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Polar

03-11-2009 04:31 AM

Polar in Tokyo

Polar

03-11-2009 04:32 AM

Polar

03-12-2009 10:32 AM

Day 3 - Akibaharaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa !!!

Well today we're off to Akihabara, this is Mecca for video gamers, anime and manga fans. It also harbours electronic stores, DVDs and usually a combination of all them. Even the stores that look small have at least 3 floors if not more.

Now here's the thing it's approx 7:00am in the morning, I check the web to see how to get there on the subway *ugh* it looks confusing, plus it's gonna put me there in 20 mins. Stores don't open till 10am. Not to mention the subway is going to be CRAZY at that time of day.

I check google maps and the satellite view, hmmm just follow the highway. What the heck we're going to hike there hopefully kill some time in the process, the web says it's about 8.6km well that's not too bad. Armed with the Tokyo subway map what's the worst thing that could happen we may get lost.

Lets get started ...

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00349.jpg

There's a familiar face

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00350.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00351.jpg

Hmm is that park the one I think is on my map ? Lets zoom in and see.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00352.jpg

Well that's no help, let's just keep moving as we've passed subway stations already and we're going the right way.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00353.jpg

Neat

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00354.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00355.jpg

Remember what I said about those alleyways ? Always worth it to look down them.

Check this out

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00356.jpg

Looks good enough to eat

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00357.jpg

Hmm I see one of those Boss Coffee machines, I'm gonna try one. Now something to understand about these machines is certainly are labelled red and blue, red is hot and blue is cold. I pick a Black coffee. Damn it's quite warm in my hand. I open the can and try it. Wowzers it's pretty damn good. I'm amazed it's not the best coffee I've ever had but it's head and shoulders above average.

Satisfied we move and get another WTF moment

What the heck is this ?

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00358.jpg

Oooh another surprise lurking in an alley

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00359.jpg

Also a smaller version of NYC parking

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00360.jpg

The famous confectionery

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00361.jpg

Now I see some familiar gates, cool another Shinto shrine ... wait a minute, this has an officer outside and literally a police bus as well and it's all chained off. Hmmm could it possibly be the Imperial palace ? That means we covered a LOT of ground quickly if this supposed to be 8.6 Km. I start having my doubts.

Across the street it's the Tokyo Arts Centre !

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00362.jpg

No idea what that is but it's pretty keen.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00363.jpg

Now looking on my left is would appear my instinct was right. That's a LOT of land there.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00364.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00365.jpg

Hmm another gate

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00366.jpg

What's happening on the right side ? Traffic

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00368.jpg

These gates are open and no officers lets trek through

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00369.jpg

Oh it`s a just a kitty corner entrance to another gate

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00370.jpg

Cool clock

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00371.jpg

Yep it`s the Imperial palace alright , it`s only to visitors once or twice a year and even then it`s just the gardens, during that time you just might if your lucky catch a glimpse of the Royal Family

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00372.jpg

You know what I'm finally hungry and there's a Denny's lets grab some breakfast. I have no idea what this is but my waitress stuck the bill in it. Ordering was a breeze, gotta love picture menus. My breakfast arrives alongside coffee (all you drink) and glass of water. Can you believe this ?? How healthy is that ! It was GOOD too, difference being it came with ketchup and soy sauce bottles. That wrapped napkin is a moist one for after your done.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00382.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00383.jpg

Ok I'm full now, total came to 580 yen can beat that. Lets move on. Looking at the subway map again and one of those map boards they seem to conflict with each other and it appears I've over shot Akibahara. That makes no sense at all. After locating the station I kitty corner down an alleyway.

