Friday, April 30, 2010

"Ginza Kabukiza Theater - Final Day Open to the Public"

I was in Ginza yesterday when a friend called and told me that the Kabukiza Theater was giving it's final public performances that day, and would be torn down after that, so I walked over and took some video of the event.  Apparently they will be putting up a new high-rise building on the land the current Kabukiza building sits on, and incorporating a new Kabuki theater within the new building.

"Approaching Ginza Kabuki Theater" (100428-1754)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sGWluVLf2Q

Walking from central Ginza out to the Kabuki Theater (Kabukiza) on the edge of Ginza - near Tsukiji.  Notice all the people wearing kimonos - there are not usually so many, but Wednesday, April 28th, 2010 was the final night for public performances at the Kabukiza (there will be some special performances for another couple of days I hear), and many people dressed up for a final visit before they tear the building down.  (They're planning to put yet another high-rise building there, which will incorporate a new Kabukiza in the building.)  Apparently the current building was built in 1952.

銀座の歌舞伎座に近くなる  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, at 5:54 p.m.)

"Kabukiza Final Public Performance Day Queue" (100428-1757)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIcDdTkpLDw

Walking by a line of people waiting to go in for one of the final public performances at the Kabuki Theater before they tear the building down.

銀座歌舞伎座の最後の普通日の列  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, at 5:57 p.m.)

"Crowds in Front of Ginza Kabuki Theater - April 28th, 2010" (100428-1800)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBinWwnN_S0

Crowds of people milling about in front of the Ginza Kabuki theater taking pictures of the building - since it will be torn down soon, and Wednesday, April 28th, was the final day for public performances.  (The police officer is asking/telling people not to block the sidewalk.)

銀座歌舞伎座の最後の普通日の人々が写真を撮る  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, at 6:00 p.m.)

"Kabukiza Entrance Just Before Performance on April 28th, 2010" (100428-1806)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH6a4YZyVwk

The scene in front of the Kabukiza Theater in Ginza, with many people milling about in front; people getting tickets from a ticket window; and people going in for a performance - many wearing kimonos.

銀座歌舞伎座の最後の普通日  着物姿の人々が建物に入ったり  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, at 6:06 p.m.)

"Kabukiza - From Front to Sidewalk on April 28th, 2010" (100428-1810)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrcPHveUYRE

Looking around while walking from close to the front of the Kabukiza building, on out to the sidewalk - taking a look back at the building from there.

銀座歌舞伎座の最後の普通日  あっちこっちの人々  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, at 6:10 p.m.)

"Chestnut Vendor in Front of Kabukiza - April 28th, 2010" (100428-1834)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPaWLrqOKzw

Looking up at the illuminated Kabukiza building, and then over at a man selling roasted chestnuts by the sidewalk.

(I don't know if these were typically sold to people going to Kabuki shows, or if it was just a coincidence....)

銀座歌舞伎座の最後の普通日  建物と栗販売人  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, at 6:34 p.m.)

"Kabukiza Theater - Last Look on April 28th, 2010" (100428-1835)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXqk1Kt2GQM

Taking one last look at the Kabukiza before going home.  The people sitting next to the building are (I think) waiting for the next show.  A couple of them looked a bit forlorn - I've heard that some people will travel into Tokyo once a month (from far off cities even) to see Kabuki, so I can imagine they're none too happy about the plan to tear that building down.  (The show will continue in another location, but the atmosphere and half-century history-radiation factor of this building will be destroyed with the loss of the building.)

銀座歌舞伎座の最後の普通日  帰る前、最後に見る  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, at 6:35 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Sunday, April 25, 2010

"Trains Trains... Seibu, Tozai, Ginza, Yamanote, and Chuo Lines"

With the exception of the one-day cool exhibition in the Okuno Building by Matsumoto Akinori (see: "Matsumoto Akinori Sound Scenes at Okuno Building"), this batch of ten video clips are all centered around trains and train stations.  First the Seibu-Haijima Line, then the Seibu-Shinjuku Line, the Tozai Line, the Ginza Line, the Yamanote Line, and finally the Chuo Line.  All part of the usual Tokyo lifestyle - going about here and there via one train after another.

"Boarding Seibu Haijima Line at Ogawa" (100420-1242)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBr98sXPmhM

Watching a Seibu-Haijima Line train arrive at Ogawa Station, getting on and then walking through the train towards the front.

小川駅で西武拝島線の電車が遣って来ます  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, at 12:42 p.m.)

"Wide Window View - Ogawa to Hagiyama" (100420-1243)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SNUUL5HBnc

Ogawa Station to Hagiyama Station.  Looking out the front cab of a newer type (but not the newest) Seibu Haijima Line train with a wide window and no metal structures in the middle interfering with the view.

小川駅から萩山駅まで、前の広い窓風景  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, at 12:43 p.m.)

"Wide Window View - Hagiyama to Kodaira" (100420-1246)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOtjXAKZ4S8

Hagiyama Station to Kodaira Station.  Looking out the front cab of a newer type (but not the newest) Seibu Haijima Line train with a wide window and no metal structures in the middle interfering with the view.  Taken in early spring - the trees are just turning green.

萩山駅から小平駅まで、前の広い窓風景  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, at 12:46 p.m.)

"Manual Controls - Watching Seibu Train Driver" (100420-1319)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSZeu1sSlNw

Watching the driver run a Seibu Line train from Seibu-Shinjuku to Takadanobaba with manual controls - with separate levers for acceleration and braking.

西武線の手動電車の運転手を見ながら西武新宿駅から高田馬場駅まてに行く  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, at 1:19 p.m.)

"Red-Stripe Tozai Line Train Arrives at Takadanobaba" (100420-1326)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgZuJ8sOvjs

Watching a red-stripe Tozai Line train arrive at Takadanobaba Station and then climbing aboard.

赤いストライプ東西線の電車が高田馬場駅に遣って来ます  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, at 1:26 p.m.)

"Ginza Line Diagonally Arriving at Nihonbashi" (100420-1345)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-meGl8n-who

Watching a Ginza Line train arrive at Nihonbashi Station.  Notice the advertising on the side of the train.  Advertising on the side of transportation vehicles began with ads on buses, and is on trains from time to time as well.

Probably putting an ad (or ads) all over an eleven-car train (in the case of the Yamanote Line) costs vastly more than putting it (or them) on a few buses.  (There are also ad trucks that do nothing except help make traffic worse while dragging around illuminated billboards.)

銀座線の電車が日本橋駅に遣って来ます  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, at 1:45 p.m.)

"Matsumoto Akinori Sound Scenes at Okuno Building" (100420-1739)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t6jbzxRJbE

Matsumoto Akinori had a one-day exhibition at the Okuno Building in Ginza on April 20th, 2010.

I received the artist's permission to take this video clip, but unfortunately, as soon as I began recording, a couple of women visitors began talking, making it harder to get the effect of the different sounds created by the various objects in the room.  Different fans and motors were turned on and off, creating different combinations of... music?  It was much nicer than just noise, so I think the term "music" fits.

The visual element was also interesting - it was fun to watch the many different moving shapes and the shadows they cast on the walls.

松本秋則の奥野ビル展示会  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, at 5:39 p.m.)

"Yamanote Line Train Arriving at Yurakucho" (100420-1833)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s5Hs0jpIKc

Watching a Yamanote Line train arrive at 6:33 p.m. at Yurakucho Station - feeling surprisingly relaxed.  For whatever reason, the platform wasn't crowded.  Probably a combination of the system running the maximum number of trains and it being a little past the peak suburbs-bound rush, what with the bad economy having companies sending people home earlier.

有楽町駅で山手線の電車が遣って来ます  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, at 6:33 p.m.)

"Kanda Station - Chuo Line Platform" (100420-1839)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo2FbA-FkQ8

Looking around on the Chuo Line platform at Kanda Station.  What with all the lights, Tokyo often looks better at night than it does in the day - with lights, reflections, and a dark sky background providing a pleasing contrast with the sea of colored lights....

神田駅の中央線ホーム風景  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, at 6:39 p.m.)

"Kanda Station Chuo Line Arrival" (100420-1841)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCr7Pd4bsws

Watching a Chuo Line train arrive at Kanda Station and then climbing on - you can hear the doors-about-to-close melody at the end - just before the doors closed, when the clip ends.

神田駅で中央線の電車が遣って来ます  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, at 6:41 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Saturday, April 24, 2010

"Shinobazu Entrance at Ueno Station, and Shinjuku Red Lantern Ramen"

From April 9th, 2010, in Ueno, when I went into the new Yodobashi Camera store there for the first time and looked around a bit.  Then to the Shinobazu Entrance of Ueno Station and over to Shinjuku where I walked past some of the red-lantern ramen places there.

