We awoke the next morning, relieved to find that the world was still there and we were then good with our decision to stay put when the earthquake alarms went off. After breakfast, we set off to see the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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6 thoughts on “Analogue Adventures – Tokyo, Japan 1985 – Day 2”
I love your photos of traditional Japanese architecture and how it is dominated by wood. I once read that in older Japanese homes, no paint was coated onto the buildings’ walls to show appreciation. You don’t see that much nowadays. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Tokyo is amazing. Even though there are many tall buildings, the average height of buildings in the whole city is about 1 1/2 stories (earthquake consideration). The traditional Japanese homes were made with a lot of pine and the wood was left exposed as much as possible. It is really a beautiful simple appearance. Thanks for reading Aiva. Allan
Glad to see you enjoyed Ueno Park and that amazing National Museum. So much of it looks familiar which is amazing considering the 34 year that passed between our visits. I don’t recall there being a street market, which was cool. Harajuku is such a lively area, lots of cosplay when I passed through. Meiji Shrine, so magical with incredible history. I remember first seeing it in the movie ‘Lost in Translation’ and thinking I HAVE to go there. And then Ginza, fortuitous timing that you got to see the festival in full flow.
It was definitely a full day of culture. I wish I had more recollection of the National Museum. We knew to look for the kids in Harajuku and had the right day, but had trouble finding the place at first. In 2009, the styles and kids had changed a lot. WE have been to Meiji-jingu 3 times and it is still awe inspiring. We laughed seeing the 1985 photos of the Ginza, compared to our visit in 2009, when we stayed a few short blocks away. And we thought it was bright in 1985. Thanks for reading and your comments Leighton. Hope your day is going well. Allan
Love all the pics. It’s always fun to stumble upon festivals. That is one of the things I love about living in NYC, there’s always something going on or something unexpected to see.
Glad you are enjoying this blast from the past. With a metro population of nearly 37.5 million people, there is always something going on in Tokyo. We love the surprises it provides. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Allan
Picture This 
I love your photos of traditional Japanese architecture and how it is dominated by wood. I once read that in older Japanese homes, no paint was coated onto the buildings’ walls to show appreciation. You don’t see that much nowadays. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tokyo is amazing. Even though there are many tall buildings, the average height of buildings in the whole city is about 1 1/2 stories (earthquake consideration). The traditional Japanese homes were made with a lot of pine and the wood was left exposed as much as possible. It is really a beautiful simple appearance. Thanks for reading Aiva. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to see you enjoyed Ueno Park and that amazing National Museum. So much of it looks familiar which is amazing considering the 34 year that passed between our visits. I don’t recall there being a street market, which was cool. Harajuku is such a lively area, lots of cosplay when I passed through. Meiji Shrine, so magical with incredible history. I remember first seeing it in the movie ‘Lost in Translation’ and thinking I HAVE to go there. And then Ginza, fortuitous timing that you got to see the festival in full flow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was definitely a full day of culture. I wish I had more recollection of the National Museum. We knew to look for the kids in Harajuku and had the right day, but had trouble finding the place at first. In 2009, the styles and kids had changed a lot. WE have been to Meiji-jingu 3 times and it is still awe inspiring. We laughed seeing the 1985 photos of the Ginza, compared to our visit in 2009, when we stayed a few short blocks away. And we thought it was bright in 1985. Thanks for reading and your comments Leighton. Hope your day is going well. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love all the pics. It’s always fun to stumble upon festivals. That is one of the things I love about living in NYC, there’s always something going on or something unexpected to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you are enjoying this blast from the past. With a metro population of nearly 37.5 million people, there is always something going on in Tokyo. We love the surprises it provides. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person