St Luke's Tower

There's a list of places which I'd like to visit. But you know, travelling costs money and time, both of which I do not have. That's why these plans are more often than not, stalled...

Well, until one those days when I get this uncanny twitches that I feel wouldn't go away unless if I do something... Something like grabbing the camera bag and rush off somewhere.

This time, I went to St Luke's Tower in the vicinity of Tsukiji (築地), the famous fish market.

It's a high-rise building with hotel, expensive restaurants and an observatory deck on the 46th floor. Since I'd no business to visit a hotel, neither would I enter an expensive restaurant for a gourmet dinner, my destination was obviously the observatory deck.

The place is probably the smallest observation deck I've ever seen. But, what could I say? Entrance was free after all.In one corner was a fella hiding behind a black umbrella like a sniper under his camouflage net. I doubt that Japanese are superstitious about opening umbrellas indoors, but still, what he was doing, I couldn't understand until I tried to take a snap.

Geez, the reflection on the window was terrible. Now, that's what the umbrella was for! How thoughtful!

I headed back downstairs, got a folding umbrella and returned to the observation deck on the 46th floor.

Lesson of the day: An umbrella comes in handy, even if it ain't raining.

On one of the benches in the room, sat a teenage couple. Still in their school uniform, they probably headed directly to the observatory. Hell, these guys surely do know how to pick their dating spot!

"What's that guy there doing with an umbrella?" the girl whispered.

"To avoid the reflections on the window while taking photos. See the other man in that corner? That's what he's doing too," the guy surmised.

Cool. I had to admit that the guy was not only good at planning romantic escapades after class, but also had a sharp observation.

But I digressed.If I were to grade the place, I'd give it 9 out of 10. One point off because it doesn't offer a full 360-degree view. Another thing is, they close early; at 2030 hours. Since I was taking long exposure shots, it was pretty time consuming. Besides, I had to take time tweaking the aperture and shutter speed setting to compare the results. So before long, the staff came in and inform us that they're closing (i.e. shooed us out).

But apart from that, the place is totally great. Nice view on the bustling metropolitan city of Tokyo (good for photography); and romantic atmosphere. Just pray that there're no stupid photographers blocking the view by opening umbrellas, though!