"Ueno Yodobashi Camera 1F" (100409-2050)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9sgAKN839Q

Walking through the 1st floor of the new Yodobashi Camera discount electronics store in Ueno.

新しい上野ヨドバシカメラ, 1F散歩  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 8:50 p.m.)

"Ueno Yodobashi Camera - Brief Look at Top Floors" (100409-2125)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umtqa7d3jOs

A brief look at the top couple of floors of the new Yodobashi Camera in Ueno (showing a couple of floors and some escalator time).

新しい上野ヨドバシカメラ, 上の階散歩  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 9:25 p.m.)

"Shinobazu Entrance to Ueno Station" (100409-2132)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ2VvaUnrGY

Waiting at the large crosswalk near the Shinobazu entrance to Ueno Station (the nearest exit to Ameyoko-cho, the former black market area), and then crossing the street and entering the passageway to the station ticket gates.

アメ横丁と上野駅のしのばず口の間  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 9:32 p.m.)

"Looking Around at Ueno Shinobazu Ticket Gates" (100409-2133)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXiKxmrPiOc

Looking around at the Shinobazu entrance to Ueno Station, and then going through the ticket gates.

上野駅しのばず改札口の近く  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 9:33 p.m.)

"Boarding Yamanote Line at Ueno" (100409-2134)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-td18lkRTE

Looking around the platform at Ueno Station between a Yamanote Line train and a Keihin-Tohoku Line train, and then boarding the Yamanote Line train.

上野駅で、山手線を乗る  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 9:34 p.m.)

"11-Car Lengths of Waiting People in Shinjuku" (100409-2202)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmP-wUJ68cg

Looking at one of the long platforms at Shinjuku Station, which is half-full of people waiting for a train.

新宿駅で、11車両長さのホーム  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 10:02 p.m.)

"Chuo Line Arriving at Next Platform Over" (100409-2202)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD-fxOYct0Y

Watching a Chuo Line train arrive at the next platform.  Notice how the train has cab cars in the middle - so it can be divided into two trains (one four-car and one six-car) for two different destinations further down the line.

中央線が新宿駅の隣のホームで到着  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 10:02 p.m.)

"Ramen Stand at Shinjuku Station, South Exit" (100409-2232)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsqabYLhbhc

Having a walk-by look at a red-lantern ramen stand by the south exit of Shinjuku Station.

新宿駅南口赤提灯ラーメン  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 10:32 p.m.)

"Shinjuku West Exit Odakyu Walk-By Night View" (100409-2237)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blr8XdvcB2c

Walking by Odakyu Department Store on the west side of Shinjuku Station at 10:30 p.m.  (Notice the two red-lantern ramen stands on the left that I walk by.)

新宿駅西口の小田急デパート前の散歩  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 10:37 p.m.)

"Shinjuku Station West Side - Walking North" (100409-2238)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miJL-hGD8mA

After having walked past the west side of Shinjuku Station, I keep going - walking north.

新宿駅の西口、北への散歩  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 10:38 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

"Off-Schedule Chuo Line (Tokyo-Shinjuku), Yoshida Chuta Live, Etc."

Getting on the train system in Yurakucho, riding to Tokyo, changing to the Chuo Line... where I discovered that the line was held up over a problem down the line.  I contemplated giving up on the Chuo Line to get to Shinjuku and taking the Yamanote Line all the way around instead (which would take twice as long as the Chuo Line's usual 15 minutes), but fortunately the Chuo Line started moving again just a few minutes after I arrived.

After riding a very crowded Chuo Line to Shinjuku, I got off and watched the platform scene for a couple of minutes - until the train got underway again (when it's this crowded, it takes a couple of minutes to unload and load).  From there it was into the usual Shinjuku crowds on foot.

"Crossing Under Tracks in Yurakucho" (100413-1744)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3DrH4nm-Hg

Walking under the tracks in Yurakucho - walking by izakaya places, and then turning right and heading towards Yurakucho Station.

有楽町の線路下を通る  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 5:44 p.m.)

"Entering Yurakucho Station" (100413-1811)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaXYGsyJ_Xk

Walking across the intersection near Bic Camera and entering Yurakucho Station.

ビックカメラ前の交差点で道を渡って有楽町駅に入る  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 6:11 p.m.)

"Yurakucho to Tokyo, Right Side" (100413-1812)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XydXvHaxd2Q

A right-side view from a Keihin-Tohoku Line train, beginning as it departs Yurakucho Station and ending just after I step off the train at Tokyo Station.

Midway to Tokyo Station, a Keihin-Tohoku Line train whizzes past going in the opposite direction.

夕方で有楽町駅から東京駅まで、京浜東北線の右側風景  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 6:12 p.m.)

"Tokyo Station Chuo Line, Off-Schedule" (100413-1819)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB8-AqiVkfU

This was slightly early in the evening - at the beginning of the evening rush, when there are a lot of trains, so usually it wouldn't have been overly crowded on the trains, but there was some sort of trouble down the line somewhere, so they had to hold the trains for a while, making it much more crowded than usual.

One major difference between now and a couple of decades ago, is that before, not as many people would have calmly waited in line for another train, but rather would have tried their hardest to get on the first available train, no matter how crowded it was.

東京駅 - 時刻表外の中央線ホーム  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 6:19 p.m.)

"Tokyo to Kanda via Chuo Line - Right Side View" (100413-1821)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDnDC9GPipc

Riding the Chuo Line from Tokyo Station to Kanda Station in the twilight of a Tuesday evening - looking out the right side at other trains passing in both directions, including a Shinkansen train.  The video ends as the doors open at Kanda Station.

The internal announcement (made by the conductor in-between stations) apologizes for the train being late - saying that it's about 15 minutes behind schedule.

中央線で、東京駅から神田駅まで  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 6:21 p.m.)

"Off-Schedule Chuo Line Unloading and Loading at Shinjuku" (100413-1838)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtnNogFXsqY

Getting off of a very crowded Chuo Line train at Shinjuku Station and then walking around on the platform until the train got underway again.

At this time of the evening, they have the maximum number of trains running, so each one isn't usually this crowded, but a problem down the line caused the line to shut down for about 15 minutes, which created the conditions shown in this video.

The trains usually run like clockwork here, but occasionally something happens that throws things off schedule.

新宿駅の時刻表外の中央線ホーム  人込みのホームの散歩  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 6:38 p.m.)

"Shinjuku Station - Walking Through South Exit Crowds" (100413-1842)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDQWElu1Hak

Walking through the evening crowds at Shinjuku Station on both sides of the South Exit ticket gates.

新宿駅の南改札口の人込み  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 6:42 p.m.)

"Shinjuku - Walking Down South Exit Hill" (100413-1846)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTeXpjRJjDc

Walking down the hill from the South Exit of Shinjuku Station - approaching the first intersection (which leads into Nishi-Shinjuku, 1-chome).

新宿駅の南口から坂を下りる夜散歩  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 6:46 p.m.)

"Shinjuku Station - West Side Outside Walk" (100413-2150)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lgmoksyuny8

Walking along the wide sidewalk beside the west side of Shinjuku Station, going past a street performer, food stalls, etc.  (It's hard to see, but there is even a fortune teller who set up shop on the far right of the picture - against the building there - towards the end of the clip.)

新宿駅の西側夜散歩  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 9:50 p.m.)

"M - Yoshida Chuta Live in Shinjuku" (100413-2156)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBLT6CZfzNQ

Yoshida Chuta and the plaza near Seibu-Shinjuku Station.  I stumbled upon Yoshida Chuta playing his guitar near Seibu-Shinjuku Station.  He sounded pretty good, although there was interference from playback of some recorded material not far off (from the new electronics store across the street?).

Yoshida Chuta's website is:
http://do-do-chuta.com/

新宿で吉田忠太ライブギター  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 9:56 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Monday, April 19, 2010

"Seibu, Tozai and Ginza Lines + Ginza and Yurakucho Walks"

Scenes from three train lines - the Seibu, Tozai, and Ginza lines.  Some walking scenes in Ginza and... that's about it for this batch.  For details on the individual clips, see comments below.R

"Half-Fallen Sakura Petals in Park" (100413-1204)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abxIf5RtHdk

Walking down a road in a park in which half the flower petals from the overhead sakura trees have fallen.  At this point, the trees aren't looking as good as they did just a day or two before.  When they look like this, the sakura viewing season is pretty much over.