Still some traditional homes here.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00384.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00385.jpg

Looks like we're getting there

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00386.jpg

A column of garbage trucks, if your over 6'2 you probably place your hand on the top

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00389.jpg

Who doesn't love dump trucks

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00388.jpg

Very Chicago-esque

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00387.jpg

Lady's and Gentlemen we have arrived !!!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00390.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00391.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00392.jpg

Club SEGA on the left

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00393.jpg

GashaPon or capsule toys, they range in price fro 200 - 500 yen each. They are collectible and usually have rare chase ones to try and get for the full set. They change them up regularly

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00394.jpg

This one dispenses cards for games.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00395.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00396.jpg

A better view of that Club SEGA

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00397.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00398.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00399.jpg

WOW !

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00400.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00401.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00402.jpg

Notice the mask on the guy on the far right, you wear these if you are sick or don't want to get sick. I was amazed at how common they are maybe it's cold season ?

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00403.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00404.jpg

The infamous maid cafes. Basically you pay for girl dressed in a maids outfit and she pretends to like you and play games for about 15 mins. No sex or anything like that. Meh we'll pass on that.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00405.jpg

More and more stores

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00406.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00407.jpg

Tradition is even still here.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00408.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00409.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00410.jpg

Hmm a used shop lets take a look at those prices there shall we.That's not cheap at all !

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00412.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00411.jpg

Another arcade, those machines out there are known as UFO catchers, if you've ever seen those games where you manipulate a crane to try and grab your prize they are the same thing.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00413.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00414.jpg

Poor girl shilling for the maid cafe

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00415.jpg

It's Super Potato !!! One the best retro gaming stores out there.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00416.jpg

Polar

03-12-2009 10:33 AM

Now you knowing me you're probably asking yourself why no photos of what's inside these fabulous shops. Well simply put it's flat out forbidden and looking around and seeing anywhere from 2 - 8 security cameras on you. I ain't risking it just to get a photo then get kicked out just for you. You would need something like a spy camera.

Suffice to say if you are looking for "deals" look elsewhere SERIOUSLY ! bargains are few and far between and usually involve Gundam models they are being cleared, some good prices on those especially the 18" models but video games ? Nope.

Resident 5 Regular version 7500 yen, in the US it's $59.99 ! Aquanaughts Holiday which I purchased at a store close the hotel for 3500 yen was still 5700 there. So go there if want to buy action figures. Although a sealed copy of SEGAGA for only 8900 yen was pretty damn tempting as it was offered ONLY online and ONLY in Japan.

Well at this point my legs are aching and it's time to go home. We're not walking back we're taking the subway. After making my way back with all the landmarks I've seen I'm beginning to believe it's pretty damn hard to get lost here.

Get to the station and it's 8 stops in a straight line. I head to the collectors booth. Shinjuku arigato I say, he tells me 260 yen I hand the coins he explains I have to use the machine. Eeek I think I go over and wouldn't you know there's an english button. It asks me to spell out the station. The collector watches over me to assist if needed. Get the ticket and through the turnstile. You insert the ticket and it spits out the other side.

Down and down to the subway tracks

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00416.jpg

Not knowing which train to grab, I check the board

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00421.jpg

and see that it was this one leaving.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00417.jpg

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00418.jpg

Train approaching ... but it turns out to be an express that races through.

After an uneventful ride we head back to the hotel going through the dog park. He looks pleased to see us.

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00419.jpg

Time for a nap now and it seems the jet lag is finally gone !

MMM	03-12-2009 10:50 AM

Thanks for the pics! There are some good ones in there...

That's funny about the shops. Just today I walked around Osaka and took about 100 pics today, a lot inside shops (electronic, games, manga, books, Loft, CD store, etc.) The staff saw me taking pictures, but no one said anything. No one asked me to put the camera away. Maybe things are different in Tokyo.

Polar

03-12-2009 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM (Post 683437)

I asked at one store motioning with my camera, and the clerk grinned and looked down then I croseed both arms and he said Yes, sorry.

Other`s had no photo signs etc...

Question: What are the clerks saying to me, it sounds like a complete sentence. Is it something like Welcome to (insert store name), if you need any help please ask.

