It’s still early, I decide to hop off at Gotanda, near Osaki and redeem my disappointment on the first day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s like sakuras at Xmas.

I walk the length of the illuminated riverbank to Osaki.

Back on the Yamanote, I jump off at Yarakucho, one stop south of Tokyo central.

Marunouchi did not show up in my plans originally, however upon arriving in Japan I notices plenty of posters about the special illumination in front of Tokyo station this year.

 

 

 

Aside from the main street, there are also various displays put up by various companies.

 

 

While the various displays put up back private companies are very well done, the highlight remains the main promenade outside Tokyo station. The theme is Tokyo Lightopia.

The promenade is in the design of a river blooming with flowers that shifts in hues.

 

 

 

 

 

The showpiece however is the Prayer for Japan, where children from various primary schools write their prayers on candle lanterns. It is an extremely powerful sight to behold, especially with the paper hearts flattering in the strong winds, and the staffs working tireless to keep the candles lit. Combined with the Xmas atmosphere, it’s enough to move one to tears.

Stay strong, Japan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By now I’m just outside Tokyo station.

Inside, I find an underground bento street called the Gransta. It’s platform side, beneath the sub-urban concourse, where some two dozen bento shops vie for the stomach of travelers.

I’m not interested in bento though, at least not tonight. For once I have some leisurely time and I’m determined to have ramen.

Back in Ueno, I explore the whole station in full. Turns out I’ve missed out the Atre shopping area in the main concourse since I always exited up north through the Iriya exit, and the station is so big I did not realize what I’ve seen so far is not the main concourse.

 

I soon find what I’m looking for. Ramen Ichi-ran! Said to be one of the best around.

As usual, there’s a queue… is it possible to have a meal without a queue in Tokyo?

 

You first need to buy ramen “tickets” from the machine… even though it’s common practice for ramen and other fast-foody places, the first thought that popped to my mind is “Hey, this is like what the students do in Angel Beats!”.

Everyone (who’s there by themselves) is given a cubicle where you can have your ramen in peace.

 

The noodle is most excellent, cooked just right. The soup is flavorsome but perhaps a little too flavorsome, I have a preference for light tastes.

Ahh, nothing beats a hot spicy ramen on a cold night.

 

For more see the Day 3 gallery