桜の花が半分落ちている  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:04 p.m.)

"Seibu-Haijima Train Arriving at Ogawa" (100413-1212)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=888YtAMPiaY

Watching an inbound afternoon Seibu-Haijima Line train arrive at Ogawa Station.

西武拝島線の電車が小川駅に到着  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:12 p.m.)

"Seibu Takadanobaba Platform and Escalator" (100413-1243)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2kHJLbgHLA

Walking to the down escalator at Seibu-Takadanobaba Station as a Seibu-Shinjuku Line train comes in.  While riding the escalator down, having a look at the scene outside the station.

高田馬場駅のホームから、改札口向きエスカレータを下りる  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:43 p.m.)

"Heading for Takadanobaba Subway" (100413-1244)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNonFKT45P4

Taking a quick look at the outside area in front of Takadanobaba Station, and then heading for the stairs down to the Tozai subway line.

高田馬場駅の地下鉄に向かう  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:44 p.m.)

"Tozai Line - Takadanobaba Ticket Gates to Platform" (100413-1245)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA1Pf2UAkak

Going through the ticket gates for the Tozai subway line at Takadanobaba Station and then walking down to the platform to wait for the next train (which came about 60 seconds after I got to the platform).

高田馬場駅で改札口から、東西線地下鉄のホームまで  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:45 p.m.)

"Tozai Line Trains Arrive at Takadanobaba" (100413-1247)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Hj5-wyz1s

Outbound and inbound Tozai Line trains arrive at Takadanobaba Station at about the same time.  (I took this video from the inbound platform.)

高田馬場駅で上りと下りの電車が遣って来る  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:47 p.m.)

"Ginza Subway Train Arrives at Nihonbashi Station" (100413-1306)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW6PS4mwDUs

Watching a Ginza Line subway train arrive at Nihonbashi Station, and then climbing aboard at the front of the train.

日本橋駅で銀座線の電車が遣って来る  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 1:06 p.m.)

"Ginza Line - Tunnel View and Ginza Platform View" (100413-1308)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-wHl9Yf-AI

A look out the right-side window of a Ginza subway train as it leaves Kyobashi Station, and then a front cab view looking into the tunnel ahead as the train runs to Ginza Station, where I get off and look at the platform and then the train continue on towards the next stop, Shinbashi.

銀座線のトンネルビューと銀座駅のホームビュー  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 1:08 p.m.)

"Ginza Chuo-dori Walk" (100413-1316)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCs2xmOwHtw

Walking along the Chuo-dori main street in Ginza.  There used to be more small shops even on the main streets - but as they continually demolish small buildings and put up ever larger ones, Ginza loses more and more of its soul.  If the trend continues, one part of Tokyo will be just about the same as any other part.  No need to worry about a Godzilla monster coming up from the sea - the country is already being continually torn apart by the construction industry!  A city needs new construction to survive of course, but Japan in general (and Tokyo in particular) would be better if a little more of its past was preserved....

銀座大通りの中央通り散歩  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 1:16 P.M.)

"Edge of Ginza - Sotobori-dori Walk" (100413-1736)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqlzR1lsPH8

Walking along Sotobori-dori (one of the main streets in Ginza), which forms the borderline between Ginza and Yurakucho for the section that I'm walking on in this video, with Ginza on the left, and Yurakucho on the right.

銀座と有楽町の間の外堀通り散歩  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 5:36 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Sunday, April 18, 2010

"Ueno - Last Trip to See Sakura Trees in Bloom in 2010"

This set of clips begins with walking down a platform at Ueno Station, continues with clips in Ueno Park (at night) of the sakura viewing parties, and ends with a view of passing trains from the roof a park-side building that it looks like it is about to be torn down.

"Yamanote Ueno Station Platform" (100409-1928)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jc2moQbM44

Walking down the Yamanote Line platform at Ueno Station while on my way to see the sakura tree scene in Ueno Park.

山手線の上野駅ホーム、上野公園花見に行く途中  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:28 p.m.)

"Ueno Station - Passageway Between Upper Sections" (100409-1930)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5HcJe_yYyY

Exploring the upper level of Ueno Station - walking down a long, narrow passageway that connects two major sections of the station - just before going to see the sakura tree scene in Ueno Park.

夜上野駅の二階の通路  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.)

"Park Exit at Ueno Station" (100409-1934)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5m27DyQjwg

Exiting "Koen-kaisatsu" (Park Exit) at Ueno Station, on my way to check out the Sakura flower viewing scene on a Friday evening towards the end of the week or so that the cherry blossom flowers were in bloom.

上野駅の公園改札、桜の花見に出発  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:34 p.m.)

"Quiet Corner of Ueno Park - Hanami 2010" (100409-1951)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt-6_HHVuYA

A quiet corner of Ueno Park away from the noisy crowds out to see the sakura blossoms.  About the only people here were the people in the restaurant (right side of picture).  People congregate where the largest number of sakura trees are, but this was a much nicer-looking scene.

上野公園の桜花見の静かな場所  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:51 p.m.)

"Nighttime Under the Trees - Sakura, Ueno Park 2010" (100409-1957)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqylB3KXMjI

Springtime Friday night revelers under the sakura trees in Ueno Park.  This was towards the end of viewing season for the flowers, which were only in bloom for a couple of weeks.

上野公園の桜花見の忙しい場所  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:57 p.m.)

"Ueno Night Sakura Scene - 2010" (100409-2007)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaxZntR3qXg

Only one part of the long row of sakura trees in Ueno Park was well-lit, and so it was there that people stopped to take pictures.

上野公園の桜花見の写真を撮っている人々  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 8:07 p.m.)

"Food Stall Section of Ueno Park During Hanami Season (1/2)" (100409-2010)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azy4s-DNfkw

Walking through the row of food stalls set up by the pond during the sakura tree viewing season.

上野公園の桜花見時期の食べ物販売  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 8:10 p.m.)

"Food Stall Section of Ueno Park During Hanami Season (2/2)" (100409-2036)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xirr0bASVIY

Walking back through the row of food stalls (set up by the pond during the sakura tree viewing season), going in the opposite direction from the 20:10 post.

上野公園の桜花見時期の食べ物販売  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 8:36 p.m.)

"Vertical Ueno View from Condemned Building Roof" (100409-2044)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-QgajrdOQo

Standing on the roof of a condemned building that used to have restaurants within it and souvenir shops on the first floor.  Since the roof matches up exactly with the ground level of the park, it doesn't seem like a roof when you walk onto it from the park.  The new building with the colorfully lit edge is the new Yodobashi Camera in Ueno.

上野公園の古いビルの屋上ビュー  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 8:44 p.m.)

"Passing Trains Seen from Ueno Park Roof" (100409-2046)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6OEhWJ_dTg

Watching three trains pass by from the roof of the old building that is shut down and looks as though they are about to tear it down.  The brightly lit edge of a new building that you can just see on the right side of the frame is the new Yodobashi Camera store in Ueno.

上野公園の古いビルの屋上から、通り過ぎり電車を見る  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 8:46 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Friday, April 16, 2010

"Train Views, Yotsuya Hanami, Ochanomizu, Seibu Front Cab Views, Etc."

Running around Tokyo on the train system; a look at a hanami party under the sakura trees in Yotsuya; changing trains in Ochanomizu; looking at Akihabara from the window of a moving train, and - from station to station - the full ride from Ogawa to Takadanobaba, in several clips taken through the front cabs of a Seibu-Haijima Line train and then (after transferring) a Seibu-Shinjuku Line train.

"Chuo Line Arriving at Kokubunji (Diagonal View)" (100409-1724)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxVpWydIbig

Diagonally watching a Chuo Line train arrive at Kokubunji Station, and then climbing aboard.

国分寺駅で中央線が遣って来ます  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 5:24 p.m.)

"Hanami Parties Near Yotsuya Station" (100409-1853)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0uJ56iNERQ

Starting with a look down the street between Kioi (concert) Hall on the left and the New Otani Hotel on the right, and then turning to the left and looking down the street that runs between the rampart (with the sakura trees) and Sophia University (on the right), after which I begin walking along the top of the old rampart on the narrow path on top - walking under the sakura trees, with hanami party people beneath them.  It was too dark on the rampart to show the trees in much detail (or color), but near the lights you can see the cherry blossoms, and the sound of the hanami parties conveys the atmosphere there somewhat.

四谷駅の近く花見している人々  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 6:53 p.m.)