Niyusu

03-12-2009 12:42 PM

Nice photos.

kirakira

03-12-2009 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polar (Post 683443)

Question: What are the clerks saying to me, it sounds like a complete sentence. Is it something like Welcome to (insert store name), if you need any help please ask.

When you walk in, いらっしゃいませ (irrashaimase) which means welcome.
When you leave the store ありがとうございました。またお越しくださいませ。(ar igatou gozaimashita. mata okoshikudasaimase)　which means thank you very much. Please visit again.

These are set phrases, I really doubt most of the store clerks actually really mean it.

MMM	03-12-2009 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polar (Post 683443)

That's the difference. I didn't ask, I just did it. If you ask, of course the answer is no.

Aniki

03-12-2009 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM (Post 683449)

That's the difference. I didn't ask, I just did it. If you ask, of course the answer is no.

Now that's rude if I do say so myself.

Nyororin

03-12-2009 04:22 PM

I had to laugh at what you`re referring to as "alleys" - those are regular streets. :D

noname4444

03-12-2009 07:52 PM

Nice posts Polar. A group of friends and myself will be staying in Toyko during November and staying in the same hotel as yourself :). Have you found any great places to eat close to the hotel?

Polar

03-12-2009 08:44 PM

Re: Alleys, really ? Heh I learned something new.

As far as food near the hotel, to be honest I havedn't eaten much here I was stuffed on the flight over so it took a few days to get hungry again :D

There seem to be some popular places for lunch and there's a Sri Lanken resto close by if that interests you.

I will probably know better in a few days after trying some.

Word of advice for those staying at the Sunroute in Shinjuku, don't bother packing a tooth brush, toothpaste, hair brushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, shaving creme, razor. It's all included. The only thing that isn't full sized and is just a mini is the tooth paste.

Polar

03-12-2009 08:58 PM

Oh, you get a night shirt too

noname4444

03-13-2009 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polar (Post 683548)

I will probably know better in a few days after trying some.

Word of advice for those staying at the Sunroute in Shinjuku, don't bother packing a tooth brush, toothpaste, hair brushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, shaving creme, razor. It's all included. The only thing that isn't full sized and is just a mini is the tooth paste.

Oh, you get a night shirt too

Thanks for the heads up :). Ug, I still have eight months to wait, time's going to drag by. So how long are you going to be in Japan?

nobora

03-13-2009 12:43 AM

Awesome pics :vsign:

Nagoyankee

03-13-2009 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noname4444 (Post 683523)

Nice posts Polar. A group of friends and myself will be staying in Toyko during November and staying in the same hotel as yourself :). Have you found any great places to eat close to the hotel?

No worries. Shinjuku is like the Gourmet Ghetto of Tokyo with hundreds of restaurants. You will find everything there.

Btw, try going to the top floor of one of the skyscrapers west of the Shinjuku Station. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building would be my choice. You will be able to see Mt. Fuji from there on fine days.

Polar

03-13-2009 04:16 AM

I'm here till Mon the 24th

Yeah I can see the building from my room it has all the dishes on it right ?

I'm telling you I don't know how anyone can get lost here way too many landamarks to use. I'm amazing myself. I'm not even paying attention to streets just signs and stores.

Polar

03-13-2009 06:55 AM

Good morning !

Today we're off to see some of the more seamier parts of Shinjuku

specially East Shinjuku home of Yakuza, Love Hotels and more. We're

going during the day so as not anger anyone whilst taking photos. Heck

I'd be annoyed if someone did that to me. If you played the games

Yakuza 1 and 2 this is the setting for it although the name was

changed.

The route seems pretty easy just get to the east side of Shinjuku

station and we're off to the races.

