Summer in Tokyo: Super view of Tokyo, and an onsen experience

With clear, blue skies this afternoon, we went to a well-known (and free!) observatory for a view of the Tokyo. Located just west of Shinjuku station (about 20 minute walk from class), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Office offers the best free view of Tokyo. The building itself is impressive- 3 buildings, with the tallest where the observatory is at 48 stories (240 m or 787 ft). Many important Japanese government offices are in the complex, so it must be quite a sight when all the floors and cubicles are filled by the workers during the week. Today was a holiday, so it was quiet.

Since it was a holiday, the program organized an excursion for the group to go to an onsen, Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari, which was located about a 30 minute metro ride south east. After changing into yukatas (cotton kimonos), we went to the baths (men and women had separate areas) and enjoyed relaxing in the several different bathing tubs at various temperatures, a Jacuzzi, and several outdoor baths. The souvenir shops, games, and restaurants on site made it a little hokey, but apparently the onsen is really popular. There weren't many people there today, but maybe that was because it was noon on a hot July day.

Views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office