"Entering Yotsuya Station on April 9th, 2010" (100409-1906)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3YAG27KUE0

Entering Yotsuya Station, walking down the stairs, walking past the ticket gates for the Marunouchi Line, and then over to and through the ticket gates for the Chuo Line.

四谷駅に入って、丸の内線の隣を通り過ぎて、JR改札口に通ります  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:06 p.m.)

"Boarding Inbound Chuo Line at Yotsuya" (100409-1909)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXU7W_4xRv0

Watching an inbound Chuo Line train arrive at Yotsuya Station, and then boarding it.

四谷駅で中央線の上り電車が遣って来て、乗ります  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:09 p.m.)

"Waiting For a Train at Ochanomizu" (100409-1915)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmNL5IIvp1c

Looking around on the platform at Ochanomizu Station while waiting for a train.

電車を待っている間に、御茶ノ水駅のホームを見回ります  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:15 p.m.)

"Ochanomizu Station Platform Walking" (100409-1916)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-HVv8IXlC0

Walking along one of the platforms at Ochanomizu Station, where I changed to a local train from a kaisoku.  Before my train arrives, there are several sounds - the motor sounds of a departing train on the neighboring platform, station announcements, etc.

御茶ノ水駅のホームを歩きながら駅の音を聞く  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:16 p.m.)

"View of Akihabara from Train Window" (100409-1919)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZO7lWERCh0

A view of Akihabara from the window of a Sobu Line train as it pulls into Akihabara Station.

総武線の窓から、秋葉原を見て、秋葉原駅に到着  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:19 p.m.)

"Akihabara Station - 7:20 p.m." (100409-1920)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z43nseQ4IQ

After having just gotten off of an outbound Sobu Line train at Akihabara, I watch as people get off and on, and then watch the train leave the station.

下り総武線を降りて、人が降りたり乗ったりを見て、電車が出発する  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:20 p.m.)

"From Sobu Line to Yamanote Line at Akihabara Station" (100409-1921)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W9xkIh02Ak

Changing trains at Akihabara - going from an outbound Sobu Line train to a Ueno-Bound Yamanote Line train.

下り総武線のホームから、山手線までの乗り換え  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:21 p.m.)

"Yamanote Line Night Window View - Leaving Akihabara Station" (100409_1924)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQj89v9ziyE

A view of the modern face of Akihabara just after the train left Akihabara Station (next stop, Okachimachi) - typical visual entertainment available when riding Tokyo's trains at night and standing by a door, so you can look right out the window.

(The long bench seats - facing the centerline of the train car - are not the best place to be for looking at the world flowing by outside, unless the train is nearly empty and you can see out the windows on the opposite side, without people in the middle blocking the view.)

山手線の窓から、東京秋葉原の夜風景を見ながら御徒町駅に向かいます  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 9th, 2010, at 7:24 p.m.)

"Ogawa to Hagiyama Cab View (Seibu-Haijima Line)" (100413-1213)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X49qpR9Rgb0

Front cab view on the Seibu-Haijima Line from Ogawa Station to Hagiyama Station.

西武拝島線で小川駅から萩山駅までの前方向風景  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:13 p.m.)

"Hagiyama to Kodaira Cab View (Seibu-Haijima Line)" (100413-1216)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea1SF7dzxr8

Front cab view on the Seibu-Haijima Line from Hagiyama Station to Kodaira Station, where I changed to a Seibu-Shinjuku Line train.

西武拝島線で萩山駅から小平駅までの前方向風景  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:16 p.m.)

"Kodaira to Hanakoganei Cab View (Seibu-Shinjuku Line)" (100413-1219)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEm1OHmMkHc

Front cab view on the Seibu-Shinjuku Line from Kodaira Station to Hanakoganei Station.

西武新宿線で小平駅から花小金井駅までの前方向風景  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:19 p.m.)

"Hanakoganei to Tanashi Cab View (Seibu-Shinjuku Line)" (100413-1222)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7kRgTVGMVU

Front cab view on the Seibu-Shinjuku Line from Hanakoganei Station to Tanashi Station.

西武新宿線で花小金井駅から田無駅までの前方向風景  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:22 p.m.)

"Tanashi to Kamishakuji Cab View (Seibu-Shinjuku Line)" (100413-1225)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQFgzt3Iw9w

Front cab view on the Seibu-Shinjuku Line from Tanashi Station to Kamishakuji Station.

西武新宿線で田無駅から上石神井駅までの前方向風景  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:25 p.m.)

"Kamishakuji to Saginomiya Cab View (Seibu-Shinjuku Line)" (100413-1229)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5FTv0XNA6o

Front cab view on the Seibu-Shinjuku Line from Kamishakuji Station to Saginomiya Station.

西武新宿線で上石神井駅から鷺ノ宮駅までの前方向風景  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:29 p.m.)

"Saginomiya to Takadanobaba Cab View (Seibu-Shinjuku Line)" (100413-1234)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxMBYmMG7lA

Front cab view on the Seibu-Shinjuku Line from Saginomiya Station to Takadanobaba Station.

西武新宿線で鷺ノ宮駅から高田馬場駅までの前方向風景  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, at 12:34 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

"Trains Here & There - in Suidobashi, Iidabashi, Ichigaya, Etc."

In motion - going from one station to another; changing trains, waiting for trains, riding trains - life in Tokyo generally centers on the trains in one way or another.

"Yurakucho Sunset - March 31st, 2010" (100331-1816)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FRyoDYhRm4

Pausing to look around at passing trains, walking people, and the setting sun in Yurakucho.

有楽町の夕日  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 6:16 p.m.)

"Changing Trains at Tokyo Station - March 31st, 2010" (100331-1846)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB1PcK-Tkyg

Getting off of a Keihin-Tohoku Line train at Tokyo Station, I begin the transfer walk over to the Chuo Line, the clip ending as I reach the base of the escalator that lead up to the elevated platform (the Chuo Line is higher up than the other platforms - a result of all the lines being moved over (towards the old station building) to make extra room for more Shinkansen tracks on the other side of Tokyo Station.

東京駅で京浜東北線から、中央線のエスカレータまで  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 6:46 p.m.)

"Suidobashi Station - Waiting for Train to Go" (100331-1856)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhJrceSa8gI

Sticking my head out the door of a stopped local Chuo Line train I was on, looking down the platform in both directions - wondering what the train was waiting for.

水道橋駅で、止まっている電車の中にまた電車が動き出すのを待ってる  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 6:56 p.m.)

"Approaching Iidabashi Station - Night Window Reflections" (100331-1858)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCCjts_zgyY

Looking into/out a window at night on a train nearing Iidabashi Station.  A very typical scene for Tokyo ....

飯田橋駅に近づきながら、夜の窓の風景を見る  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 6:58 p.m.)

"Iidabashi Station Nighttime Platform Walk" (100331-1900)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRSFhb9nx04

Walking down the nighttime platform at Iidabashi Station as the train I took there pulls out of the station (next stop Ichigaya).

飯田橋駅で降りてホームを歩きながら電車の出発を見る  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.)

"Walking Towards Kudankita from Iidabashi" (100331-1903)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRLgAIU4EZ8

Walking down the two-lane street that runs between Iidabashi and Kudankita.  Typical nighttime scene for a Tokyo pedestrian.

飯田橋駅から九段北へ歩く  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 7:03 p.m.)

"Entering Ichigaya Station at 10:00 p.m." (100331-2159)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQxx7LoubNc

Entering Ichigaya Station just before 10:00 p.m. after spending time experiencing the hanami festivities in Kudankita and Chidorigafuchi.  I rushed a bit, thinking a train might already be there, but it wasn't, so I might as well have walked at a more relaxed pace.  That's the Tokyo lifestyle for you - always hoping to save a minute here or there.

午後十時に市ヶ谷駅に入るところ  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 9:59 p.m.)

"Ichigaya to Yotsuya - Night Window View" (100331-2201)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=018lPvqssUM

Night window view (with reflections) from Ichigaya to Yotsuya, where I got off to change trains.

市谷駅から、四ッ谷駅までの夜窓ビュー  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 10:01 p.m.)

"Local Train About to Arrive Announcement at Yotsuya" (100331-2204)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIkjUPMF_JQ

An announcement at late-night Yotsuya Station that a local train is about to stop at track three.

四ッ谷駅で各駅停車の電車がすぐ来るのアナウンス  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 10:04 p.m.)

"Late Night Local Train Arrives at Yotsuya Station" (100331-2205)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch7NJUGAWMY

While waiting for a faster train, I watch a late night local train arrive at the next platform over.