This is one of the cooler buildings spitting distance from my hotel

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00426.jpg

One the way I notice a pocket of streets I seem to have missed

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00427.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00428.jpg

Check out those streets, they are full side buses through too, I saw

one of the traffic cops guide a bus is 40 secs flat. I clapped out

loud and he grinned and me and bowed.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00429.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00430.jpg

It is just me or the building in the distance resemble a woodpeckers

nest ? I keep expecting a giant head to poke out of it.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00431.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00432.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00433.jpg

Apparently quite a few movies have used this area as a set, not sure
which ones.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00434.jpg

Old ad for Blue Dragon like 2 years old

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00436.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00437.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00438.jpg

Every single one of those signs denotes a club in the SAME building !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00439.jpg

Mmmm more plastic food and believe it or not they are NOT cheap if you

were thinking of grabbing one, as they are for sale but not here.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00440.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00441.jpg

Ok that was pretty cool but we have to move onwards, hey another kitty

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00442.jpg

An extraordinary bus stop

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00443.jpg

It's at this time I start to grasp just how damn bid Shinjuku station

is, all we want to do is make it to the other side.

This is one of the guides who help the buses make the turn.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00444.jpg

Hey I know this building I can see it from my hotel, so much for

getting lost this time.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00445.jpg

My lame attempt at a stealth shot to show the masses coming out of

Shinjuku station's West Entrance, looks like a nice jacket though.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00446.jpg

Times Square, must be a mall of sorts.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00447.jpg

Now this has to be biggest disappointment I've had so far. So many guide

books and websites revere the Alta building's "massive" video screen.

Uh maybe 10 - 15 years ago this was considered "big" but I've seen

bigger back home

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00448.jpg

The buildings here just continue to impress me, think you'd see this

elsewhere, nah it would just be a regular apt building.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00449.jpg

In the distance there is Bic Camera, it sells everything you could

possibly want from cell phone to computers to game systems to washing

machines

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00450.jpg

More plastic food, believe it or not those are NOT cheap.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00451.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00452.jpg

Woah pricey kind of, like the boot stein though

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00453.jpg

Puzzle design

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00454.jpg

Ducky Duck

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00455.jpg

We have to be getting there at some point I mean we are on the east

side now.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00456.jpg

AHA

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00457.jpg

Hey what's that on the roof up there ?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00458.jpg

Bingo ! some gates

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00459.jpg

Everyone ready ? Cause here we go ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00460.jpg

Nice !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00461.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00462.jpg

Yep we're here alright

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00463.jpg

Lots of restaurants too

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00464.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00465.jpg

One of "those" stores

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00466.jpg

Hmm

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00467.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00468.jpg

American Bar with monkey

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00469.jpg

Live fish, sort of surprised I haven't seen more of these maybe they

just aren't in the front window

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00470.jpg

How narrow are the streets ? THIS NARROW !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00471.jpg

An arcade but ewww like I'd touch any the controls here.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00472.jpg

Love Hotel

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00473.jpg

How can they fit all those places in that one building ?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00474.jpg

Awesome Engrish

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00475.jpg

Again look at all those clubs in there

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00476.jpg

Another view of the same building but a cooler side of it

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00477.jpg

Looks like they cater to women too !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00478.jpg

Roof detail of a love hotel

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00479.jpg

I love the these type of staircases they are pretty common

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00480.jpg

More love Hotels, rates seem pretty reasonable

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00481.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00482.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00483.jpg

Cool

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00484.jpg

Blade Runner Love Hotel

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00485.jpg

Uh ... ok

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00486.jpg

Hey it's a batting cage

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00487.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00488.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00489.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00490.jpg

Polar

03-13-2009 06:56 AM

Well I think that's enough seediness for this morning. Lets grab some lunch.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00491.jpg

Gambling den

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00492.jpg

The woodpecker nest building from a different angle

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00493.jpg

So I try to decide what I want ... curry ... sushi. when I pass this sushi place. A guy calls out to me, the waitress follows with both chefs responding in kind. It was AWESOME ! So I go inside and point at the menu for an assorted plate but what's this, it's place that does it by the plate.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00494.jpg

The chef talks me with a wide smile, I smile nod and keep saying "Hai". It works perfectly !

