4th August
Today – new Tokyo.
After yesterday’s shrines and older things.
By overground to Ebisu and then from there via underground to Rippongi to the Rippongi Hills development.  Built in 2003 with an observation deck overlooking Tokyo – at the height of Canary Wharf (well, two floors higher at 52), an art gallery and a “sky aquarium”.  Like a cross between that tower and the London Eye. Breathtaking views – the highest point in the city – great photocalls for the landmarks like the Tokyo Tower, just like the Eiffel Tower but red!  It’s almost possible to get a handle on where we were / are.

Some more impressions;
Food court
Quiet
Soup factory and Bagel Bagel
Spotless toilets (all with running water available to cover any noises – also with bidet feature)
Louise Bourgeois Spider, last seen at the Tate Modern guarding the entrance to the Tower
The Metro Hat – through which you emerge from the train
Le Courboisier creativity show, including model houses reminds me of the inspiration behind the Ferrier Estate in Greenwich)

After quick, late, light lunch – off to the shopping districts of Harajuku and then Shibuya.
Familiar names (Gap, Ralph Lauren), mingle with the unfamiliar (Irony Corner being my favourite).  Boutiques and restaurants, trendy shops, Gallop for shoes.  But it is much hotter and more humid today and everyone is flagging!

Hit Shibuya just as a hundred or so mobiles are pointed skywards by some young folk gathered at the statue of Hachiko the dog.  They are staring up at a birthday greeting for one of their mates broadcast on a giant video screen.  Here is Piccadilly Circus and the Clock at Waterloo Station combined – a mad meeting point and street crossing with neon neon, neon everywhere and half of Tokyo’s millions crossing from six directions at once.  This is the cliché of what it’s like to be here.  The senses are overwhelmed and no photo or video clip will quite do it justice I think.

Back at the hotel shower off the heat of the day and walk out for last meal on the 35th Floor of the Maranuochi Building – piano player, fantastic view of Tokyo by night.