The Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan is that building where people go to get their passports and has the round revolving restaurant at the top. I discovered for the first time today that this is a great place for Shinkansen watching. As you know I’m a big fan of the Shinkansen. From the 3rd Floor there’s a fabulous panoramic view of the tracks in an area outside called the Yurakucho Colline where you can sit and have lunch or smoke. I stepped over some shrubs to get a closer shot and managed to get some good ones before the security guy came and yelled at me. See more photos below.
I have to come back at night. This is a much better spot than the one from the street.
Great shots. I see there are 2 shapes for the front of the train. Going by current car shape trends I assume the “blunt” one is the most recent? Shades of “Design by Honda” there!
Roy, it’s great you post about places in Tokyo. I have been in Tokyo for a grand total of 2 times, and assumed Tokyo was all about Himeiji Jinggu, Harajuku, Shubuya and Shinjuku.
Coming to your site is like visiting Tokyo without having to fly in.
Derek, the Hondaish (good description) one is the 300 series (1989-1998) and is older than the longer pointier one which is the 700 series (1997-2005) See here:
http://www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~dajf/byunbyun/types.htm
Saff, Himeiji Jingu? teehee..
Aw Roy!
That photo location evaded me for over 13 years. Now I know where to “eat lunch” with me and my camera when I get to Tokyo in June. How much was lunch?
BTW, is the Ricoh GRD getting any cheaper? They sell it in US now but exclusively through Adorama of NYC at $699. I saw that several store list it for Y63,800. Thanks for any hints.
Henry
GRD isn’t getting any cheaper. It’s still about 700USD here as well. Let me know the dates for your visit when they are finalized.
Thanks Roy, nice link. Proves that “Trainspotter anoraks” are everywhere. “Fossett” doesn’t sound as if he’s a local….