Now this is neat, you take a tea bag put it in your cup and press the cup against that black knob there and hot water comes out the spout.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00497.jpg

Here's what 900 yen gets you alongside Miso

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00496.jpg

Now you get other stuff form other restos for cheaper but the staff were so endearing I couldn't say no. The only thing I had a problem with was the sliver skinned one, that's sardine and it was generous portion, it was NOT was I was expecting and almost caused me to gag. Not sure why I love sushi and anchovies but I made it through. They also had pots of picked ginger to help yourself too.

finished I put my jacket on which starts another chorus from the workers , obviously good bye and come again.

Pretty interesting trip some peculiar things though I noticed some tough looking guys looking at me we they Yakuza ? Who knows. The other thing is there were a few cops and guy comes around the corner wearing a surgical mask and one cop steps up to him and says "Konichiwa" I have never heard a more formal tone and it was weird as the only one who's been saying Konichiwa all the time is me.

MMM	03-13-2009 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aniki (Post 683476)

Now that's rude if I do say so myself.

Not at all. I am doing them a favor by not forcing them to disappoint me.

Nyororin

03-13-2009 08:24 AM

You know, this topic is utterly fascinating to me - not because of the pictures (I have to admit I`ve barely looked at any of them...) but because it shows me what is of interest to someone not really familiar with Japan.

I`ve lived here so long that everything is incredibly normal and boring, and most of the things that seem to be of major interest to Polar are things I probably would never have guessed.

Polar

03-13-2009 10:05 AM

Thanks for the kind words Nyororin.

I really could care less about nice views or statues or other stuff. It's the infrastructure of a city that fascinates me. It could be something as trival as a manhole cover or a sign. The key is that's it's functional not static art per say. I really love the functional stuff. The little things that combined make a city work

This isn't just limited to Japan, it's the same when I'm in Manhattan, photos of the Statue of Liberty please I'd be happier shooting subway cars, bridges vehicles etc.. it's what I look at, the stuff like yourself or someone else would normally over look or rather it's just so common you tune it out :)

I guess I get from my dad as he is loving the shots of trival things like traffic signal boxes etc...

Last time in I was in Manahattan I was shooting houses like the orignal brownstone where the Marx bros grew up, Japser Johns/Gypsy Rose Lee/ Spike Lee's place etc...

I's hard to express although I will say I have NEVER taken so many pictures in a day before, in Manahattan I average 20, Japan is going on 60 - 70 a day. I think it's because so many things here are automated/unique not to mention the stores and buildings are colourful vs a minimalist look. Would I take pictures of pay phones in North America, heck no.

For the curious the photos are shot using a Sony DSC-H50 it's one of those ultra zoom models. 99.9% are shot in "easy mode". I'm sure they could be better (if I bothered to learn) but dang these are pretty good so why bother. I'm not trying to be artistic or dramatic rather to document what I see so someone else could follow.

I have one idiot on another forum asking "Where's all the people ?" "The reccesion must be really bad" I try to explain to him how many freaking people do you see up and about in your area at 7:00am ???

He seems to thing Tokyo is teaming with masses and throngs of people. Here in Shinjuku it seems to start around 9:00am but it's no Times Square.

I try to explain there are subways and not to mention people have school and work to go to and it's been cool and damn windy over the last couple of days and who would walk in that ?

See I love walking and walking and walking, sure I could get there faster using the bus or train but dang you'd miss stuff.

One thing that I have noticed is how quiet it is, to the point that when I go into a game store or arcade the noise is insanely loud compared to the streets here vs the ones back home.

I'm sure if someone came to my hometown of Toronto they would take pictures of stuff I never thought of before.

I'm having a lot of fun and my limited Japanese isn't a barrier, well most of the time you feel like a mute but you can still share a smile with a stranger depending on the situation here. You work around it. I'm still respectfull and I think most people pick up on that. That Station Master at subway was awesome.

I'm going to miss this place but I'll be coming back.

