Train tracks approaching Shinjuku Station.The fourteen story Takashimaya Times Square Department Store next door to the Shinjuku train station. The top three floors are all restaurants.There are some traditional structures sandwiched between the modern buildings of Tokyo.A plum tree in bloom in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. A number of the large trees are supported by stakes.Plum blossomsThe old cherry trees are large and have elaborate branch networks with some branches touching the ground. Notice the branch just beyond the trunk. In the next picture, you’ll get a better idea of the size of this tree.Janis with one of the branches that is touching the ground.This tree was just starting to blossom and the bees were making an appearance.The Taiwan Pavillion in the Japanese Garden. You can see some koi in the pond.This artist pauses to contemplate as he draws the Taiwan Pavillion.Part of the Japanese Garden with the city in the background.A sculpted pine tree in the Japanese Garden.This is the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building, fourth tallest in Tokyo and the tallest if you include the communications mast on top. Branch hanging down to the waterline.This artist was painting in colour. Looks like he was finished, but a minute after I took the picture, he dipped his brush into some paint, added one brush stroke, then paused to think some more.Avenue of the Plane TreesCity view over the French formal garden.The English Landscape Garden with city in background.Trees in bloom.Some white cherry blossoms.A pretty blossomChrysanthemums are also popular in the park.In the conservatoryLarge plants in the conservatory.Some of the orchids on display.The rickshaw we could have had a free ride in. Unfortunately we ran out of time.Oh, by the way, smoking is prohibited on city streets. This sign is embedded in the sidewalk at periodic intervals. View from the fourteenth floor of the Takashimaya store. Unfortunately the outside boardwalk was not open to the public.Traditional Japanese outfits are made to order here.And there is a school uniform shop as well.Some more samurai doll shrines on display.A helmet, a bow and arrow, and a kitana sword fill this shrine.And so it’s farewell to Tokyo until our next visit.