四ッ谷駅で各駅停車の電車が遣って来る  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 10:05 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Monday, April 12, 2010

"Kudankita and Chidorigafuchi Hanami & Sakura - 2010"

Several clips from Kudankita and Chidorigafuchi - taken on March 31st, 2010 of the sakura trees in bloom and all the people there to celebrate the coming of spring and the beauty of the trees.

"Kudankita 2-Chome Hanami Walkabout-B" (100331-1910)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKnq8_3wGxE

Walking about on the main path at Kudankita - walking up the hill toward the section with the most sakura trees in the hanami area - walking past the many food stalls.

九段北の花見大会  散歩-B  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 7:10 p.m.)

"Kudankita 2-Chome Hanami Walkabout-C" (100331-2002)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN6B-u_nUag

Walking along the narrow dirt path behind the main sakura tree area, between the seating areas and the food stalls.

九段北の花見大会  散歩-C  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 8:02 p.m.)

"Kudankita 2-Chome Hanami Walkabout-D" (100331-2004)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3b7GUt3TpE

Another walkabout by the small stalls, but looking around a bit more with this one - not hurrying quite as much.

九段北の花見大会  散歩-D  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 8:04 p.m.)

"Food Stalls and Shadows at Kudankita Hanami" (100331-2019)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OqHAcl9J4I

Walking on the main stone passageway that leads under the huge torii gate, with floodlights behind me casting long shadows of the people walking away from the lights.

九段北の花見大会  散歩と影  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 8:19 p.m.)

"Chidorigafuchi Sakura Trees in Bloom at Night" (100331-2028)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70cJ-tUR41k

Walking along one of the most famous places for viewing the cherry blossoms in Tokyo - Chidorigafuchi.  It was a little before they were in full bloom, but everyone was enjoying them nevertheless, and most people were taking pictures of them as they slowly walked along.

千鳥ヶ淵の桜の木  花見大会  散歩と影  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 8:28 p.m.)

"Different Color Sakura Trees at Chidorigafuchi at Night" (100331-2033)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_49lmEVQmio

Further down along the old moat (of former Edo Castle), the color of the blossoms changed, as did the atmosphere, which seemed to be connected with the colors somewhat.  Viewing the blossoms at night can actually be better than seeing them in the day - provided they are illuminated!  When they shut the lights off later (around 10:00 p.m. I think), then most of the magic from the light show vanishes with the light.

千鳥ヶ淵の別色桜の木  花見大会  散歩と影  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 8:33 p.m.)

"Standing Under Gigantic Torii During Hanami Season" (100331-2135)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmeE5xKpl-s

Standing by the huge torii gate at Kudankita and watching the scene for a little before heading for a station.

桜花見シーズンの時に、九段北の大鳥居の隣に立ている  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 9:35 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

"Yotsuya Platform Views, Marunouchi Line, & Chuo Line at Tokyo"

Beginning with a walk down the inbound platform of the Marunouchi Line, including looking over at nearby Sophia University, and a look at the inside of the train after climbing aboard.  Then a look through the front cab as the trains rolls through the tunnel, and a view from the Ginza Station platform of the train leaving Ginza Station.  Finally, a view of a late-night Chuo-Line Train pulling into Tokyo Station.

"Walking Down Marunouchi Line Platform at Yotsuya" (100408-1624)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsizzx4TsYw

Walking down the Marunouchi Line platform at Yotsuya Station (on the platform for trains headed towards Kasumigaseki/Ginza), and looking around.  The Marunouchi Line is a subway, but a couple of its stations are above ground, including this one.

Notice the new platform edge barriers (same concept as elevators with their double doors).  Certainly it's safer to have them and it's a good idea, etc., but still there is something about them I don't like.  New stations have ever more walls - walls to stop cold winds in winter (and fresh breezes in spring); walls to stop accidents and suicides (and a view of the trains when they come in), etc.  It feels slightly claustrophobic.

There is also a view of some of the buildings of Sophia University - over on the other side of the rampart.

When the Marunouchi Line comes in, I climb aboard - showing the inside of the train as it descends into the tunnel (it's aboveground at Yotsuya).

四谷駅の丸の内線のホーム散歩  東京  (Recorded on Thursday, April 8th, 2010, at 4:24 p.m.)

"Marunouchi Line Front Cab View of Tunnel" (100408-1631)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsNNAYQMKo

Looking out the front cab window on a Marunouchi Line train headed towards Ginza/Tokyo.  While rolling towards Kasumigaseki (the next stop), you can see a train passing on the right side.  Newer subway lines tend to have independent tunnels for each direction of travel, but on old lines like the Marunouchi Line, there are sections where the trains running in the opposite direction can be seen in the large square tunnel.

(There appears to be some sort of coating on the window between the cab and the passenger compartment that creates the fogged up effect on the left side of the image.)

丸の内線の前のトンネル風景  東京  (Recorded on Thursday, April 8th, 2010, at 4:31 p.m.)

"Mirror View of Marunouchi Line Train Leaving Ginza Station" (100408-1635)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iHdPZalYko

Half direct, and half mirror view of Marunouchi Line train leaving Ginza Station and entering the tunnel - heading for the next stop, Tokyo Station.

銀座駅で、半分鏡を見て丸の内線がトンネルに入る仮面  東京  (Recorded on Thursday, April 8th, 2010, at 4:35 p.m.)

"Late Night Chuo Line Train Arriving at Tokyo Station" (100408-2324)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J91NTb2eEw

Watching a late night Chuo Line train arrive at Tokyo Station, and then hurriedly climbing aboard.

東京駅で中央線の電車が遣って来ます  東京  (Recorded on Thursday, April 8th, 2010, at 11:24 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Saturday, April 10, 2010

"Shinjuku, Sakura, Train Views, etc."

Opening with a moment in a park beneath the springtime cherry blossoms - with a light breeze and someone playing a guitar and harmonica.  Then getting back on the trains - a large part of living in Tokyo.  In Akihabara, a look at construction under the highly elevated tracks (where there used to be a department store) and a walk through the narrow passages of the area full of small shops selling component electronic parts.  Also a view of crossing over the boundary between Yurakucho and Ginza.

"Sakura Trees, a Guitar & a Harmonica" (100406-1753)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrMTa-pDPjI

Looking up at blooming sakura (cherry blossom) trees with a relaxed partly cloudy sky overhead and a man nearby playing a guitar and harmonica.  Spring is a great time!

桜の咲いている木、ギターとハーモニカ - 春万歳!  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 5:53 p.m.)

"Typical Shinjuku Scenes Near the Railway" (100406-1848)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG71BufpabQ

Typical scenes in Shinjuku near the railway lines.  First, walking across one of Tokyo's large intersections, with a very wide crosswalk to handle the large number of people that build up waiting for the fire-breathing machinery to momentarily stop so human beings can walk.  (I like cars in many settings, but not in Tokyo!)  Then a walk through the "Omoide-Yokocho" lane full of yakitori izakaya shops.

新宿の線路隣の風景  思いで横丁居酒屋  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 6:48 p.m.)

"Shinjuku - West Side Sidewalk" (100406_1902)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgpec6lH6rI

Walking down the sidewalk that runs in front of Keio Department Store on the west side of Shinjuku Station.

新宿の道を歩きながら  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 7:02 p.m.)

"Highway Buses at Shinjuku Bus Terminal" (100406-1905)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQeDHwzOiQo

Walking by a couple of highway buses stopped in front of the highway bus terminal in Nishi-Shinjuku.

新宿バスターミナル(ヨドバシカメラの隣)  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 7:05 p.m.)

"Akihabara Small Electronics Parts Vendors" (100331-1345)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKSmKWFPnwk

Starting with a quick look at new construction near Akihabara Station (where a department store used to be) and then diving into a couple of the narrow passageways (almost like tunnels) with many small shops selling electronics parts.  Electronics used to be what Akihabara was all about (and still is to a certain extent), but with the proliferation of discount electronics stores all over Tokyo; fewer people making their own radios and whatnot; and the manga industry moving into Akihabara, business for parts sellers like this has been on the decline.

秋葉原電気部品販売所と駅の近くの工事  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 1:45 p.m.)

"Akihabara Station Construction in Early 2010" (100331_1347)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J41dGTG8_g4

A content video to show what the area right by Akihabara Station looked like while it was under construction on March 31st, 2010.  Tokyo is constantly changing, so you have to record things if you want to understand the history of this city....

秋葉原駅の工事  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 1:47 p.m.)

