Monday, August 31, 2009
Cloudy Shinjuku Night...
Made it back not so wet, I got a clear umbrella for 500 yen and learn they were quite hard to find in the states! But i can tell you everyone here loves the clear umbrella! I guess since its such a crowded town you really need to see where your going! Won some more fun things in the UFO machines, like another Misato, A Toro Plush, and a surprise gift for a friend. Won some lost some at pachi-slo, just played for fun so didn't bother winning. And got a CoCo Ichiban fan (third times a charm)! Well rest time, tomorrow is clear days so back to sightseeing! Got some fun pics so go check out the JAPAN folder for the rest of the trip as well as KYOTO for a more traditional view.
Maid Working Hard in The Rain...
Had some Becker's Burger for lunch and ventured into Akihabara! Forgot to mention last time I bought a Revoltech Jin-Roh figure as well as the whole set of Evangelion Limited UCC Coffee Cans (for 7 bucks)! This time I'm just gonna get some think overs and then probably move onto Shibuya or Shinjuku for more shopping! I think we'll also hit up CoCo Ichiban one more time for dinner!
Walking in Typhoon...
The news doesn't lie, the typhoon hit and it's been raining since early morning, I was able to roll out of bed and fumble for my camera just in time to zoom in on this person walking in the rain. The skies are so grey, but that won't keep us in. Gonna use this non sightsee-able time to revisit Akihabara and other places that require indoor shopping, will try to get some pictures as well~ But for now the JAPAN , GUNDAM and KYOTO folder has much to see!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Yakiniku Battle...
The difference between more or less meat in Yakiniku is not only your level in chopstickery but also how you like your meat! That being said I like mine medium rare which makes for perfect meat hoarding lol. But since that would be unfair to others, we avoided the situation by going to KUI KUI VIKING! Basically an ALL you can eat joint! for around 30 dollars a person you get to down as much as you want from meats to sushi for 90min's alcohol included! And boy was it worth it, now its off to bed so, so that we can enjoy the last few days here before returning to the real world. *sob*
Asakusa Complex...
Asakusa in the rain is cooler and crowded then ever! I've been here a few times already, and it never ceases to amaze me. The last time I came the Hōzōmon gate was under restoration, but this time it's Sensō-ji! What bad timing, but entrance to the temple was still available so that was cool. Also Nakamise street was covered up due to rain and had some new stores, had some snacks and got a few more omiyages! Got some wonderful pics here so check it out in the JAPAN Folder
and of course if you have time visit GUNDAM and KYOTO as well! Now going to head off to SanChome in Shinjuku then Ikebukuro to look for some meat and party!
and of course if you have time visit GUNDAM and KYOTO as well! Now going to head off to SanChome in Shinjuku then Ikebukuro to look for some meat and party!
Morning Helicopter...
The great thing about base camp is basically the choppers waking you up every morning! Today was a smaller one so it wasn't as loud as the chinook! The forecast seems cloudy all day and light rain, but that won't stop us! The incoming typhoon might (MIGHT). But it's off to Asakusa today and later all you can eat Viking! Since today is the GF's birthday! Happy Birthday L.R.M!
The Clay Man Chills...
Ahhh my feets are owie. Why because we decided to walk back from Shinjuku to Akebonobashi just to see Japan at night, it was a decent walk and the conbini stores came in handy. Ended the day in Shinjuku San Chome. And gonna rest up for Asakusa tomorrow, looks like rain but we'll rough it out! Oh yea this little clay figure was sitting in the median in between Nishi-Shinjuku and Kabuku-cho! I thought it was pretty random and cool!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Night Time Festivities...
Soran Soran~!
The festivities are rocking..! So many colorful teams are performing and it looks to be awhile before it's over, luckily snagged a nice front row seat for the spectacle! So here are the first of the 2009 Super Yosakoi event! I think I see a matsuri in the area next to us... Hmmm...
Heading to the Station...
Morning blast, well kinda... Today is a trip to Yoyogi Park and Harajuku for some last day shopping and checking out the Super Yosakoi! On our ways to Shakey's (yep when in Harajuku default to all you can eat) for some Corn Mayo Pizza (look it up yourself). Snapped a great shot of one of the Yosakoi teams moving to their next performance. Pretty cool! But enough of that I'll try to get some Yosakoi pics up as soon as I can!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Destined to Meet...
