Shopping in Tokyo is intense during New Year Day holiday season. Japanese people usually exchange gifts on or after New Year's day. Unlike in US, Christmas shopping is not so big in Japan, but most shopping is done for and around New Year's Day. I was in Ginza two or three days after New Year's Day, and the shopping district was packed.
I took in some sights and photographed some buildings in Ginza.
Second photo is de Beers building. It looks like it's melting or swaying...little ironic given Japan has frequent earthquakes. The next image is that of Mikimoto buliding. Very elegant, reminded me of birdnest stadium in Beijing(although this one was designed by Japanese architect). And lastly, the all glass brick building is Hermes building. Biggest Hermes store I've seen anywhere. It lits up like a some overpriced barcounter at George Cloony's bachelor pad. It tells you how popular Hermes brand is in Japan. It's pretty to look at, especially at night, if not a bit monolithic(I am talking about the building, not Mr. Cloony)
The last picture is of a German style beerhall in Ginza. The fabulous "Ginza Lion" beerhall was built in the 1930's. Sytlish tile works on the ceiling reflect Art Deco trend of the day. I am surprised how well it's been kept up all these years...even the light fixtures seemed to be original. When in Tokyo, drop in for a beer, and for not so shabby food and atmosphere.
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