"Akihabara Station Loading to Tokyo Station Unloading" (100331-1351)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQEUI7_Pg70

Starting off with a platform view at Akihabara Station as a Keihin-Tohoku Line train comes in (followed by the doors-about-to-close melody), and then looking out (mainly) a right side window, followed by a move to the left side in preparation for getting off the train in Tokyo.

This video clip includes the full in-train announcements in English and Japanese, and also a quick look at the inside of the train, as well as the welcome announcement at Tokyo Station, followed by the Tokyo Station doors-about-to-close melody and the recorded warning that the doors are about to close.

秋葉原駅の電車乗るところから、有楽町駅降りるところまで  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 1:51 p.m.)

"Tokyo to Yurakucho Left Side View" (100331-1356)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsq4AAuR8vQ

A left-side view from a Yamanote Line train running from Tokyo Station to Yurakucho Station, including in-train announcements and the Yurakucho Station announcements.

東京駅から、有楽町駅までの左側風景  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 1:56 p.m.)

"Entering Ginza - Crossing Street" (100331-1401)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xan3-1BLX14

Coming from Yurakucho Station, walking along the fringe of Yurakucho and then crossing the street that forms the border between Yurakucho and Ginza.

有楽町から、銀座へ入るところ  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 2:01 p.m.)

"Hibiya Park Sakura Tree in Full Bloom" (100331-1618)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQvG4oPFKTY

A close look at a sakura tree in full bloom in Hibiya Park in central Tokyo, with a green background and very few people about.

日比谷公園の咲いた桜の木  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 4:18 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

"Kichijoji Inokashira Park - Sakura Viewing (Hanami-taikai)" 2010

The weather hasn't been the best for viewing the sakura (cherry blossom) trees this year.  About half the days so far have been rainy.  When I went by Kichijoji on Tuesday evening (yesterday) though, it was quite nice - not too cold, no rain, and no wind.  On the other hand, there were many police to chase people out of the park when the clock reached 10:00 p.m!

It was too dark to take very good videos, but one of the clips below was taken in the heart of the park with everyone going strong in their sakura party modes.  The other clips are of heading to the park from Kichijoji Station, and then heading back to Kichijoji Station from Inokashira Park.

"Arriving in Kichijoji" (100406-2144)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTt4hn0DeZU

Arriving at Kichijoji on the Chuo Line and heading downstairs towards the ticket gates as the train I disembarked from gets under way.

中央線で吉祥寺駅に到着  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 9:44 p.m.)

"Walking to Inokashira Park" (100406-2147)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d8f4pdu0cA

Walking down the narrow street that leads to Inokashira Park from Kichijoji Station.  About the same number of people are returning from the park as are going there.  Inokashira Park is one of the more popular places for "hanami" parties when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

吉祥寺駅から、井の頭公園に行く途中  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 9:47 p.m.)

"Entering Inokashira Park for Hanami" (100406-2149)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1snVGC_DQ4

Walking past the shops and restaurants at the end of the narrow street leading to Inokashira Park from Kichijoji Station, and then walking down the steps that lead into the park.

I hadn't noticed it at the time, but in reviewing this clip, I see there's a banner at the entrance saying that hanami parties are until 10:00.  No doubt brought about by the raucous noise that is generated by some groups, and the proximity of the park to residential areas.

井の頭公園に入るとこと  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 9:49 p.m.)

"Inokashira Late Night Sakura Walk" (100406-2158)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lps8s61Nz0

A bit dark for taking a video, the audio part is probably more descriptive of the scene by the pond in Inokashira Park than the visual element, but you can see enough to imagine the scene somewhat.

I was sitting by the pond enjoying a can drink when I looked over and saw a group of police officers about 20 meters away purposefully standing in a group, so I thought "Uh-oh... Curfew?" and pulled out my cell phone to check the time - just before 10:00 p.m!  I jumped up and took this video with my right hand, while holding the unfinished drink with my left hand, knowing that the atmosphere was about to (figuratively) receive a spray of cold water!

夜遅く井の頭公園の池隣の散歩  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 9:58 p.m.)

"Police in Inokashira Park Enforcing 10:00 p.m. Curfew" (100406-2204)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWGnhF_SCWg

As I had suspected when I saw a group of police officers purposefully standing together, at 10:00 p.m. they switched on their light sticks, formed a line, and started going from group to group, telling them that it was now past the 10:00 p.m. curfew and they had to break up their hanami parties and go home.

夜遅く井の頭公園で警察が花見大会を終了させる時  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 10:04 p.m.)

"Walking Away from Inokashira Park at Night" (100406-2206)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smqlk42XdKs

Walking along the narrow street between Inokashira Park and Kichijoji Station after 10:00 p.m., the hanami party curfew for the park.

I noticed several people still headed *into* the park, so I wondered how that would work out.  Maybe only large groups (which generate the most noise) were being asked to break it up - maybe couples were still allowed to quietly be there?

井の頭公園から吉祥寺駅までの細い夜道を歩きながら  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 10:06 p.m.)

"People Traffic Jam by Kichijoji Station" (100406-2209)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78TvcaQOqZE

After having been stopped at a traffic light to allow fire-breathing machinery free passage, these bipeds created a people traffic jam in the street leading to the station.

吉祥寺駅近くの人込み  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 10:09 p.m.)

"Kichijoji Station Crowds & Entering Ticket Gates" (100406-2211)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad8YY3gEuaw

Typical crowded evening scene at Kichijoji Station.  (Actually, most stations anywhere near central Tokyo are something like this in the evening.)

吉祥寺駅の人込みとJR改札口  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 10:11 p.m.)

"Chuo Line Arriving at Kichijoji Station" (100406-2213)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SkpwPq3VzY

View of a Chuo Line train arriving at Kichijoji Station - including the station announcements, both for the outbound train and the inbound train.

吉祥寺駅で中央線の到着  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 10:13 p.m.)

"Reflective Window View While Leaving Kichijoji" (100406-2213)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrDrKTWWdOg

A reflective view out/in the window of a Chuo Line train as it leaves Kichijoji Station.

吉祥寺駅からの中央線出発眺め(内)  東京  (Recorded on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at 10:13 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

"Train Views - Kokubunji, Chuo & Keihin-Tohoku Lines"

The first video in this batch is of looking out the rear cab of a Seibu-Kokubunji Line train, including views of the inside of the rearmost train car, as well as right and left sides of the train.  Then there's a separate video clip, showing only a view of the inside of the train car, with the passing scenery visible through the windows on both sides.

From there it goes to the front of a Chuo Line train just leaving Ochanomizu Station, showing (out a left side window), a sakura (cherry blossom) tree in bloom in the distance - by the Marunouchi Line tracks.

After that I recorded views of taking a Keihin-Tohoku Line train from Kanda up to Yurakucho, where I got off, and - leaving the camera running - recorded views of trains going by in both directions, as seen from the station platform (including views of passing Shinkansen trains).

"Takanodai to Koigakubo - Rear Cab View" (100402-1501)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyzl4r52mVg

Looking out the rear cab of a Seibu-Kokubunji Line train as it goes from Takanodai Station to Koigakubo Station.  A line running on a single track like this is rare in Tokyo.  (Some parts of the line are double-tracked, and some are single.)  Also a short view of the interior of the train and views out the right and left sides.

鷹の台駅から恋ヶ窪駅まで、後ろ眺め  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 2nd, 2010, at 3:01 p.m.)

"Rolling Towards Kokubunji in a Seibu-Kokubunji Line Train" (100402-1505)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmx-NpVCAcA

Looking up the train on the inside as it rolls towards Kokubunji Station - with about half the seats filled.  Since no one is standing, the view out the side windows is strikingly viewable (compared to usual conditions - with standing people blocking the view).

国分寺駅向きの西武国分寺線電車の内部眺め  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 2nd, 2010, at 3:05 p.m.)

"Ochanomizu to Kanda - Left Side and Front Views" (100402-1542)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX5kBJZLm0s

Looking out the left side of a Chuo Line train as it leaves Ochanomizu Station.  Notice the sakura tree down by Marunouchi Line tracks, and then the many sakura pedals in the river when I take a look down.  After that, a look out the front cab and then to the left side again, where Shinkansen and Yamanote Line trains can be seen.  Also a brief view of the inside of the train.

御茶ノ水駅から神田駅まで、左側と前の眺め  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 2nd, 2010, at 3:42 p.m.)

"Passing Shinkansen, Arriving Keihin-Tohoku Train - Kanda to Tokyo" (100402-1548)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRR2mayrTjE

Watching a Shinkansen go by, and then walking back to an arriving Keihin-Tohoku Line train that I get on and ride down the line to the next stop - Tokyo.  (Notice the other trains on neighboring tracks.)

