Famous for being an office town, Tamachi/Hamamatsucho is lined with corporate head offices. Surrounded by houses and apartments, office buildings, and many school facilities, a variety of weekday passengers make for a particularly crowded station.

Also, with the development of coastal districts, and the old Shiba-Rikyu Garden in Shiba Koen surrounded by tall buildings, the town is also known for its many shrines and gardens such as Hama Rikyu garden. Speaking of symbols in this area, this is where you will find Tokyo Tower! This route aims to introduce the walk from Tamachi Station to Tokyo Tower.

First, leave Tamachi Station from the West Exit and turn right. Walk to 2 minutes to the Satsuma Clan Kurayashiki.

This is where, in March 1868, Saigo Takamori, a representative of the new government’s army, and Katsu Kaishu of the Tokugawa Bakufu, met for discussions as the army continued its march toward Edo.

The two of them conducted the historical talks on the night before the full-scale attack on Edo, and signed a pact promising a bloodless surrender of the castle.
For those who love Japanese history, this is a highly recommended spot.

Next, we crossed the big street and headed towards Shiba Toshogu.

Shiba Toshogu is a shrine in one corner of Shiba Koen. Originally a part of Zojoji, it was split away in the beginning of the Meiji period to become its current form.

Compared to other shrines, Shiba Toshogu is very small, but it is loved for all of the surrounding greenery. From between the trees you can see Tokyo Tower. Next to the donations box are all kinds of amulets. Among them are some lovely Daruma doll charms. Pink, Yellow, and Green Daruma dolls are lined up next to each other.

They are being sold at 500 yen each.
Heading onward, we come to Shiba Koen.

Today the weather was good, and it was very pleasant to walk in the just-right temperatures. It was tempting to just lie down on the green grass spreading out underneath the beautiful blue sky.
A bride was having her photograph taken in her wedding dress. Just looking brought happiness to our hearts.

We then headed to Zojoji, a 10 minute walk from Shibakouen.

Zojoji is the head temple of the Jodo sect built in 1393. It prospered as the Buddhist temple to the Tokugawa Shogunate. Although most of it was destroyed during the war, the main gate is still the same one from the Edo period. Thanks to the many precious cultural assets in Zojoji, it has become a tourist spot visited even by tourists from overseas.

Also, famous as a spot for viewing Cherry Blossoms, the wonderful scenery in the Spring of Cherry Blossoms .Tokyo Tower lined up together is a sight to behold. Today too we could see extravagant views.

Next is Shiba Daijingu near Hamamatsucho Station. Boasting a history of over 1000 years, this famous Tokyo shrine is believed to give fortune in marriage and wealth. It is visited by many pilgrims throughout the year.

The “Lazy Festival” in Japan is a famous, and very long, festival of Japan. With September 16th as it peak, the period from the 11th until the 21st is a time of many festivals.

There are also various types of fortunes. We tried one which was triangle-shaped. The sign said that inside there are gemstones, and sure enough my one had a golden stone inside!

We found a cute cat!

Then to today’s final destination: Tokyo Tower. We arrived after a 20 minute walk from Shiba Daijingu.

Tokyo Tower is over 1000ft high. Since its completion in 1958, it has become known as THE symbol of Tokyo Sightseeing.
People who live in the metropolitan area see it on a daily basis, yet very few actually climb.

Despite some of the limelight having been taken away from it recently by Tokyo Sky Tree in Sumida, Tokyo still remains something to see. Just seeing it will bring excitement to the viewer. No matter when you look out from the top, the scenery around Tokyo Tower is always beautiful.

On the 2nd floor there souvenirs such as this being sold. The effects of the recent earthquake in Japan can be seen on the tip of the tower where it has bent.
The T-shirt with that photo had written on it:
“Let’s show Japan’s POWER! Arise, Northern Japan!
We are all together.”

Vending machines found on the way to Tokyo Tower observatory.
The plastic bottles are in the shape of Tokyo Tower.

Finally we have arrived at the observatory. When going to Tokyo Tower, one is moved by its nostalgic image. The view from the observatory, the unchanging scenery of Tokyo, and looking into the distance, somehow it is a healing experience. You may think at first that just once is enough, but by some strange power you will want to do it again.

Glass flooring could be seen here and there. Honestly, at first it was scary, but over time you become accustomed to it.

The best part of Tokyo Tower is the fact that there is more than just the observatory.There is also the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum, the Tokyo Tower souvenir store, the Tokyo Curry Lab, and many other places we could enjoy. The wide number of goods in the many souvenir shops was quite interesting.Make no mistake, an entire half-day can be spent enjoying Tokyo Tower.