Exploring Tokyo
Tokyo is a bloody busy place. There are just people everywhere.. and at all times of the day and night. When you find yourself going the opposite way to a wave of businessmen in black suits it can be quite an “oh shit” experience.
We are staying in Shinjuku, which is a pretty happening place. However, just a couple stops away is a place called Shibuya which has the honour of having the “busiest intersection in the world”. Except, if your thinking its the busiest intersection because of cars.. you’d be wrong. Its because of people! Every minute when the little man goes green, people swarm across the intersection like nothing we have seen before. Then it clears up… and a minute later it happens all over again. We sat in a Starbucks overlooking it all for a while – and took some snaps. Remember, this is a 2pm on a weekday – can you imagine what it would be like at peak hour?!?! We might have to go back just to see it with our own eyes.
Shinjuku intersection
While we were there we visited the NHK national television studios. For 200 yen ($2) we got into the “studio park” where we walked through a maze of hallways with information and games which were all in Japanese. But that was fine because the main reason we went there was to see all the “Domo” merchandise in the gift shop. Domo is the character of the NHK TV network – and Rob and I have a weird fascination with the little guy.
Rob with Domo
DOMO!! RARRRR!
After that we went to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardens which is a huge area right in the middle of Shinjuku. The biggest worry in there is that the flora can get so thick that you have to try and avoid the massive spiderwebs along the pathways.
Ahh...more serenity
Admiring the sculptured gardens
We also managed to go up one of the local buildings (for free) to the observation deck for a night-time view of Tokyo. This was after going to the wrong floor and getting shouted at by a security guard.
The view was pretty good – my camera didn’t do it justice unfortunately.
The Megalopolis
The next day we checked out another temple – probably our last one as we are a bit templed-out now. This one was Sensoji Temple and is the most lavishly decorated one in Japan. The laneway leading up to it is lined with souvenir shops for as far as you can see.
Souvenirs, novelties... party tricks
Sensoji Temple
The big red lantern (which doubles as a hat)
And lastly, amusement game stores are everywhere in Tokyo. Sadly we haven’t been able to find any girl’s used panties Skill Tester games, but we did manage to find a Rambo game which Rob had to play ofcourse.
"Its Never Over"
Rob taking a breather after getting a break from the sea of people
So we still have a fair bit to get through in Tokyo. We have a couple days of rain coming up so we will have to see how we go with our “todo” list.
One week to go! The countdown is ON!
Leeane