Back at base camp! And I had to post this great picture on the last train back, which as you can see is classic Ikebukuro Drama! Boy Meets Girl, Girl Meets Boy ah~ Oh wait I meant Salary Man meets OL, OL meets Salary Man, chance encounter... and well you know, make up your own stories! As a bonus tho, they seem to be testing spotlights over the Tokyo Dome area and I was able to get this SHOT!
We'll no rest for the wicked but I will sure try, cause tomorrow is a free day so I think checking out the Yosakoi Festival in Yoyogi Park may be cool!
We'll no rest for the wicked but I will sure try, cause tomorrow is a free day so I think checking out the Yosakoi Festival in Yoyogi Park may be cool!
And the usual applies go check out the JAPAN FOLDER for latest updates. And the GUNDAM and KYOTO FOLDER for other pics!
Sega Game Center...
One of the bigger game center's in the area and the place that got my UFO Catching skills back in gear! SO far I have gotten a big bear head which is really cute, and a limited edition Evangelion Misato statuette which I will post pics of later! Maybe when I get back to the states! But yea it seems Ikebukuro is the couples paradise for happy fun times (lol). As well as a female otaku's safe haven from the Akihabara crowd! The Animate here is HUGE. Sunshine City is pretty cool too ah speed blogging gotta run will be back soon! Off to Skylark Gusto for some food!
Ikebukuro Station West Gate...
Today's destination is Ikebukuro for it's awesomeness and my addiction the to J-Drama IWGP. But get this I forgot to take off my Battery from my charger! What to do?? Easy! Headed over to one of Ikebukuro's many Bic Camera's and picked up a new one! So pics exist~! So before we head into the urban jungle, I think a bit of Pronto will fill us up good! Oh yea as promised I got that shot of Ikebukuro West Gate Park and you can see it HERE! Oh Happy Days...
Things are being updated into the JAPAN FOLDER so check it out, and if you haven't seen the big robot yet head to the GUNDAM FOLDER. And of course the KYOTO FOLDER for those who like a more traditional Japan!
Things are being updated into the JAPAN FOLDER so check it out, and if you haven't seen the big robot yet head to the GUNDAM FOLDER. And of course the KYOTO FOLDER for those who like a more traditional Japan!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Harajuku Nights...
Well today was awesome found some rare goods and toys at Kiddy Land in Harajuku, and some great fashion. As well as ate at Johnathan's Family Resteraunt (I tell you the food here o man o man)! So now it's off to home base, to rest and hit another fun part of Tokyo: IKEBUKURO! Which is my favorite place because of the Japanese Drama IWGP (Ikebukuro West Gate Park)! I'll be sure to get a shot of that as well! Good Night!
As always the JAPAN Folder will have all the other goodies in flickr! Don't forget to go to the GUNDAM and KYOTO FOLDER for shots from the first week outside of Tokyo!
Takashita Street Packed..!
Now one thing comes to mind, if Harajuku fashion is too expensive where would one go? The answer? Takashita Street! Basically right next to Harajuku Street, Takashita takes what is popular in Harajuku and makes low end affordable versions of it! Still pretty cool and affordable for the young jobless market! As you can see in the pic this place is PACKED! Lots of things seem to be happening today, and I see a sign for Yosakoi for the coming week, so maybe this isn't the last time in Harajuku for this trip~ Geh, dropped some major bills in Harajuku god save us all. As always the JAPAN Folder will have all the other goodies in flickr!
Don't forget to go to the GUNDAM and KYOTO FOLDER for shots from the first week outside of Tokyo!
Catching Some Rays...
Now with the JR Rail Pass done, I'm back to traveling the regular system, which isn't all so bad~ Got a PASMO card to make it easier to traverse the many different private lines (Highly Recommended)! Today was a fashion day, and that means HARAJUKU baby~! The place where everyone is fashion conscious even these kitties wearing scrunchies! Yep that's right I'll bet in 6 months we are gonna get a scrunchies invasion here in NYC! You saw it here first! LOL We'll gotta get loaded before the journey ahead so off to Shakey's Pizza for some all you can eat pizza!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Still Working...
