Japan Trip 2014 - Tokyo Streets

Street scenes from my last trip to Japan.  All taken on my iphone.

Japan Day Five - Fabric Town and Asakusa

We were back on the Shinkansen yesterday and off to Tokyo.  Even though the trips are a couple of hours each way from Nagoya I really love watching the Japanese scenery rush past; little towns, big cities, the sea, patchworks of rice fields flooded with water waiting for planting.  I alternate between gazing out the window and getting work done at 200km per hour and so the Tokyo Fabric Shopping Guide book is really coming along.

It was a grey rainy day yesterday but that didn't dampen (sorry!) our spirits.

Firstly we headed for Nippori Fabric Town, such a treasure trove.  Not only did I buy some pretty Japanese cottons, but also a couple more second hand kimonos, some super cute clothes for my little one and some leather working tools for The Man.  We certainly didn't make it into all 100 stores in the area, but then again, I don't think I could have carried any more purchases anyway!

Heaving left that heavy load in a locker, we hopped on another couple of trains and went to Asakusa.  The little tourist street looked so pretty with the light reflecting off the damp ground.

It was a great day for puddle-jumping frogs and those dressed like one.

Day Three in Japan - Tokyo Design Festa

After a morning trip on the luxurious Shinkansen from Nagoya to Tokyo, yesterday was all about the Design Festa.

I've always had trouble describing the Design Festa in a manner that really did it justice.  "An international art event" just was never enough.  Quoting from the brochure is better... "The creative chaos of original art..... jam packed with genre-crossing, off the wall artworks and exciting live performances guaranteed to inspire and enchant..."  And it's not just the 10,000 exhibiting artists / designers / crafters / performers spread over 3,000 booths and two stages that are a sight to be seen, but there are many visitors themselves dressed in expressive fashion and cosplay.  

Thanks Design Festa, it was mind-blowing as always!  See you again next year!

*If you're lucky enough to be in Japan at the time, the Design Festa is also in both May and November every year*