通る新幹線、到着京浜東北線  神田駅から東京駅まで  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 2nd, 2010, at 3:48 p.m.)

"Tokyo to Yurakucho - Train Typhoon at Yurakucho" (100402-1551)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaJVPE550D4

Beginning as the Keihin-Tohoku Line train I was on departed Tokyo Station and went one short stop down the line to Yurakucho Station.  At Yurakucho Station, I watch several trains come and go - one after the other, including Shinkansen trains on neighboring rails.

通る新幹線など、東京駅から有楽町駅まで  有楽町駅で、色々な電車を見る  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 2nd, 2010, at 3:51 p.m.)

"Yurakucho Station - One Train Out, One In" (100402-1556)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW5KwiosA0I

Walking up the platform at Yurakucho Station, I watch a Yamanote Line train depart, followed almost immediately by a Keihin-Tohoku Line train arriving from the opposite direction.

有楽町駅で、山手線が出発、京浜東北線が到着  東京  (Recorded on Friday, April 2nd, 2010, at 3:51 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

"Shibuya Friday Night Views, Late Night Tokyo Station & Chuo Line"

Beginning with Friday night views of Shibuya, and then taking the Yamanote Line from Shibuya to Ebisu, and later that night, views of late night highway buses in front of Tokyo Station and a couple of views on one of the last Chuo Line trains of the night.

"Shibuya, Friday Night - March 19th, 2010" (100319-2006)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KjrNiWuYTE

Shibuya on a Friday night - walking under the rail bridge from the east side to the west side and the famous "scramble" crosswalk.

金曜日の渋谷2010年3月  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 8:06 p.m.)

"Shibuya, Friday Night Stroll Down Wakamono-gai" (100319-2008)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GegHelV-ugY

First walking across the "scramble" crosswalk in Shibuya, and then down the main street of Wakamono-gai.  Towards the beginning, notice the advertising truck go by.  Are these used in other parts of the world as well?  Or are those peculiar to Tokyo?

金曜日の渋谷 - 若者街の散歩  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 8:08 p.m.)

"Friday Shibuya Scramble to Hachiko Square" (100319-2033)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFUykzZ1ps4

Walking back towards Shibuya Station - going through the "scramble" crosswalk with a flowing look to the side at all the other people also in the intersection.  Once across, I stroll through the Hachiko Square scene.

スクランブル交差点を渡って、ハチ公スクエアに入る  金曜日の渋谷  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 8:33 p.m.)

"Boarding Yamanote Line at Shibuya" (100319_2036)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4gYPx9YlyU

Getting on the Yamanote Line in Shibuya around 8:30 in the evening.  The station would be a bit more crowded if it were later (being Friday and all).  Also, this train is going towards Shinagawa/Tokyo - the trains going towards Shinjuku/Ikebukuro are more crowded.

渋谷駅で山手線を乗る  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 8:36 p.m.)

"Yamanote Night Run - Shibuya to Ebisu" (100319-2038)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exEoADcGkmQ

Riding the Yamanote Line from Shibuya to Ebisu, and then walking up the platform in Ebisu while a Shibuya-bound train leaves the station - and then walking over to the other side of the platform, and continuing walking up the platform next to the train I took from Shibuya to Ebisu as it departs Ebisu - heading towards Shinagawa/Tokyo.

渋谷駅から恵比寿駅までの夜山手線  恵比寿駅のホーム散歩  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 8:38 p.m.)

"Blue Light Yamanote Platform at Ebisu" (100319-2116)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1XcHvczovg

While waiting for a Shinagawa/Tokyo bound Yamanote Line train, I watch a Shibuya/Shinjuku bound Yamanote Line train come in through the blue haze of one of the anti-suicide blue lights installed on the ends of the Yamanote Line platforms.

There's been a lot of talk over the years about how color influences people - there was talk of the dark-orange color of the old Chuo Line trains causing people to jump in front of the trains(!), and now there is talk of blue light soothing people - so they put in the lights to cheer people up enough so they don't jump in front of the trains so often(!).  (This is probably also why they're playing bird songs at so many the stations...)

Who knows... truly truth is stranger than fiction, so maybe there's something to it.

恵比寿駅で品川行きの山手線を乗りました  ブルーライト画面もあり  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 9:16 p.m.)

"Tokyo Station Highway Buses" (100319-2332)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyIT1Sb7y-o

A scene fairly narrow in time - with many parts of Tokyo Station now under construction, the many long-distance highway buses are taking on passengers next to temporary construction walls.

It's a bit depressing to see the constant growth in bus use, as the more people that use buses, the less support there is for Japan's excellent train system, which may begin to suffer if enough of the country takes to rubber on asphalt instead of steel on steel.

東京駅前のハイウエーバス乗り場  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 11:32 p.m.)

"Late Night Chuo Line at Tokyo Station" (100319-2338)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ThNj-fJVPM

Waiting at Tokyo Station for a Chuo Line kaisoku train just after 11:30 p.m.  At this time at night, not all of the trains that stop at this double-sided platform are kaisoku (fast or "rapid") trains (as is the case for most of the day).  The one that came in on the other side that I ignored was a slow train.

東京駅で夜遅くの中央線を待っているところ  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 11:38 p.m.)

"Late Night Outbound Chuo Line - Window View" (100319-2355)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij7CIRx-egs

Looking out the window of a late night Chuo Line train as it rolls towards - and then into - Shinjuku Station.  Notice that many people are talking.  It's really quiet in the morning, but on a late night train like this, people have come out of restaurants and whatnot, they're happily going home (as opposed to grumpily going to the office), and there is often a fair amount of talking going on.

夜遅くの中央線を乗っている、外に見る  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 11:55 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Monday, April 05, 2010

"Kudankita Hanami, Yokohama, & Hino Station"

Starting with a walk through the sakura viewing area in Kudankita (near Kudanshita Station), and then showing part of the Minato-Mirai (subway) Line in Yokohama, a couple of amusement park rides (also in Yokohama), and a view of Hino Station on the Chuo Line.

"Kudankita 2-Chome Hanami Walkabout-A" (100331-2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzpZ_fjdp2M

Walking by the many food stalls at the large hanami area in Kudankita 2-Chome (near Kudanshita Station on one side and Yasukuni Shine on the other).  This area is logistically good for large groups to meet for a hanami session under the cherry blossoms - particularly for companies in the area.

九段北2丁目の花見散歩-A(靖国神社の近く)相変わらず桜は、綺麗です  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 8:12 p.m.)


"Riding Toyoko Line Train into Motomachi-Chukagai Station" (100319-1503)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGATf3tq8o8

Riding a nearly empty Toyoko Tokkyu train into Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minato-Mirai Line (which is seamlessly connected to the Toyoko Line from Shibuya).

(The "To" of Toyoko is from "Tokyo" and the "yoko" is from "Yokohama" - that name chosen since the train ran between Tokyo (Shibuya Station) and Yokohama (Sakuragicho Station - which was the Yokohama side of Japan's very first train, which ran from Yokohama to Shinbashi).  When they built the Minato-Mirai subway line, the Toyoko Line was put underground as it approaches Yokohama Station, and it no longer stops at Sakaragicho Station (where JR still has a station), since it was rerouted to match up with the subway.

東横線のほとんど空の特急で元町中華街駅まで乗る  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 3:03 p.m.)


"Motomachi-Chukagai Station - March 19th 2010, Early Afternoon" (100319-1505)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaf531CcWKw

Looking around inside Motomachi-Chukagai Station, watching a train pull out, and then walking onto another train to go back up the line a few stops (the Tokkyu express train I had taken took me past the station I wanted to get off at, so I had to backtrack a couple of stations).

東横線の元町中華街駅の見回り  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 3:05 p.m.)


"Empty Train Angles" (100319-1506)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2Uyw561AUQ

Looking around a nearly empty Toyoko Line train as it leaves Motomachi-Chukagai Station.

東横線のほとんど空の電車中を見回り  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 3:06 p.m.)


"Walking Through Mostly Empty Toyoko Line Train" (100319-1508)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isYFJrbeFYQ

Walking towards the front of a very lightly loaded Toyoko Line train - going through a couple of cars.

東横線の電車中の散歩  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 3:08 p.m.)


