Japan Trip—Day 2

Day number two. We’ve begun to stay out later, sleep fewer hours, and have less time in the morning to prep (or write blogs) as we’re cramping more events into our schedules. So, I afraid I may not have time to update these trip recaps on the daily. Sorry, ladies and gents.

For day 2, we decided to kick off our day with some Japanese breakfast. Here’s one right next to our hotel.

It was a do-it-yourself system, where we pick out what we want and pay for them at the end of the line. It reminded me of high school, except the food’s ten fold better—it’s got salmon, fried pork, different types of dons, and all kinds of goodies.

I ordered tamago (eggs), and this went down:

Look at this:
Authentic shit.

Oyakodon. I didn’t know Japanese eat the type of food I eat as dinner for breakfast. No wonder why they’d be able to invent all these ingenious gadgets.
We picked up a couple of other dishes as well. Turned out to be around $7 per person, which is relatively inexpensive. (But of course, if you want breakfast on the cheap, go to Taiwan. You’d be stuffed with just $4)

Big breakfast, done. Then it was off to everywhere-in-Tokyo.
Here’s the one day metro pass from the airport. They had a discount for these at 100 yen (around $1 US), if you purchase their shuttle buses (bus limousine). You get to ride their Tokyo metro system all day for the cost of 100 yen. 100 YEN!! Bang for the buck, no doubt.

To go anywhere, we start with a map:
There are many ways to get from one location to another. It’s always like a game as we scramble through the routes to seek the shortest method.

First stop: Ikebukuro.

Japan has very creative buildings:

Thought of my lady. Except her eyes are bigger.

I think a cool part of Japan are these:
Although, smoking’s allowed in most restaurants, it’s cool that they have these dedicated zones for smokers. I got lucky with this photo, most of the time it’s so foggy in there, I could barely made out the face of each person.

Here’s the shop that we came to Ikebukuro for (they have multiple chain stores, this one’s just closest to us). “ALOOK” is an eye wear store, where they have 4 levels of pricing, as you see below, and they can get the glasses fully ready in 25 minutes. It’s like a fast food joint for glasses.

I didn’t end up buying anything because I was too picky.

Destination 2: Kaminarimon.
It’s a temple, and a tour-spot. I think I saw more Chinese people here than the locals.

Nonetheless, it’s awesome:

I’m not sure if this is true, but I think this is one of the few places in Tokyo that still truly preserves the aesthetics and appeals of the traditional Japanese culture. This place is unique unlike downtown or the central districts of the heavy populated cities, they all look very similar to me with the skyscrapers, lights, and billboards.

A cool feature about template is that you can always discover your fortune without buying a Chinese meal.

These are the bad fortunes. They ask you to tie them on these rods, and at the end of the day the monks would burn them as a sign of cleansing your fortune. How nice.

Another way to bring luck is by washing your hands and drinking the water from this fountain.

And this:
Does absolutely nothing to your fortune. It does cool you off the summer heat, though.

Found these capsule stations. At 200 yen, I decided to buy a souvenir.

As I was on my way out, I saw this lady:

Quick lunch break:
I’ve been folding this for years now, and I’m glad someone’s finally put the instructions up.

Yes, I’m eating seafood. They’re delicious, even if they’re radioactive.

Next, Akihabara. The paradise of hermits and geeks.

Japan is the land of anime. You won’t believe how heavy the anime culture is embedded in the lives of the people here. Billboards of new anime and games posted on multiple buildings across the streets:

Teasers and trailers in every single glass case.

Akihabara consists of a few things: 1. Electronic stores.

2. UFO machines:

3. Capsule stations:
There’s a capsule for anything.

4.Maids.

5. Kids that are insanely good at video games.
If she’s not a professional drummer, I don’t who is.

I was lured into one of the UFP machines. And as a result…let’s just say this turn out to be one very expensive toy. In my eye.

There’s a Gundam Cafe. Yes, that’s right. Close your mouth and wipe yo-self.

They also offer a series of clever little things that I wish I could bring them all back.

Since I couldn’t afford them, I took a picture instead. Here’s me, my belly, and a miniature Gundam.

Next door, there’s 6 stories tall building filled with adult DVDs, toys, and costumes. Unfortunately, there’s no picture taking in the shops. You’d just have to visit yourself.

What did I say about the influence of their anime:

We then headed to Ginza—one of the most expensive district in Tokyo.
This is where you’d find all upscale brands and where people learn to window shop.