Blogs from Ginza, Tokyo, Japan, Asia - page 3

This morning I explored some very different neighborhoods in Tokyo. I started in Akibahara, the electronics capital of the city. This is where computer geeks and video game aficionados hang out, apparently. Indeed there were a lot of stores selling electronic gear and there was a line of young adults (mostly male) in front of the Sega store, clearly waiting for something that was about to go on sale. I also saw numerous advertisements for Windows 8. Maybe I was there at the wrong time of day, but I can't say that I found Akibahara very exciting. (See picture) Next I made my way to Kagurazaka. This is described as a "charming neighborhood" and indeed I found it very pleasant to wander around there. The streets have an old-fashioned feel to them and many people have ... read more

This was my first full day in Tokyo and I got around and saw several of the sights. Tokyo does not appear to have any huge must-see sights. There are many things to see and do, but unlike other cities I have been to recently there is no Acropolis, no Topkapi Palace, no Western Wall. This morning I visited the gardens of the Imperial Palace. (See picture) The Royal family still lives on the site, so visitors are only allowed to see inside the buildings. I went to the Ginza and wandered around agog at the neon signs, huge department stores, and large numbers of pedestrians. I saw a melon in a department store for sale at ¥10,400. That is over $130! (See picture) I have read that the Japanese value well-shaped fruit as aesthetically pleasing ... read more

Hi everyone - well you know I said we had to get up early to get to the Tuna auction - well spoke to the concierge in the hotel last night to find out what time the first metro started and they said we needed to leave real early - guess what time we had to leave? I bet not one of you guessed this 3.20am, yes I did say am!! Anyway we needed to get a taxi as the metro does not start until 5am - Anyone who knows Japan knows that getting a taxi is like daylight robbery. Mind you saying daylight robbery in the middle of the night seems stupid but hey take my word it is day light robbery. One point for all you readers out there (that is if there is ... read more

Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest in the world, is a fascinating amalgam of fishermen, fishmongers, and sushi chefs at the doorsteps of Tokyo. Many people know it for the famous tuna auction held there during the early morning hours. Just this past January a 754lb bluefin tuna caught off the northern coast of Japan was auctioned at a world record price of $736,000! Just saying that Japanese people are tuna-crazed doesn't give justice to the statement, I would say it's more like everyone's personal but publicly solicitous love affair. A Japanese person that claims they don't eat tuna meat would be like saying they didn't drink water or breathe air, it's simply inhumane. How can I blame them, it is truly the king of pelagic fishes. I could go on and on about the accolades of ... read more

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 In typical fashion, I was up at 5:00am, jet lag, what is that? Since everyone was still sleeping that early, took my computer to the hotel lobby to check email, etc. While walking in the hall and standing in the elevator, there was a very faint sound of birds over the speaker system. What a relaxing way to start your day. Around 8:00 am everyone was up and ventured down to the hotel restaurant. The breakfast was a nice mix of Japanese and American fare. We packed the couple of bags we carried on and heading to the lobby to plan our day since the original plans changed due to our late arrival. Today our plan included a visit to the Tokyo tower, Kamakura to see the Great Buddha, and ... read more