Nyororin

03-13-2009 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polar (Post 683806)

I don`t think it`s so much that I tune things out - I take quite a lot of photos myself, a huge number of them of mundane things. It`s just different mundane things, if you get what I mean. Interesting pattern of rust running down from a steel staircase, yes - Rotting corner of a building - yes, sign for hotel, no. Even when it comes to sights that aren`t exactly tourist attractions, the things you look at and find of interest when it`s your city/country are different than when it`s something pretty much totally new to you.

Which is part of the reason I`m finding the subjects of your photos interesting. Not because "Wow, those are normal boring things!" but because they`re things I wouldn`t think of taking a picture of in contrast to things I would.

When in other locations, I get a kick out of taking pics of things that are different from what I am used to seeing, no matter what the thing may be... So I`m guessing our photo habits are similar. It`s just easy to forget exactly what is "different" in Japan when you`ve lived here for so long.

Quote:

I have one idiot on another forum asking "Where's all the people ?" "The reccesion must be really bad" I try to explain to him how many freaking people do you see up and about in your area at 7:00am ???

He seems to thing Tokyo is teaming with masses and throngs of people. Here in Shinjuku it seems to start around 9:00am but it's no Times Square.

The media has to answer for that one - it seems the absolute favorite shot of Japan is the mass of people crossing at the huge scramble in Shibuya... So Tokyo gets the image of being so packed with people that you can barely walk anywhere.

Oh, and by the way - glad to see you`re enjoying your trip. :D You`re making me wonder what you`d take pictures of around my place so I can try to take a few myself to show to relatives when I visit them this summer.

Polar

03-13-2009 07:16 PM

Yeah I think we're on the same page in terms of photos.

That same twit also suggested dressing up like Link and how that would be a funny youtube. I told him how about you dress up in a klan uniform and hang out in Harlem, what a moron.

Polar

03-16-2009 12:34 PM

Good Morning

Well after spending Sat sick as a dog and realizing my Contact C's were doing nothing it was time to grab some cold medicine. Not as easy as it sounds but I found some and WOW does it work. Also had to pick up a pack of these.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10.../IMG000004.jpg

Sunday comes along and I'm feeling much better so I hook up with a friend of a friend and we go wandering around Shinjuku to some places I haven't got to yet.

Cool it's LED flagman

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00498.jpg

We head up to the observation tower of the gov't building (that one with all the dishes) to try and see Mt Fuji. Alas it's clear enough but not windy enough to clear the smog. The smog is from China not Japan

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00499.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00500.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00501.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00502.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00503.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00504.jpg

Looks like a stadium over there

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00505.jpg

Apparently each tower is exactly half the size of the Empire State building so if you put one on top of the other ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00506.jpg

Walking along I see this

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00507.jpg

This will mean nothing to people who aren't familiar with Yonge and Eglington area of Toronto. Got a snicker out of me though.

Now here's where it gets a little nuts. Take a look at this.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00508.jpg

Yeah I know a line up in front of Krispy Kreme big deal

BUT this is NOT the line to just buy donuts, this is just the line to have a coffee and a donut on the second floor!

We hit a few department stores.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00511.jpg

I could go ether way on these and I know which ever side I choose the world will go the opposite so I'll leave it up to you.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00512.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00513.jpg

Yep they ain't cheap

A cool sign post

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00519.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00520.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00521.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00522.jpg

Down another side street

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00523.jpg

Bet your wondering what this is

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00524.jpg

Well we have some clues see those six pointed icons,

that's the fire dept, the police have five points. Also

the top left character denotes water. You guessed it's a

fire hydrant. They keep them underground.

We tried in vain perusing the menu and the plastic food

outside but there was no venison being served here :)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00525.jpg
It was time to call it a day so it was back to the hotel.

Monday morning

I'm seriously addicted to green tea now it's pretty much all I'm drinking I haven't had a beer in days and I think my liver is loving me for it.

It's a bright sunny morning and I figure lets kill two birds with one trip and hit Shibuya and Roppongi.

