking something awesome.74 views
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Tokyo Skytree. Just wait till it reaches its full height of 634 meters and become Japan's tallest structure. It's gonna be more than awesome.73 views
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Matsuzaka Inari Shrine. On the right is a small, roofed stone monument engraved with the names of 20 of Kira's samurai who died during the attack. 72 viewsThe stone monument was built by a local shopkeeper.
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Model of Tokyo Skytree inside the Tokyo Sky Tree Info Plaza.72 views
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Meanwhile, the old Tokyo Tower will lose broadcast customers and see a great drop in income.71 views
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Another highlight is this beautiful, classic Tobu bus from 1951. Cab-over type bus displayed at Tobu Museum in Sumida Ward, Tokyo.71 views
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Tatsunami-beya sumo stable.70 views
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Cemetary70 views
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