Shinjuku Park

Shinjuku gyoen is a park MUCH closer to my house. You're probably wondering why I don't do my debauched drinking, and playing guitar there instead of Yoyogi Park?

I came here on this (Greenery) day, and since it was free today, I may as well see what I wasn't missing. Sure the Taiwanese pavilion is kind of nice. The greenhouse is kind of cool to all the geeky camera nerds with macro lenses. Oh, and you can't forget that rose garden. Unforgettable.

Their website amusingly states:

IMPORTANT REMINDER
1. To bring items listed below.

Animals, or pets (except assistance dogs)

Bicycles, tricycles (except pushchairs), or trolleys

Alcohol

Plants

2. To do the activities below.

Roller-skating, rollerblading

Playing with radio-controlled helicopters, radio-controlled cars, and similar products

Playing badminton

Playing frisbees, or boomerangs

Rope-jumping

Playing soccer and other activities using balls

Kite-flying

3. Disrupting natural habitat such as:

Taking out or damaging the plants

Taking or causing injury to mammals, birds, or fish

Climbing trees

Feeding animals

4. Activities which may disrupt other visitors.

Entering by car (except administrative vehicles)

Collecting donations

Smoking other than in smoking areas

Getting drunk and making other visitors uncomfortable

5. Impairing scenery.

Throwing out or leaving rubbish other than throwing it into trash

Setting flags and putting posters

Bringing in a tent, parasol, table, chair, or such outdoor goods

6. Activities which disrupts the garden administration.

Making the facilities dirty or damaging them on purpose

Entering restricted areas

Swimming in the ponds

Building a fire, or using products that cause fire or smoke

Taking fallen leaves, branches, or flowers and taking them home

Playing musical instruments, using audio goods, or speaking over a loudspeaker

What they really mean is that all the fun things to do in a park are actually prohibited. On top of that the usual entry is 200 yen.  No thanks. I'll do my getting drunk and making other visitors feel uncomfortable for free!

Ueno Zoo was also free today too so we did a two in one. SO many people. No chance to see the pandas again. Dang.