March 26, 2010
15th day of travel in Japan - Tokyo
Going back to a thought that I recently had about the trip. It is harder to say goodbye to someone and be left behind than to say goodbye and leave. Obviously, that is my opinion of it. This comes from thinking over the feelings that I had while my mother and aunt were leaving. The feeling of being alone really kicked in at this time.
Getting back to what we were actually doing here though. So if you couldn't tell, the golden turd on the black building is actually a DAIKON, white radish, and is the symbol of ASAHI. I would say beer company, but they are actually what the Japanese call a "group", or what is more commonly spoken of here as a conglomerate.
This building was actually located across the street from the hostel that Ben and I were staying at the ASAKUSA Smile, which is really a horrid place in the winter, in ASAKUSA. Being that the building is old, and we were staying in a corner room, it was really tough. Tough, being SUPER COLD! We were freezing. I remember sleeping with a couple pairs of pants under my jeans, and under the blankets and still being cold. I'm sure that this hostel is fine during the summer when it is not near snowing temperatures outside. Back to ASAKUSA....
The first place we went to was KAMINARIMON. This is probably the most famous place in TOKYO, or even Japan. This is the temple with the gigantic lantern at the entrance, and another one that is in front of the temple itself. If you go to Tokyo, Japan, then this is one of the must see places of Japan. Unfortunately, at this time the actual temple was under restoration and was covered up.
Even if the temple was covered though we had an excellent time walking down the long street lined with boutiques. Funny story, there is a McDonalds fast food restaurant at one of the side streets that I have ate at every time that I have gone to ASAKUSA. This time was no exception ><; Boo! to those who don't like foreign McDonalds! HEHE.
As you can see in the surrounding photos, there is a lot of commotion in ASAKUSA, this was quite early in the day as well, but I can say, I've been there when the place was really quite before. Also, just because the main temple was covered up, it doesn't mean that you cannot go and visit the other shrines and shops that are around. This is a tip, that I would not say is just for this area, but for any place in the world. As they say, if life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
In the market place, there are many places to eat and find beverages. I recommend the sweet sake place that is served by the cute girls wearing the pink KIMONOs and any fresh baked goods. It is delicious!
This is the second large lantern in front of the main temple. There were many smaller lanterns that led to the larger one, and they were actually covered with the name of a company or person that donated to the temple. Presumably for the reconstruction that was going on.
As you see here is the cover of the temple that is under reconstruction. Although you cannot see the temple, you can actually still go into the temple to pray if you would like. I thought it was neat that you could go inside while they were still working on it, but most of the people that went to Japan at this time were more disappointed with the fact that the temple was covered and didn't even think about going in.
So here we have my buddy Ben trying to do a little fortune telling. There is a funny story behind this scene here. I told him the proper way of doing, but he got upset when he thought I was lying to him and he saw some Japanese people come up and do it the improper way.
The way that I told him to get the stick to come out of that metal container he is holding above is to shake the container; towards then away from him. The Japanese kids came up upended the container and let a stick fall out and went to go get their fortune. Ben then smacked me thinking that I was making fun of him.
Unfortunately, I told him that many Japanese people don't understand their own culture fully, and that I was taught by a person whose grandfather runs a shrine. Not believing me he asked me to do it first. Therefore, I shook the container and as expected a stick popped out and I went to go grab my luck, which was amazing luck, and handed him the container to mimic what I did.
He got not so great luck... hehehe.....
Next, we went to UENO. Below is what I believe is the American part of Japan. I cannot remember exactly, but one of my friends was telling me about this place, and that the market here is amazing and that I need to go see the prices of everything that is edible.
Next we walked across the street over to UENO park. There was a zoo, but my buddy said that he didn't fly to Japan to go to a zoo, so we just walked by it. We actually ended up in a festival that was going on near by though, and walked through the tents.
Mmmm..... ODEN! A personal favorite. If you are going to Japan, at some point in time, you are recommended to trying ODEN. It is pretty much stewed vegetables, tofu and eggs, but it is delicious. A definite must for saying that you were in Japan. Here my buddy was trying some white radish, egg, and tofu.
Here was the last stop for the day, because my friend Ben loved it so much. It is AKIHABARA. The store on top is the store that I purchased my electronic dictionary from. It is a great store LABI, a chain electronic store. Below is Sofmap, best place to buy used electronics. Love this place.
Below is a girl dressed up like a high school student, and working for a theme restaurant. If you don't know what a theme restaurant, then perhaps if I say "Maid Cafe" would be easier to understand. No?
Then let me say that a theme restaurant is a restaurant that follows a theme like a "Maid Cafe" is a restaurant that has all the wait staff dressed as maids. Sounds obvious, but there are a lot more then just Maid Cafes. I highly recommend going to one before you leave Japan, and Tokyo is the best place for doing it. Alcatraz E.R. is a recommended one!
Randomly, right after dinner at a maid cafe (you are not allowed to take photos in a maid cafe), an event unfolded in front of my buddy and me. These girls were dressed up like "Sherlock Holmes" from a new manga that was being released. Ben and I were able to get real close at first, but about 15 minutes later there was a huge crowd and a line.
Above is one of the largest sex shops I've ever been into. There are seven levels of adult toys, contraceptives, candy, costumes, and pornography of all kinds. Women are not allowed passed the fifth floor, but only women can get a discount. They can do so by wearing a costume and having their photo taken to be placed on the wall. Awesome, huh?
Lastly, here is the arcade! I still have the toys that I won out of the machines. This particular Sega arcade was being ran by Haruhi and Kon. Unfortunately, no Nagato or Asahina. If you are into arcades though, I would recommend the best arcade of all of Japan. It is located at ODAIBA island, called Sega Joyopolis. You need to pay to get in, but the fun inside is amazing!
Tokyo Anime Festival is coming up soon! Stay tuned for more!
No comments:
Post a Comment