NB- Just a reminder if you haven’t read the previous 2 Tokyo posts, I am being accompanied by an imaginary alter ego called Good-One-Sun. She is a 60, a highly disciplined mother of 4 and wife to a powerful businessman in Tokyo. Her purpose is to ensure an imbecile like me respects her culture and behaves himself. She will be written in bold italics and in brackets.
Another massive day and discovered more of the paradoxical nature that this city provides. (big word for you). What? City? (no paladoxical). You can’t even say it properly. (watch it!). So we headed out to Ueno on the subway looking for the zoo, the National Museum, National Science Museum and the National Museum of Western Art….all of which were closed! What’s the story Good? (we have to rest sometime). Anyway the only blessing was that there wasn’t crowds, just young families dragging around the most gorgeous kids you’ll ever see. Lynda’s been threatening to put one in her bag and take he or she home! The precinct is stunning and there are more shrines and parks to wander around than you can poke a stick at. (not a bad pun that). Wasn’t deliberate. (yes I’ve heard you’re very good on the pun). Hey Good, have you been to www.conjunctivitis.com? (No). That’s a sight for sore eyes. (Not bad. I’m sure your work colleagues enjoy them). Oh ever so much Good, ever so much.
Anyway we stumbled across a gallery that was open and had an exhibition of Japanese fine art from the 16th – 18th century, mostly scrolls with Geishas in Kimonos and scenes from that time. All the work was donated back to Japan for the exhibition by a filthy rich American who collected the art over a 40 year period. The paintings were intricate and beautiful and it was well worth going. Then it was time to head to the madness that was Ameoko, over the road from the tranquility of the park.
Ameoko was like the Vic Markets on steroids. You just get caught up in a stream of people and there is no looking back! Fascinating shops with a real marketplace feel and smells. Great experience and extremely noisy all of a sudden. (sounds to me like you getting a bit old for this). Not at all. I still go to very loud concerts but having vendors screaming specials at you is different that’s all. ( I fink you need to swarrow some cement plincess).
After a kebab, we headed back on the subway a couple of stops to the amazing Akihabara, home to every geek and freak going around! This is the world epicenter of gaming, anime and pop culture. It’s a bit like Times Square again in terms of energy but the shopping is out of this world. The shopping in Tokyo is extraordinary anyway but this place takes it to another level. First stop was the original “baby doll” café called Home Café where we had some afternoon dessert (that’s disgusting!). No, not the girls you fool! Real dessert! (as long as you don’t fink wude and dirty foughts). I’m as good as married thanks very much. (I’m watching you). Anyway, it’s a tiny café and these gorgeous young girls serve you in bright outfits which could be considered provocative at best. There’s nothing sleazy about the girls, but there were quite a few men in there who weren’t keen on leaving in a hurry. (deviants!) I tend to agree Good, but everyone to their own. Anyway, the girls were really cute and when you leave they collectively yell out a farewell cry of some nature. Could have been piss off and don’t come back for all we knew. (those girls would never do that. Me on the other hand…). As I said, the temptation to shop is out of this world and I can say that categorically because even Lynda, a devout non-materialistic person, got sucked in. There is one building 10 stories high filled with anime, manga, videos, games, swap cards, model war stuff, figurines as far as the eye could see, replica weapons, you name it was mind-boggling. I found an English speaking manga section so tiny it wasn’t funny, but I wanted to see what the obsession is with these comics in Japan. I bought one and took it to the cashier and as we were standing there, lo and behold we are standing next to a public library size containment of manga porn! All on display for everyone to see, the most graphic cartoons you will ever see. The guys looking at them (and there were plenty!) looked a little sheepish when they saw Lynda because she was the only female within 50 metres. (they emballass me those men). Just so long as they don’t arm themselves and take out their frustrations on others Good. (I just don’t like to fink about what they get up to behind crosed doors with those books) Nor do I Good believe me. Hey, Good I didn’t know they had a mask made after you! Found it today.
(You about as funny as a fart in an elevator). Here are some photos from the Baby Doll Cafe, Akahubra anime, and shops.
There are also these massive gaming/gambling video arcades where you can smoke. (just a footnote, you cannot smoke outside designated public smoking areas in Tokyo. It’s definitely cut smoking despite a packet only costing A$5). So we went and had a look and you wouldn’t believe the noise in there. It was like a turbine engine and these guys were hard at it. I had no idea how to play the game but it was just fascinating to watch but not recommended for asthmatics.
Finally, another authentic Japanese eating experience last night. A stand up to eat restaurant just down our road here, which did the most incredible steaks. The restaurant was tiny and you literally had to stand up! The benches were joined so that you are eating opposite another diner 2 feet away. The benches had space underneath for briefcases etc and there were hooks for coats underneath also. (thought of everything). You were taken to the chef who pulled a slab of fine meat out and cut of what you wanted, weighed it, priced it then served it up with some salad and rice if you wanted it. Lynda had a 200g and I had a 400g that didn’t touch the sides. Awesome experience
Some random photos today.