Final image of today is Shiodome, another futuristic-ish city all lit up cause people are still busy working! But back at home home base after having met up with James and Bonnie for dinner at Billy the Kid. So for now good night and it's all about Tokyo from here on!
Old Edo...
The secret insides of the Oedo Onsen, amazing you leave the present behind and step into a world of people in yukata's and that's it! You wallets are also useless, since you leave those in your lockers (It is an Onsen after all). But you pay with your locker key, there is a barcode on it and everything scans it. So when you check out at the end your bill is tallied up I love it! Gonna stay here for a few hours and have food as well so no more com for now since I'm headed into old edo.
So will try to get more pics, non onsen of course lol. But till then go visit the GUNDAM, JAPAN and KYOTO FOLDER!
Fujisanke Building...
Having fun around the park area and got some more stuff from the Jump shop in Aqua city, said farewell to the Gundam and just enjoying the day, I gotta admit for a weekday this place is packed with people! New Pics Up soon in the usual places. In the GUNDAM , JAPAN and KYOTO FOLDER!
Oh wait I took this awesome shot of the Gundam! looks like it was falling into the Earth! Check it out HERE and tell me what you think!!
Gundam VS. LeDaiba...
As you can see, the hotel had a wonderful view of the Gundam and vice versa~ What I forgot to mention is being a guest in one of the Green Project rooms, I was gifted with a Limited Green Project Gundam Model as well as History of Gundam Book (Which you could also purchase at the Green Tent near the Gundam). But it was a pretty neat bonus! As for my morning room view? Check THIS OUT! Cool right? Well off for more shots, check out and then coin lockers before heading to the Oedo Onsen for some down time!
Don't forget to check the GUNDAM FOLDER for what's new as well as the JAPAN and KYOTO FOLDER for the rest of the trip so far!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Good Night Gundam...
Day one ends on the Green Project and the lights are off on Gundam, as it awaits tomorrow. The time lapse came out pretty cool, and I hope to get one more of the sun rising. So time for a walk around Odaiba at night and then sleep! Tomorrow will be Gundam, Onsening at the Oedo, and then back to home base.
So Check the GUNDAM FOLDER for what's new as well as the JAPAN and KYOTO FOLDER for the rest of the trip so far!
Venting...
We TOTALLY LUCKED OUT! I had no idea but today was the Gundam Project Wedding Experience! A couple got married under the Gundam and it was one super big event! They released thousands of balloons around the gundam! I don't have shots of the balloon's being released because I was too busy filming! In any case I found someone who took the picture HERE! Check out the GUNDAM FOLDER for what I got as well as JAPAN FOLDER and KYOTO FOLDER ! All this and it's only been one week!
Standing Strong...
Breaking for food at Aqua City and decided to post this one shot of Gundam that I thought was cool! The clouds are amazing, and I have set up a time lapse in the hotel room aimed at the Gundam so you'll get to see what I see from my room at the LeDaiba. Also got some cool shots of the Limited Jump Shop in Odaiba as well, there is also a 10th Anniversary Naruto experience area here too!
Well be sure to check out the GUNDAM FOLDER for the big guys photo's as well as JAPAN FOLDER and KYOTO FOLDER if you haven't already! Back to Gundam at night!
Well be sure to check out the GUNDAM FOLDER for the big guys photo's as well as JAPAN FOLDER and KYOTO FOLDER if you haven't already! Back to Gundam at night!
Morning Chinook...
Woke up to the sound of this monstrosity flying over the building, and I can tell you it shook the building, managed to get this shot before it passed over tho. Gonna pack up and get ready to go see the Gundam in Odaiba. So be sure to check out the KYOTO FOLDER and the JAPAN FOLDER for pictures of this trip so far. And if all you want to see is the Gundam then I have set up this GUNDAM FOLDER for you to check out!
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Sky Garden...
Well tomorrow is ODAIBA and the GUNDAM Green Project! So off to bed! I leave this entry short with a picture from the Sky Garden overlooking Kyoto Station! So go look in the KYOTO FOLDER for the final batch of pics! Cause tomorrow it's back to JAPAN FOLDER for updates!
