Architecture：Tokyo Tower

Note: If you are reading this post from facebook, I suggest you click here to read the original post in black.

2 May 2010 - This Golden Week, after failing to get tickets to Nara, I could only stay in my room for the whole 7 days holiday. I woke up on Sunday morning feeling restless and a strong urge to go somewhere, I brought my camera, EF-S10-22mm F3.5-4.5 USM and tripod, and headed towards Tokyo Tower.

I have stayed in Tokyo for 2.5 years, have seen Tokyo Tower countless times, but I have never been to the foot of Tokyo Tower.

Let's start with some standard shots of Tokyo Tower:


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I am into lines and shapes recently:


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Tokyo Tower and Cars:


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After that, I got hungry and went into the food court for a bowl of ramen.
Tokyo Tower was exhibiting Michael Jackson's goods and collections but it said "No Photography Inside", and I am not a huge fan of MJ so I didn't go in. I was more interested in going up to the observatory but the queue was sooooo looooonnnnnng that I gave up as well.

I stepped out of the Tokyo Tower Mall and was planning to go back but Tokyo Tower caught my eye again.


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The lights changed colors. I set up my tripod again and took a few more dozens of shots (same angle but with different settings).


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Looking at other people struggling to capture Tokyo Tower with their handphone cameras, I felt really satisfied with my works.. haha
However, I kept telling myself that I need to photograph Tokyo Tower like no one has ever done it before. The chance came as I was heading back towards the JR train station...

The temple was closed but there were no barricades. It was total darkness inside but I didn't give a second thought and simply just walked into it. And this was what I saw...


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It was so dark inside that my autofocus did not work. I had to manual focus and try numerous different settings. It was clear sky and they were a few stars. The line was formed by a passing airplane.

Overall, I think this is the best series I ever shot.

花痴系列：つつじ/Rhododendron/杜鵑花＠塩船観音寺

25 Apr 2010 - Rhododendron Festival(つつじ祭り) at Shiofune Kannon Temple(塩船観音寺).

Shiofune Kanon Temple is an ancient temple with a history that dates back to A.D.645～650. It is famous as the temple of flowers, as it holds 17000 Rhododendron trees.

Website(in Japanese): http://www4.ocn.ne.jp/~kannonji/index.htm

I could not find any updates from the internet regarding the condition of the flowers there. Just trying my luck, and hoping that the flowers are all blooming, I cycled 40mins to the temple. I was kinda disappointed with what I saw. 25 Apr was still early; there were hardly any flowers.


Not many flowers

Views of the Temple

Japanese Incense

Colorful Banner

Locked building

Torii Gates

Hand Washing Basin, where you perform the Temizu

According to Wiki, these are the steps to visiting a shrine in Japan:
- Approach the entrance and bow respectfully before entering.
- If there is a hand washing basin provided, perform Temizu; wash your left hand first, then your right, then rinse your mouth, (do not spit back into the water supply or drink), and sometimes your feet as well if needed. Tip the ladle backwards to wash the ladle handle with the remaining water and place opening down on the rack where you found it.
- Approach the shrine; if there is a bell, you may ring the bell prior to prayers; if there is a box for donations, leave a modest one in relation to your means; normally there will be a sequence of bows, (commonly 2) and then claps (commonly 2), hold the second and put your hands together in front of your heart for a closing bow after your prayers.
- There is variation in how this basic visitation may go, and depending on the time of year and holidays there may also be other rituals attached to visitations.
- Be sincere and respectful to the staff and other visitors, and if at all possible, be quiet. Do be aware that there are places one should not go on the shrine grounds. Do not wear shoes inside any buildings.

Giant Kannon(or Guanyin) Statue

Far

Close. She is saying "OK!"

I went there mainly for the flowers. Although not many, here are some shots of the flowers.

Close-ups and Macros





Purple and Red Rhododendron

Other misc shots


Stop Stepping on the Same Spot!

Leaves showered with Lights of Sunset

Full Set @ Flickr