"Yokohama 'Spinning Coaster' Ride at CosmoWorld" (100319-1839)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THUyADKQrVM

The full ride.  The best part about this ride - and most of the other rides at Yokohama's CosmoWorld - is the view.  Aside from the fantastic view of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding countryside from the top of FQH's FY (name converted to acronym to save people searching for that much larger and more exciting amusement park from getting the wrong search result), I don't think I've ever been to an amusement park with a better view.  Be careful with your camera though!  On the disappointing roller coaster "Diving Coaster 'Vanish'" at CosmoWorld, they stopped the ride midway and came out to very rudely steal people's cameras!

横浜みなとみらいのコスモワールドのスピニングコースターナットビュー  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 6:39 p.m.)


"Shutdown for Camera Theft on 'Diving Coaster Vanish' at CosmoWorld"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O59DjfvDcc4

30 seconds at the start... and then they shut down the ride as it was starting the climb of the first hill, and sent out a very rude man to steal people's cameras.  If you want to visually record this ride, be sure to hide your camera well until the very top - just before it starts down and it's too late for them to stop it.  (It's a boring coaster, so maybe that's why they don't want people recording it?)

横浜みなとみらいのコスモワールドのダイビングコースターバニッシュ30秒(カメラを盗まれる前) (Winter 2010)


"Bashamichi Station (Minato-Mirai Line" (100319-1918)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl5XYAyrSQw

Taking an escalator down to the platform of Bashamichi Station just as a train is pulling out - watching the train leave, and then watching another one begin to stop on the other side of the platform.

みなとみらい線の馬車道駅  東京  (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 7:18 p.m.)


"Chuo Line Trains at Hino Station - HD" (100331-0953)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AiMuBA1Pk8

Watching an inbound Chuo Line train speed into Hino Station, and then watching an outbound train depart as I get aboard the inbound train.  (Posted in high-definition.)

中央線の日野駅で上りと下り電車  東京  (Recorded on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, at 9:53 a.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/

Thursday, April 01, 2010

"Chuo, Yamanote, & Toyoko Line Front Cab Views"

Several views out the front cab of trains - from the Chuo Line to the Yamanote Line and finally the Toyoko Line.

"Chuo Line New Elevated Tracks - Front Cab View" (100319-1400)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k54zlUUdHhc

Looking out the front cab window within an express Chuo Line train ("Tokubetsu-Kaisoku" or "Chuo-Tokkai"), running on recently elevated tracks. Construction is ongoing, proceeding in stages. First moving the rails over, then building an outbound elevated section, and then this section for inbound trains, which is the most recent improvement. Further improvements will enable more express trains to pass slower local trains during the rush periods.

上り中央線の特別快速(中央特快)が新しい線路で上に走る画面 東京 (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.)


"Front Cab Views on Chuo Line Between Mitaka and Nakano" (100319-1406)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUEjUlbWB8s

Looking around through the front cab of an express Chuo Line train ("Tokubetsu-Kaisoku" or "Chuo-Tokkai") - looking straight ahead, then angling the camera to the right, then to the left, back to a straight ahead view, etc.

中央線の特別快速(中央特快)が三鷹と中野の間に走る 東京 (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 2:06 p.m.)


"Approaching Shinjuku in Chuo Line (Front Cab View)" (100319-1416)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndMQ_GdfpNY

Looking out the front cab of a Chuo Line express ("Tokubetsu-Kaisoku" or "Chuo-Tokkai") as it approaches and pulls into Shinjuku Station.

中央線の特別快速(中央特快)が新宿駅に入る 運転士の見方 東京 (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 2:16 p.m.)


"Pulling into Harajuku - Yamanote Daytime Cab View" (100319-1426)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UWnvyUzjio

Looking out the front cab as a Yamanote Line train pulls into Harajuku Station. (At night, they put blinds in front of this section of glass to prevent reflections from the train interior lighting from interfering with the driver's view out the front glass.)

山手線の運転士の見方で原宿駅に入る 東京 (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 2:26 p.m.)


"Rolling Through Noontime Darkness Leaving Shinjuku" (100319-1422)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR4YRS911LI

Looking out the front cab of a 2:22 Yamanote Line train as it goes under the long stretch (as it leaves Shinjuku Station) under a road before getting back out to daylight again. In-between the lights of the station and the sunlight, it's almost like night on this stretch.

山手線で新宿駅から出発と、トンネルのように道路の下に走る 東京 (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 2:22 p.m.)


"Yamanote to Toyoko Line Transfer in Shibuya" (100319-1427)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OkRwVnQ9QE

Rolling into Shibuya on the Yamanote Line (looking forward through the front cab) - then walking back through the train a little before getting off when the train stops at Shibuya Station, where I walk down the platform to the stairs; go down to the ticket gates, and then walk over to the Toyoko Line, through the ticket gates there, and towards the stairs that lead up to the platform.

山手線で渋谷駅で降りて、ホームの散歩、階段を下りて、東横線に乗り換え 東京 (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 2:27 p.m.)


"Departing Shibuya on Toyoko Line Tokkyu Express" (100319-1431)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D22clzhzzXM

Front cab view of scenery ahead as a Toyoko Line express train (Tokkyu) departs Shibuya and begins its journey to Yokohama. The train goes through the curves just out of Shibuya slowly, but - as shown in a subsequent video: "Toyoko Tokkyu Line Run to Kikuna" - builds up some serious speed later.

東横線の特急で渋谷駅から、出発 前の風景を見ながら... 見る 東京 (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 2:31 p.m.)


"Toyoko Tokkyu Line Run to Musashi-Kosugi" (100319-1439)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNMQSK_4bWY

At this point, the train is starting to get some speed up, as it runs towards the next stop, Musashi-Kosugi Station. It's hard to pin it down exactly, but there's something exciting about the Toyoko Line - maybe because it goes between Shibuya and Yokohama. Most lines tend to go in and out of the city center, but the Toyoko Line goes from one lively spot to another - so there's no real inbound and outbound - just Yokohama-bound or Shibuya-bound.

The track being straighter in places than most of the stretch between Musashi-Kosugi and Kikuna (see next video for that: "Toyoko Tokkyu Line Run to Kikuna"), more serious speed is achieved there.

東横線の特急で武蔵小杉駅までの走れ(前の風景) 東京 (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 2:39 p.m.)


"Toyoko Tokkyu Line Run to Kikuna" (100319-1443)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpxmKoBz5sw

Part of the run between Musashi-Kosugi and Kikuna (shown in this video) seems to be the fastest stretch of the line. When I looked over at the speedometer, it was at over 100 kph. Maybe this is one of the reasons I always enjoy using the Toyoko Line. It goes to and through cool areas, and it gets to Yokohama pretty quickly (as does the Keikyu Line, come to think of it).

Comparing the Toyoko Line run to Yokohama (from Shibuya) to the Keikyu Line run to Yokohama (from Shinagawa), the Keikyu Line, with wider gauge rails, is actually faster I think, but I've heard that the Toyoko Line is one of (maybe *the*) fastest narrow gauge trains in Tokyo.

東横線の特急で武蔵小杉駅から菊名駅までの早い走れ(前の風景) 東京 (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 2:43 p.m.)


"Toyoko Line - Between Kikuna and Yokohama" (100319-1451)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sDG6qTkk4Y

Front cab view on a Yokohama-bound Toyoko Line Tokkyu Express train (Tokkyu) not long after leaving Kikuna, lasting until the train enters the tunnel that leads to the underground part of Yokohama Station.

I just realized another reason I like the Toyoko Line - they don't assault their passengers' ears with half-speed, over-pronounced, over-amplified unwanted, unneeded, irritating, inane announcements in English.

As a haven from that kind of horrible noise pollution, the Toyoko Line is very nice. But... will it last? At first, only JR assaulted the ears of it's passengers with HOOUUII announcements (for acronym definition, see above paragraph), and then other lines began following the bad new custom by also assaulting the ears of their passengers as well. Hopefully the Toyoko Line will resist this horrible trend.

Ah... wait a second. The last time I used the Tozai Line (I think it was the Tozai Line - I'll double-check the next time I use it), the English wasn't so horrible. It really isn't necessary at all I don't think - all anyone has to do is listen carefully for the station name they are headed to, but if they must use English announcements, at least they could show some consideration for their poor passengers who have to listen to the announcement over and over and over, and use a non-obnoxious voice that isn't half-speed, over-pronounced and too bloody loud. The JR one is really horrible. Maybe it was made that way by someone who wants to drive foreigners out of the country... (just kidding... maybe...).

東横線の特急で菊名駅から横浜駅途中まで、トンネル入るところまで(前の風景) 東京 (Recorded on Friday, March 19th, 2010, at 2:51 p.m.)

Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
http://tokyoartmusic.blogspot.com/