11-25-11 Ameyoko: A visual assault (in a good way)

I have lived in Japan for almost seven years, but by no means do I consider myself any kind of expert about Tokyo. Last week, I wrote about revisiting an old favorite of mine. This week, I ventured to an area I have only walked by (about 100 times) but never entered. The vibrant and unique shopping area near Ueno Station known as Ameyoko.

The busy and hectic nature of this place during the day has it's charm, I'm sure. At night however, the amount of color here is truly awesome. The abundance of neon is only part of it. The numerous shoe, accessory and backpack shops (and one army surplus store) provide enough color to rival some botanical gardens.

Arno (my shooting partner with Ameyoko knowledge) and I shot this area for only about two hours. I went prepared with a couple of lenses, flash and compact tripod but used only one item. A 30mm prime (no zoom) lens. Visual documentation below.

This place is a maze! Thankfully Comrade Arno (costume by the army surplus shop) has a better sense of direction than I do in this technicolor labyrinth.

Thanks for viewing, reading or glancing at. Be back next week!

Mike