The Gates...
We never made it up to the very top lol. Time was running out and we were losing light. But we got so many neat pictures and as far up as we did go I can say the gates never ended. Now headed off to eat at the Kyoto Station Sky Garden what a day~ Pictures will be uploaded in the KYOTO FOLDER. After this it's back to Tokyo!
Inari Line Stop...
Shinkansen back to Kyoto and headed towards the Inari Shrine, To see the many many many Gates. Can't stress enough how awesome the JR Rail Pass! This will probably be the last day of photos for the KYOTO FOLDER! So Check em out!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Crossing Gion...
Back at James' place and a bit tired but, since we have the JR Rail Pass, I think we're gonna go back to Kyoto one more time for a day trip! Nara was a bust due to weather so tomorrow holds the Inari Shrine! Good night and stay tuned, todays pictures are uploaded of course in the KYOTO FOLDER!
Miko at Jishu-Jinja...
Breaking before heading to Gion, Eating some Ichigo Milk Kakikori, got some fabulous images of the temples today and as the weather cools down, looking forward to seeing Kyoto during magic hour! Bought so many things here and once again ended up with more things to carry! So to see today's outing so far go check the KYOTO FOLDER! I now leave the image of this Miko at Jishu-Jinja!
Path to Sky Garden...
Stuff is stashed in the coin locker, and now off to Sanjūsangendō. Just wanted to blast post this cool image ok Kyoto station for all to see.! I also posted some pics during the ride here as well which you can check in the KYOTO FOLDER!
Tasayu Tasnaphun 様...
Checking out of the Ryokan I almost forgot to show you how the place welcomes it's guest, With a hand written sign! Well since checkout is at 11am, gonna head out to Kyoto Station to use one of the many accessible coin lockers so that we can travel easier! So for now if you haven't seen the KYOTO FOLDER yet check it out! Today's hit list is Sanjūsangendō, Ginkaku-Ji and Shopping in Gion.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Late Night Bus...
Having a Day Pass for the Kyoto Bus System paid off greatly! But what I find interesting in Kyoto is you board the bus first in the back and pay as you get off. Which is interesting because if it was NYC man o man. Think I'll hit the onsen again before bed, and get ready for tomorrow! The pic of the moment is this empty late night bus the rest? Go to my KYOTO FOLDER on Flickr
Traditional Tastes...
Finally checked in and uploaded some great shots, but before we head back out again I'll leave you with this great image from the Temple, I love seeing people still interested in the old ways... Going to eat at BIKKURI DONKEY (I love that place)! Then Gion at Night! On a side note, the public bath here is nice and the in itself is AWESOME you can see a pic HERE! Well off to food and more fun! Today's pics are posted in the KYOTO FOLDER on Flickr
Modern Day Monk...
Heading Up Kiyomizu-Dera I caught this great image of this Monk standing timelessly chanting away. And I could swear this this the same Monk from when I was here a few years ago (Have to dig back through old photos later). The weather is nice with passing drizzles... Have all my gear on me until we check in at 4PM.
I've got some great shots so far and of course you can find them in my KYOTO FOLDER on Flickr.
I've got some great shots so far and of course you can find them in my KYOTO FOLDER on Flickr.
Always On Time...
I'll have to admit the Shinkansen is smooth and fast, and the JR Rail Pass hooks you up good, tho I do recommend not being seated in a smoking car! (Tickets for early departure only had that left). In any case the ride down was great and due to tired-ness missed seeing Fuji-san. Today's plan is simple, Check in to the Ryokan and Head to Kiyomizu Temple! Since Kyoto will be big I decided to create a KYOTO FOLDER on my Flickr Site! So for these next few days go there!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Imitation Firework...
Back in Tokyo at Base Camp! Rode the big ferris wheel, ate decent American Food, Saw a huge dry dock, saw Japan's largest Chinatown. Got some stuff and took more pictures! Too tired now to add any links except the obligatory check this link out, drum roll... JAPAN FOLDER lol... Night all!
Welcome to Yokohama...
