We knew our hotel was near Akihabara (or Akiba to the locals), but we did not realise just how close. Post breakfast we set off. 5 minutes kater we’re in the heart of Akiba looking at electrical components, laptops, collectable figures, manga, the whole otaku 9 yards. Being a fan of both Genshiken while at the same time becoming more like Fred Galagher’s character, Piro in Megatokyo (though I deny it) it meant I had to carry on my education of Pak in the ways of manga/anime. Needless to say I did follow the old rule of When in Rome resulting in me buying a Lucky Star box set of unknown contents. Only on arriving back at the hotel did I find it was a pencil case with contents (bakah). I also picked up a copy of the last issue of Genshiken, almost as a tribue to the satire it so accurately portayed (I’m not sure if the Wiki article mentions it, but a lot of the stories were based on the author’s own experiences while going through university). Continue reading →

Hm does the day count start from when you land or the first full day (in which case it would be day 2).

My main musing is over the breakfast. I like Japanese breakfasts, but I’ve been dissapointed so far with the ones at this hotel. Don’t get me wrong, this hotel is better from here I stayed last time (Hotel Vantage Shinuku) though not as well placed for late night drinking, but breakfast it could be better.

Anyhow after a late start caused by bad Internet connections last night (causing very slow uploads) we’re about to hit Akihabara. Gadget shopping time 🙂 – oh and also time to find a Cosplay Cafe 😀

Forgot to say where my photos are for those who do not have the link. You will find them on Webshots under Tokyo 2008.

Well after a long day we decided to hit Shinjuku for the evening. Find a renound tempura restaurant, the go through Kabukicho, the lively, electric, and also some what seedy area that is full of life and contradictions. Continue reading →

Well we arrived to see the crowds milling round the entrance to watch the wrestlers come in. Most came by public transport, but one or two were in taxis. You could tell who the big names were as they seemed to have small gaggles of groupies. All nice and friendly though. Continue reading →

There is one main reason to go to Asakusa (pronounced A-sak-sa), and thatis the temple complex at Senso-Ji. This large and impressive temple is the most important Buddist one in Tokyo, and while much of it is post WWII reconstruction, some original bits still exist. Also, as per the norm, it is full of school groups, so far from serene. Continue reading →

Each year there are three Bashos or sumo tournaments in Tokyo. As luck would have it we’d arrived towards the end of the May one. Today is day 14 out of 16 and we went along hoping we’d have a small chance of some tickets. There are three classes of ‘boxes’, close to the arena, starting at 36,000 yen (~£180) each, Way beyond our spend limit and also booked up long ago (you can only book my phone or in person in Japan). There are also then seats in the gods, between 3600 yen (~£18) and 8600 yen (~£45). We weren’t concetrating and bought a pair of the latter. Here’s hoping it’s good. I’ve not watched any in 15+ years (back when Channel 4 used to show it) and even then I was not a big fan.

Werll we’ve had out first night out in Tokyo. Having wandered around the area of the hotel in the opposite direction of Akiba (Akihabara), we decided to try a modern take on an Izakaya. Yakitori, sashimi various forms of fried croquet style food, and lashings of cold sake to wash it down. A very worthy night and a place we’d happilly go back to. It might be modern, but it was friendly and popular.

JAL is an ok airline for economy class, the leg room is not too bad, but the seats are narrower than others and I found the back too hard (and as a result uncomfortable). The plane had the latest entertainment package, so movies; music; games on demand. Watched Porco Rosso, Charlie Wilson’s War, I am Legend and Monsters Inc. Continue reading →

Here I am with Pak, sitting in the Starbucks at Heathrow terminal 3, waiting to fly to Tokyo.

One thing I’ve noticed. These days all journeys seem to start and end in coffee shops …