Observations from Tokyo

My observations have little to do with this character on the left. On Saturday afternoon, the Ginza is closed to cars and the serious walkers and shoppers come out. Although the season has no religious or cultural connotation in this country, it appears that Tokyo has embraced the festival of lights and holiday concept with a strong passion. Every major centre in this city has a display which attracts shoppers and gawkers from all over. At one place, Tokyo Midtown, there are tour buses which arrive for the dancing lights show. There stand the tourists, their telephone at the ready (few cameras). It is a bit like Rockefeller Centre in New York. However, much more dramatic and spectacular. 


About the guy in the winter suit. They love their dogs and hate the cold. In fact some dogs have a special carriage. Talk about pampered.


We love our random adventures. The other day, we spotted a poster for an exhibition of Toulouse Lautrec art. We found it thanks to my iPad. But the new museum (opened 2010) was impressive on two aspects. Piki will explain the art. I have to describe the organization. 
There is an entrance on a side street which has no access. Rather than place an impersonal sign, there is a poor freezing attendant advising everyone that the entrance is around the corner. Once you enter the building, there is an impeccably dressed guide every 4 metres simply to show you the way to the ticker booth. From the ticket booth to the exhibition (10 metres) there were at least 4 guides to direct you to the elevators. When asked what do I miss most when I return. Here, we are spoiled with the level of service. Yes, there is a high degree of over employment but it appears to be put to good use.


Last thought. the food halls in the basement of the department stores. Our research on this topic is lacking but who cares. Piki and I have taken to wandering through this wonderland of food. Of course, there is a enormous number of serving staff. But the presentation and variety of foods are a treat to all the senses. It is easy to buy a multi-course  meal including dessert and to do this every day because the choices appear endless. Somehow it heals the knees and back as we head back on the metro to our Tokyo home.


Marcel