Calling out to the gods at this shrine it seems can be done conventionally with the relaxing ring of a red bell.
Or alternatively, and somewhat less conventionally, with the considerably less calming call of a cockerel.
Tranquil(-ish) time out #51
Unsociable Japanese cycling?
With its state-of-the-art bicycles and equally visionary venues, professional track cycling, at least as an Olympic event, is an exciting spectacle full of tactical prowess and tremendous power. But on a weekday morning in Tokyo, where betting rather than any kind of beauty is the overriding reason for being there, it’s a very different story indeed.
One where, with space in plentiful supply,
punters prefer to pick their bets in private.
Which not only keeps them away from prying eyes, but also allows for a quick nap after a couple of early morning cans.
And even in the surprisingly bustling throng of the betting area,
it’s a noticeably solitary affair, with little or no communication among the faithful.
In fact, there’s not even any blokey banter, which is especially odd considering there are no ladies present.
Their total absence laughably resulting in the ladies lavatories actually being locked up.
All of which, toilet issues aside, can be simply too much for some.
Photos, especially the first one, for A.E.S.
Tokyo Times (no) time out
From tomorrow, I shall be away from these fair isles for a month and be in the equally fair but not quite as full isles of home, allowing me the chance to catch up with family and friends whilst at the same time imbibing as much of the black stuff as my burgeoning belly can bear.
In the meantime, however, Tokyo Times will continue to be updated nigh on as often as it is now, although there will be much more emphasis on pictures rather than pitiful puns and laughable alliteration, which, it has to be said, is by no means a bad thing.
But to be totally sure there’ll be something new to see, there’s always the option of subscribing to the site’s RSS, which is full-feed and healthily ad-fat free.
Dragon Quest quest?
With the much-delayed Dragon Quest IX for the Nintendo DS selling by the bucket load in Japan, this fella’s quest quite possibly wasn’t the pleasant ambience of the park, but instead a bit of privacy to play his newly purchased game in peace.
Particularly poor Tokyo playground
The local authority may well have finally seen the light and closed down the playground pictured below (or at least put posters up proclaiming so), but the kids that used to play there definitely didn’t, as built under a busy bridge it is dark,
dingy,
and more than a little dank.
Although it does have that dinosaur.
And a not quite so mobile phone if things had got too melancholy.
