Shiodome is special: In contrast to most of Tokyo, it is modern-looking and has some class. Known by some as the “Tokyo Wall” (for blocking wind from the bay and raising temperatures), my building and those around it were built within that last five years, and it really shows. Right across the street from my work is a big park called Hamarikyū, after which one of my hotel’s banquet rooms was named.
Shiodome (汐留)
The direction from which I walk each morning.
Toward work, which is just right of dead center.
Above-ground walkway leading into my building.
Now with a film crew, a common sight here.
Roughly the same scene at night.
Farther back. Blue lights sit atop Conrad Tokyo.
Next to Dentsu (you’ll see it soon) by my work.
Now looking left. I walk down to that glass box.
The same walkway and stairs from the other side.
There’s Conrad Tokyo.
The bright box: elevator and employee entrance.
Kyōdō News Media Tower.
Looks like speakers. Or Star Trek shuttle bays.
Facing away from my hotel. Dentsu on the right.
Dentsu is Japan’s biggest advertising company.
Looking straight up.
It’s a striking building. I wish I could go inside.
One night a spotlight was attached to Dentsu.
Reflection courtesy the glass walls everywhere.
Two buildings for the glimpse of one.
Yurikamome, a monorail, above the cool walkway.
To the left is the area in the very first two pictures.
Nippon TV Tower. The reason for the film crews.
Shiodome City Center reflected in Nippon TV.
A moving clock designed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Another colorful result of Nippon TV’s presence.
And another: a Ratatouille display!
Which was later replaced by a Totoro display.
During the day via my cell phone.
Totoro and me!
Looking in the direction of Ginza.
To the left of Dentsu is Caretta Shiodome.
It was host to a play called Wicked.
This play was popular in many U.S. cities.
The fancy display was more interesting at night.
It featured a whole light and sound show.
Oooo . . .
. . . aaahh.
It made me want to see the play.
And it even included bubbles!
Interesting rendition of a witch.
“Z” for . . . I have no idea.
I like reflections. This time in Dentsu.
Glancing upward. Looks like a fun place to talk.
Nicely in English for Japanese people.
Obligatory McDonald’s shot.
Underground nearby. Airline ad with Pikachus.
ピカピカ！ Pika pika! (“Sparkle sparkle!”)
Inside my building. My previous employer (MBE) & a fancy convenience store.
“Famima!!” (Family Mart!!) You can read the Engrish.
My most convenient Internet hot spot.
Nippon TV, Royal Park Hotel, and City Center.
The same three buildings, if you follow.
Nippon TV from a different angle.
The skinny section (28th floor & up) is Conrad. Below are other companies.
The opposite direction. To the right is Hamarikyū.
Nice to have some green in the middle of the city.
Can you see the heron, crane, & muddy bucket?
From leaves to leaves, Conrad shall impose.
A broader view.
Super widescreen.
I like the detail, but I don’t like spiders.
Huh, this one’s a Shintō spider.
The spider’s little shrine.
Opposite the shrine is a patch of pretty flowers.
Three steps in the blooming process.
Much nicer than a spider.
Bees are nicer than spiders, too.
Isn’t it cute? I mean, it’s furry, even!
Big, bad Conrad.
American hotel in Japan.
