After tasting the somewhat traditional part of Japan like shrines, castles, etc – time to experience other more metropolitan side. First stop: Shinjuku! It is a major commercial and administrative centre, housing the busiest train station in the world - Shinjuku Station. Seriously, the station is soooo huge that if you get lost or went to the wrong direction, it’s a really far to walk back. Surrounding Shinjuku Station are department stores, specialist electronic and camera shops, cinemas, restaurants and bars. Many international hotels are located here.
One of the interesting stuff in both Shinjuku and Shibuya is the scramble crossing! Actually it’s a regular giant intersection. But the funny thing is that the government actually give time for the pedestrian to cross not only in straight line but also diagonally. So for fraction of a minute the wide road is filled with human! See the pictures! I laugh when I saw a BMW caught inside the human traffic. The car tried to violate the traffic light but cannot push it – so it’s stuck in the middle of zebra cross he he… Btw the Japanese tends to walk fast eh? Means they really know where they are going and know what needs to be done (?) So it’s not a country where people stroll walking and enjoying the view – well at least not in Tokyo I think.
I remember Shibuya was one of the places that was visited in the Amazing Race as the participants were requested to find Hachiko. Is it a girl? A store? A place? No! It’s a dog statue! This dog statue is very famous for meeting point.
Another thing that catches my eyes about Japan is the fact that they are using a lot of Hollywood celebrities for the adds & campaigns! When we were there, Cameron Diaz was all over the place promoting SoftBank. I thought it was a bank. I didn’t get the add. It took me like 3 days before I realize (after my travel bud pointing it out) that it’s a CELLPHONE ADD! Gosh!
I read that the tinsel town celebrities are happy to do promo in Japan because it pays really well. Like 2 million USD for 3 days work or something? And almost all of the promo is for distribution in Japan only. So even if they asked you to do “embarassing” stuffs, at least it’s for local consumption only ha ha… I guess that’s because Japan economy has been booming so it’s a very strategic market segment to hit. I heard even Avril Lavigne had Japanese version of her hits “Girlfriend”. Errr… I’m always amazed how far people are willing to push to make a living :D
Anyway, back to the topic. Akihabara is also a hustling and bustling place. Very hectic. Now this area is very popular for electronic gadgets. New and second. They even have street seller just hampering their mat at side of alleys with 2nd hand laptops, CD players, etc. You have to go to small isles cause it’s not located exactly at the main road. And to be honest, the stuff is not even THAT old. Couple of my friends buy things. But it’s truly a gamble as the seller not allowing you to try first. 1 friend bought a CD player that turns out NOT working. Another friend bought a WORKING cellphone – but NO charger (and the variety is not sold in Indo – so he basically bought the cellphone to be used like 4 hours or something ha ha). Another friend even got creative, bought several 2nd hand laptops and RESELL it in Indo! He actually making money of it!
Akihabara is not only famous for the electronic – if you like manga (Japanese comic) or anime characters toys or souvenirs, this is the place. The collection is definitely more vast, and for collectors – the price is relatively cheaper actually (according to my friend). They even sell wacky anime costumes that actually fits an adult. Some of the shop keeper are also wearing costumes but they don’t allow you to take pictures. It is still possible to bargain the price, especially for expensive items. Don’t forget to bring your passport here, as some of the stores actually give you tax free (5% of base price).
Shinjuku, Shibuya and Akihabara is also very pretty at night – as the neon signs scattered everywhere. Will be challenging to take not-bluured-pictures without a tripod he he… But honestly, looking at the picture collection, I realize I don’t have many pictures of them! Surprise, surprise. I can always blaim it to my damn camera low battery (which now my husband already bought me new battery, spare 2 GB memory card and spare NEW DIGITAL CAMERA *love you hubby*!) – but at time it was the exhaustion that got the best of me. Almost fainted during that day. Although I already fueled myself with bunch of Onigiri (triangle shaped japanese rice ball) and occcasional bento (lunch box) – just don’t forget to drink lots of water and get some proper rest. And a good pair of shoes (mine had broken sole on the 3rd day or something – so it’s always a pain to walk at that time).
If shopping is not your thing – no worries. These places are also cool for people watching ha ha… Japanese people are really trendy! At first I was confused how come 80% of the people have a really cool sense of style and make up. Then after going around the department stores, I realize the reason. Because the stores don’t sell “normal” clothing. Even the simplest one have some extra “punch” and element of surprise. Just keep your distance when taking pictures or they’ll get offended ;)
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