It's Gorgeous here! The Skies are Blue and the weather breezy, I'm loving city of the future, looked all around and snapped some awesome images which of course is in the JAPAN FOLDER (but you know that already lol)... Headed to Marine Tower and Chinatown gonna head over to Bubby's Pie Company soon (There's one in YOKOHAMA) to meet with James and Bonnie our gracious hosts for some American style food? We'll see! Hope to get one more post in today with a cool night shot so stick around! Wi-Fi = Amazing!
Bonus PIC: Bubby's is Boss!
Portrait and Fortune...
A Little Gem this place is! I must say the Ramen is TO DIE FOR! Admission was only three dollars not including Ramen, but you do get bang for you buck! We must have been the only foreigners there but I'll tell you again this is a must stop for food and history lovers! Based off of 1953 Japan, you get a taste of what Japan was like before the war. Two Thumbs Up! Gonna hop back on the JR line and check out Yokohama's Future Town and Giant Ferris Wheel. This trip so far is non stop movement at an enjoyable pace! More info here: Ramen Museum
New Images are up in the Usual JAPAN FOLDER!
New Images are up in the Usual JAPAN FOLDER!
The Platform...
Waiting here with station Wifi is nice, looking around and noticing quite a few people are headed in the Yokohama direction. Weather is nice today, and my stomach is ready for some RAMEN from the Ramen Museum in Shin Yokohama! So till next post! Be sure to check out the JAPAN FOLDER for a plentiful batch of new images! Gonna try and use the heck out of this JR RAIL PASS before time runs out on the 25th of this month!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Shibuya Rock Rock On..!
Found the Gundam Pod game in Akihabara, and a few other gems. Then headed to Shibuya and checked out the 109 building with the GF. And man it's definitely 9 floors of Girl on Girl shopping! Went to say hi to Hachiko near Shibuya Eki and ate at an Izakaiya in Shibuya, after that back to James' to rest and get ready for tomorrow! Destination: YOKOHAMA! Pictures are in the hundreds already but as usual I have posted the selects in my JAPAN FOLDER on flickr!
NEWS: Apparently there is an American made movie about Hachiko! Check out the trailer HERE!
Akahibara Area...
I must admit it's as crazy as ever and on a weekday even! Found my curry shop as well as the one that exists in NY "Go Go Curry"! Pretty Nifty took tons of pictures of some fun Figures which can bee seen in the FIGURES FOLDER on Flicker, everything else? In the JAPAN FOLDER as usual! Be sure to look for the Samurai Maid Pic it's interestingly funny! Hopefully gonna check out a bit more before heading to Shibuya! But first a stop at Animate for some anime goods!
Never Ending Train...
The start of the first full day, and It's off to scout out Akihabara, the Otaku's Den! Just had MOS Burger so I'm pretty fueled for the journey ahead! Hope to also find some CoCo Ichiban Curry as well! So off we go and remember be sure to check out the JAPAN FOLDER for more pics that haven't been posted here! Off we go!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
New Yorker in Shinjuku...
Had a long day in such a short time, after reaching Tokyo and dropping stuff off at James' pad, we all headed off to the Tokyo Metro Government Building for a night view of the area I will be covering in my two weeks, and then headed off to Shinjuku to go eat! This ends the first day in Japan and once again check out my JAPAN FOLDER for more images that I haven't posted here! Tomorrow will yield otaku central AKIHABARA!
The Brightness of Dusk...
Still an hour till Tokyo and on the train going through Chiba, I must admit, the sun sets here pretty quick in the "Land of the Rising Sun". But luckily it's always an amazing sight! I took a few great shots that will be posted later in my JAPAN FOLDER !
The Green Gate...
Originally uploaded by Tasayu
More pics of clouds in my flickr account's JAPAN FOLDER !
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Alaska sky..!
What a beautiful view, caught this right before todays sky meal of Shrimp Curry! How I love window seats! More pics in my flickr account's JAPAN FOLDER !
Pre-game Huddle...
As I wait for to board the flight to Japan to see a friend, a robot and a country missed, I catch this moment of my soon to be attendants preparing for the long journey ahead... This begins the first entry of Lost in Tazlation! Be sure to check the rest of the pics on my flickr account's JAPAN FOLDER !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)