Takoa San

Takoa San, originally uploaded by AdrielH.

During the peak of my trail running craze in 2008, I attempted a 30k in the mountains outside of Tokyo. Running in the Tokao region is a real treat, with well-defined trails that go on and on and on, ample rest stops, and breathtaking views.
The trail is accessible by train and short job if you know where to go, and the fantastic public transit means you could do four hours, hit a hot springs bath and be back in town without ever covering the same ground twice.
I unfortunately injured my knee about halfway into this particular run, but hopefully with time I will be back to scenes like this one.

Sakura Dori

Sakura Dori, originally uploaded by AdrielH.

I've only been in Japan for cherry blossom season once in my eight visits. This is one of several camera photos I snapped in March 2008 on my last full day in Tokyo on that 7th visit; it is the main thoroughfare into my wife's hometown.
Cherry blossom season is amazingly beautiful, with miles and miles of suburban roads lined with mature trees. Many of the trees are tagged for maintenance and upkeep - a true national treasure.

Shinjuku, Cocoon Tower

Shinjuku, Cocoon Tower, originally uploaded by AdrielH.

Anyone who follows my photos will soon notice that I adore unique architecture - and even not-so-unique architecture, when the light is right. For someone with my tastes, Shinkuku, Tokyo, is a wonderful place.
In addition to the iconic and classic Shinjuku Tower, the Skyscraper District is full of classic and modernist business buildings, such as the three-peaked Shinjuku Park Tower. The area around Shinjuku Station is also now home to the beautiful Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, opened in fall 2008, after my last trip to Tokyo.
The Cocoon is home to three colleges, and is a sparking addition to the skyline from the viewing platforms of Tokyo Tower, and much of street-level central Shinjuku.

Shinjuku, Tokyo

Shinjuku, Tokyo, originally uploaded by AdrielH.

Shinjuku is home to two distinctions - a great electronics bazaar and a vibrant nightlife. So you can buy a world-class camera in the afternoon, and hit the clubs in the evening.
It is not the most crowded of nightlife districts in Tokyo, but close, as you can see from this photo. Just about all hours of the day, the Shinjuku Station - a major junction - is crowded outside with boys and girls waiting for their dates to arrive, and at night it is mad with activity, including hawkers trying to get you in their karaoke bar or restaurant.
Leaving Shinjuku at night is also an experience, with bone-crushing people-jams on the express trains.

Sankeien Garden

Sankeien Garden, originally uploaded by AdrielH.

Sankeien Garden is a luxurious preserve nestled on high ground just off Yokohama Bay. It was first established by a wealthy silk trader in the 19th century, and opened to the public in 1906.
It hosts not only a wealth of seasonal blossoming trees and flowers, but more than a dozen historic buildings relocated to the site. These include the amazing Three-Storied Pagoda of Old Tomyoji, built in 1457, and the Old Yanohara House, in incense-filled Edo period headman's home.
We visited as part of a bus tour and were rushed to try to take in the Garden's incredible sights. I would recommend reserving several hours for touring this wonderful place, followed perhaps by dinner in Yokohama Chinatown and then a stroll down by the Bay.