Shinkansen 300 Series Retired

It's the end of the line for 300 series shinkansen trains.

News On Japan reported:

About 1,000 train enthusiasts gathered on the platform at Tokyo Station at 10:47 on Friday morning to see off the last 300 series shinkansen service for Shin-Osaka.

JR Tokai said the 300 series trains will be retired and replaced with more energy-efficient models for the Tokaido and Sanyo lines.

The 300 series was introduced in 1992. My first shinkansen ride was on a 300 series train from Tokyo Station to Atami in 2001.

For the full story (and video), go here.

Sky Tree Outstrips Tokyo Tower

Above, the Sky Tree dominated Tokyo's skyline a little over a year ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo's newest tourist attraction, the Sky Tree Tower, is nearing completion. It will be open to visitors in about three months.

The Sky Tree is located across the Sumida River from Asakusa.

According to News On Japan:

Construction is expected to be finished at the end of this month in Japan on the world's largest self-supporting tower. It will be the second highest man-made structure in the world, surpassed only by Dubai's 829-meter-high Burj Kalifa skyscraper.

The Sky Tree soars 634 meters (almost double that of Tokyo Tower) and will have an observation deck at a height of 450 meters. To get a breathtaking view of Tokyo, a ride up to the observation deck will cost about $40 per person.

To read the full article, go here.

Tokyo's Razzle-dazzle

Above, the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba that were prominently featured in "Godzilla x Megaguirus" (2000). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From the start (my first visit was in November 2001), I have found Tokyo to be a fun town. I always enjoy visiting there. I use it as my "base of operations" for visits to surrounding areas.

I will take side jaunts to other regions, but I make my way back to Tokyo.

Above, Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

News On Japan has posted an article on the "The Charm and Razzle-dazzle of Tokyo," which includes a video.

It starts off with:

For a first time visitor, Japan can be an overwhelming experience on many counts. But what knocks you out totally is the kindness and courtesy bit. Of course one has read about the Japanese culture of politeness and punctuality. But in a world that is getting as impersonal as busy, to get so many bows and smiles right from arrival at Tokyo 's Narita International Airport to your hotel, indeed comes as a surprise.

Above, Asakusa's Nakamise Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Tokyo. A visitor won't be bored in Tokyo.

To read the full article and view the video, go here.