Now Shibuya is just south of Meiji Jingu so we're going to take the same route as before but not detour to the shrine. After stepping outside it's warm, like T-Shirt WARM ! I stuff my jacket into my backpack.

Those train tracks, you usually have to wait for at least four subways, two each way until the gates open and you can cross

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00526.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00527.jpg

You know what they say about certain things if it ain't broke ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00529.jpg

They've probably been using this style of rake for a long , long time

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00530.jpg
Ooh look at those

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00531.jpg

and these

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00532.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00533.jpg

Wait a minute, WINE ? That's a new one, usually it's sake (ok yeah it's rice wine but still)

With that we're outta Meiji Jingu and heading into Shibuya.

No clue what this is but it's big

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00534.jpg

Must be a hall of some sort.

Over on the left by the subway tracks a trio of mini cranes

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00535.jpg

On the right a FIRE STATION !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00536.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00537.jpg

I don't see a pole anywhere.

Into Shibuya

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00538.jpg

Probably one of if not the last Tower Records out there

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00539.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00540.jpg

AAAHHHH

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00541.jpg

Britney and the Disney store side by side, I already brushed my teeth this morning, come along, quickly now, don't make eye contact.

Getting deeper

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00542.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00543.jpg

Shibuya is THE place for teenagers in Japan

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00544.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00545.jpg

Lots and lots of places to shop

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00546.jpg

Now get ready, here's the view from the right

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00547.jpg

Here's the busiest scramble crosswalk in the world. It's only roughly around 11:00am. This is what you see in all the news programs when they try to make Japan look like it's swarming with people 24/7. It's not but this point usually is.

Cute little shuttle bus for the area

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00549.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00550.jpg

Coming up to Shibuya Bus terminal

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00551.jpg

Seems I'm not the only one who thinks it's warm out.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00552.jpg

Across from the bus terminal TONS of music stores

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00553.jpg

If it's a vintage guitar your after you will find it here.

A look to the right

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00554.jpg

A look back at the bust terminal, if you play video games this might nag at your memory.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00555.jpg

Here's where literally it all goes south. We make a right NOT a left like we should but ssshhhh we don't know that

yet and there are cool pics to come

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00556.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00557.jpg

Looks like the super structure to a boat

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00558.jpg

Cool truck with a flashing light

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00559.jpg

A lot of vehicles have this sticker, maybe it's an alarm thing ?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00560.jpg

We realize we screwed up and head back the way we should be going.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00561.jpg

No it's not laughing at us.

Nifty !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00562.jpg

Freeway

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00563.jpg

This beast is twice as tall as the average rigs we've seen.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00564.jpg

I don't want to know, I just don't

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00565.jpg

JET SET RADIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00566.jpg

Easier to recognize then the bus terminal which was also a level in the game. Yes it was the Shibuya Bus Terminal in both games.

Police station

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00567.jpg

Even boring road work stuff looks cool, look at all the

cool gear they have, do we have that no.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00568.jpg

Well at least we know where Sansui is

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00569.jpg

Bike outside a bike shop

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00570.jpg

Hmm we should be getting there soon but my Time Out guide isn't helping, ah well no matter

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00571.jpg

Kick ass gas stations, no pumps on the ground, means more cars can get in.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00572.jpg

Cool plaque right next to it

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00573.jpg

More side streets

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00574.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00575.jpg

Polar

03-16-2009 12:41 PM

Police bus and ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00576.jpg

DAMN ! It's the Mother of all SWAT vans, man that is COOL . No cylon light though.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00577.jpg

Over to the right of that mean SWAT bus a vacant lot

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00578.jpg

A lambo dealership, yep that's me in the reflection.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00579.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00580.jpg

Cram school, at least they're honest about it

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00581.jpg

Worst name for restaurant ever and is that some kind of flying rabbit !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00582.jpg

Here's where things are seeming "wrong" We really should be there by now.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00583.jpg

Hey that looks neat

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00584.jpg

And check out what's on the side of that ... TURTLES sunning themselves. That's AWESOME !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00585.jpg

Ssshhh they may be ninja turtles

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00586.jpg

Nice angles

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00587.jpg

This staircase is now my favourite looks like it's collapsing.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00588.jpg

Yep we are definitely not where we should be not only have we gone too far south we also are no where near east enough, all the maps are saying we're in someplace called Minato-Ku. Oh well lets keep heading east and see what happens.

