Nakagin Capsule Tower

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to view the Nakagin Capsule Tower, a landmark of the Metabolism movement, yesterday with Professor Julian Worrall of Waseda University.
As Dr. Worrell pointed out to us, the tower and its surroundings illustrate the somewhat confusing state of preservation in Tokyo. Just nearby, one may discover a recently constructed 1:1 replica of the original Shiodome station, the earliest in Tokyo, which hasn't stood for about eighty years. Meanwhile, an authentic architectural landmark, literally feet away, is slated for demolition.

Sangubashi station

At the end of a long first day of travelling, we were greeted with this wonderful small commercial street outside Sangubashi Station, our stop on the Odakyu Line. We're only two stops from Shinjuku station, a major hub on the inner ring of rail lines around Tokyo. 

The street has small restaurants and shops which appear to cater to residents at the end of their commute and people staying at NOMYC: convience stores, curry shops, and cleaners.

Sumo food

Murao-sensei and Nakai-sensei were kind enough to treat us to a dinner of chankonabe at a sumo restaurant near the station at Ryogoku after a long walk through the neighborhood along the Sumida River and the Edo-Tokyo Museum. While we didn't witness sumo wrestling (from my understanding the wrestlers wouldn't perform at a place like a restaurant), we did get to see the traditional ceremonies performed before the match. 

It was also our first experience with drinking in Japan, and Nakai-sensei was always more than willing to keep our glasses full. A great introduction to Tokyo and a very generous gesture.

natto for breakfast

View from restaurant "Sakura" during breakfast this morning. Big day in Ginza ahead!

first glimpse of Yoyogi neighborhood

Quick night for a very long day. Things really start off in Ginza tomorrow.