Skip to main content of this page
Main content starts here.
TOKYO ALBUM > Tokyo Photo News > Tokyo Photo News backnumbers > Tokyo Photo News 2009 > Tokyo Photo News December 2009
Tokyo Sky Tree Reaching for the Heavens
The Tokyo Sky Tree, currently under construction in Sumida Ward, has risen to a height of over 200 meters. Utilizing the latest technology, traditional Japanese construction techniques including the use of a central column with dynamic damping effects?a method taken in five-story pagodas?were revived in the tower, which will be 634 meters tall upon completion. Tokyo Sky Tree is scheduled to begin operations as a terrestrial digital broadcasting tower in the spring of 2012, and is highly anticipated to become a new sightseeing spot in the metropolis.
Setagaya Boroichi
The Setagaya Boroichi (flea market) was held on December 15 and 16. With great weather on the 15th, the market was crowded with people looking for bargains. The Boroichi has a long history dating back to the Rakuichi (free market) of the Sengoku period (mid 15th to mid 17th centuries). It is currently held twice a year on the 15th and 16th of December and January, and is designated as an important intangible folk cultural asset by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
No More Waiting at Train Crossings
As part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and JR East project for continuous grade-separated crossings along the Chuo Line, construction work to switch the in-bound line between Mitaka and Kokubunji stations to elevated tracks took place from December 5 to 6. All 13 level crossings in this section of the line were eliminated, bringing an end to long years of traffic congestion caused by crossings that were rarely open.
Photo: Former site of the Musashikoganei Honmachi train crossing
A Fantasy on Water Comes to Life in Odaiba
"Odaiba Water Illumination" was recently staged at the Odaiba Seaside Park. Sea water drawn by large pumps and sprayed through specially designed nozzles created a giant screen of water measuring 15 meters in height and 40 meters in width. For 15 minutes fantastic three-dimensional images were projected onto the screen to the accompaniment of music. Against the backdrop of an illuminated Rainbow Bridge, this was a dazzling display of night in the city.
Copyright 2006~ Tokyo Metropolitan Government. All Rights Reserved