Shinjuku Art

Situated close to the New South Exit of Shinjuku station.

Kabuki Cho, Shinjuku

Always an interesting place for a wander around, day or night.
The signs are in your face. Trannies, hookers, male/female hosts are operating around the clock pulling in the punters.
Naturally, it becomes better (or worse, depending how you think) at night.

Ueno

Ueno has been cleaned up over the years.
However, the streets are still grimy, the back streets are still seedy, the fish market is still smelly and the park still attracts the homeless.
I remember Ueno was quite a shit hole when I was first in Tokyo 8 years ago.
It's certainly a long way off being upmarket, and that's probably why I like it.
Still, the effort to make it more presentable is evident.

I find Ueno has a mix of Shinjuku's neon and crowded streets, coupled with the feel of Nakano's backstreets, and yet manages to keep it own uniqueness with a big open air market.

It's well-worth a visit for the market and just to wander.
Keep out of the zoo, though.
It's quite depressing and very small.
You'll feel very sorry for the inhabitants...

Ueno

A few snaps from around the streets.
Note that the toy shop.
This is a great shop that specialises in replica ball bearing guns and "celebrity" masks.
Quite a mix.

Okubo Station

Took this from the platform of Okubo Station.
Okubo is sometimes referred to as "Korean Town".
Next stop to Shinjuku.