February 17th 2008 : Tokyo Marathon 2008 --- Shinagawa-ku

This year is a second year for Tokyo Marathon. We went to see them at the half way point at Shinagawa station. 30,000 runners are all in a happy face as they fully enjoy it. Those people cheering beside the course looks excited to see their friends pass by. We were also entertained by the runner performing at the same time by wearing animal costume.

*Please click photo for larger image

Photo) Left : The half way point, Right : Crowds at the half way point






Photo) Above : Runners passing the half way point raise their hands


Photo) Left : Press photographers, Center : Broadcasting bus


Photo) Left : Fuji Mt. behind the buildings, Right : Helicopter above in the sky

February 8th 2008 : Shiba Park “Plum Festival” / Ura Senke Style Nodate (Out-door tea ceremony) and Koto(Japanese Harp) in Ikuta Method ---Minato-ku

I was excited to hear that we have annual “Plum Festival” on 8th and 9th Feb this year.
I managed to visit during my lunch break to Shiba Park plum garden in front of Shiba Park field. I couldn’t see full bloomed plum flower yet but could see beautiful kimonos those lady’s wearing.
Koto were played elegantly by Izumi group of Ikuta Method from Minato-ku and at the same time Ura Senke Style Nodate was held.

*Please click photo for larger image

Photo) Left : Red plum flower, Center : Bud of Mitsumata flower, Right : A poster of Izumi Group


Photo) Left&Center : Performance of Koto, Right : Nodate in front of gold screen, plum garden and Tokyo Tower


Photo) Left : Ura Senke Style tea ceremony, Center&Right : Kindergarten kids joined tea ceremony


Photo) Left : White plum flower, Center : Shiba Toshogu Shrine, Right : 3 kinds of plum flower

Left photo is Red & white plum flower and big gingko tree at Toshogu Shrine

Under the blue sky, I had very nice tea for a lovely moment afternoon