This should bring back memories if you owned a Dreamcast

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00589.jpg

Stacked

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00590.jpg

Best construction sign EVER !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00591.jpg

Well it's not St.Elmo's Fire but...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00593.jpg

Check out the hill, here's looking up

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00594.jpg

and here's looking down

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00595.jpg

It may not look steep but trust me it is.

We've made it to Roppongi

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00596.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00597.jpg

Adorable Japanese school girls, but two bags and backpack !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00599.jpg

Here's what a ticket machine for the subway looks like

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00600.jpg

Here you see the map, those three digit numbers tell you much it will cost to go there from here in yen

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00601.jpg

We're cutting through the subway station to get to the right exit so we can start our walking tour in the Time Out guide (famous last words)

This looks so much like a dream I had last year it kinda freaks me out.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00602.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00603.jpg

The 21_21 Design Sight Museum, this a modern design museum (Japan's first) built on military land by Tandao Ando

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00605.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00606.jpg

This a view from behind the museum

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00607.jpg

This is Tokyo Midtown the new complex, it's the exit we used to come out.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00608.jpg

Now it's off to the National Arts Centre Tokyo.

That's not it

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00609.jpg

That's not it either although TOTO is the toilet King of Japan and they do a fair number of shows and have a great bookstore !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00610.jpg

Look very, very closely at this picture this is the point of no return. I ignored this and shouldn't have I was already too far north and this could have saved me hours of walking but...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00611.jpg

Oooh something shiny

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00612.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00613.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00614.jpg

Going too far

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00615.jpg

Hey that roof has owls

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00616.jpg

At this point I'm ready to this $#%$%# guide into a million pieces, I'm following your blasted directions and getting nowhere, I go up and down the street 3-4 times.

Could that be it .. nope.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00617.jpg

At this point it's 3:30pm I've been walking since 10:30am and I'm getting sore in both ways. Fine screw you guide, I'm going to the top of the street and take a right. I still haven't done that yet.

I see something, it looks like could be gallery AHA !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00618.jpg

WTF ! The Canadian Embassy ! But that's in f*cking Ginza not Roponggi AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !

I head back and take the left this time. Lots of apartments and this smug little thing watching me and laughing

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00619.jpg

Then it hits me I needed to take a left UNDER the street I'm on.

Well at least we can get across this way

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00620.jpg

Well THERE it is

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00622.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00623.jpg

At this point I pack it in, we can finish this tomorrow or the day after.

I head back to the subway

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00624.jpg

Right at that end of that side street look what it is. Our starting point.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00625.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00626.jpg

Note to Time Out Guides, PUT A FLIPPING MAP with your walking tours vs a left here and a right there !!! because some of the buildings in the walking tour ARE NOT listed on the regular map that's in the guide so you can't cross reference. Thank god I was doing this solo. I think if I had someone else with me they would have bailed a long time ago. Should have brought the Lonely Planet Guide with me too, won't make that mistake again.

Inside the building on the way to the subway

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00627.jpg

Roppongi Station on the Oedo Line

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00628.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00629.jpg

Home at last back to Shinjuku station. The punch line ?

Subway ride took less then 10 mins. Now I knew it was that close but I figured I'd walk in and ride it out.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...8/DSC00630.jpg

Despite all that, look at all the stuff we got to see we wouldn't have normally seen.

Anyhoo we're not done here yet and wil be coming back but we're taking the subway BOTH ways next time.

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