Travel diary
Shiny Japan 2005
Day eleven - August 17

Ryogoku and Yokohama

Ryogoku was a rather silent place and despite some orientation problems after getting off at the JR station Ryogoku it was not too hard to find the Tokyo Edo Museum. It rather looked like a school or a train station from outside but honestly, how should a museum actually look like?
I didn't expect that I would be 2 hours inside. Museums might sound boring to some people but I was surprised how many interesting things were exhibited there. At the ticket booth the personnel kindly explained all one needs to know about tickets and locations (since there was no obvious entrance) and it was time to move upwards by the escalator that led me to the inside of the building.

Most interestingly were the fine made model figures and buildings representing old Edo everyday life. If you view them through a zoom lens you can actually see every detail. I was really astounded about the technique. My eyes couldn't stand very long looking through the lenses though.

After learning about Kabuki and the history of Edo I went to a nearby park where only an Ojiichan was sitting on a bench. Never have I felt a more silent place in Tokyo before. There was a breathtaking silence mixed with a sense of beauty.

Next to the museum was another one. The Sumo museum... it was only one room next to the sumo stadium and because entrance is free, I thought "why not" and had a look. Photos of the sumo ringer were inside and some apparel. It might be not worth it to come all the way for this museum but if you come to Ryogoku by chance, give it a try.

Tokyo isn't really famous for good and cheap food at the same time. It was time for Japanese McDonald's. Eating the limited Club Hamburger while sitting next to an English conversation teaching a student and hearing Japanese voices was a new and interesting experience for me. And frankly, the food isn't too bad for 540 yen each menu.


It was late in the afternoon but it was time to hit the road to Yokohama. Asking the station master whether he could tell me the advantages of a Yokohama free kippu he was only able to show me his guide... the price was quite the same as 1 round trip ticket to Yokohama but the trick was that you seem to be able to get off on every station at the local JR line there. I was unsure, so I still used a single ticket.

Getting off at Yokohama Station I was far away from any tourist attractions. Not even having a decent map it was hard to find my first stop, the landmark tower, even though a tower should be seen from quite a distance.

In a convenience store -- they didn't sell maps unfortunately -- three local girls tried to help me poor tourist. After copying their map they tried different ways to explain the way for me (other guests were nearly completely ignored) till they came up with: "Turn left twice till the other konbini like ours and then you'll see the tower" or the like. It was really kind of them and after about an hour of walking on foot I finally found it.

The 69th story of the landmark tower observatory deck is said to be the highest all over Japan. Taipei 101 was really higher but this view was awesome too. The sky was bright and the city of Yokohama seemed never fading away in the distance. I was also able to see the beautiful sunset... never miss out a sunset on an observatory tower if you have the possibility!
Walking over Sakuragicho (business district?) to the beach it was getting darker and the best shots could be taken before the sun was disappearing. There was a foot walk next to the sea and I walked all the way from Sakuragicho to the park next to Chinatown. Watching the ships coming and leaving in this port city reminded me how far away I actually was from home. Because I can't go to the sea at my home country (no sea at all) I really miss being there.
I walked up and down at the flamboyant Chinatown (where even Rickshaws were seen) till I ended up in a restaurant eating 叉燒飯 - Rice with duck Canton style. It was maybe the best food till then on my Japan travel. The personnel (maybe the boss' daughter) was really cute trying to reply Mandarin to me. I can imagine that some people don't know speaking Chinese anymore at all when growing up in Japan.

21:00 was the time to go home. The rapid trains to Tokyo were really practical. Sleeping and writing e-mails on my keitai were my only activities on the train. ;)
Back in the hotel I chatted a bit with Melanie from the states who was in a hurry packing her baggages and Japanese children's books for the trip back to the states on the next day. Even though it was midnight we were still in the lobby and she was waiting for her laundry in the washing machine.

Travel diary
Shiny Japan 2005
Day ten - August 16

Photography Museum Ebisu, Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku, Iidabashi

The air condition in the hotel got broken over night, but because I slept so well I only woke in the morning with soaking wet night clothes while wondering if I had become sick since my body turned so hot and uncomfortable.

That wasn't the only experience I made that morning. I was sitting in the hotel lobby on my sofa and the floor under my feet began shaking slightly. Even the pictures on the wall couldn't stand still. After a couple of irritating seconds I realized that it was my first encounter with an earthquake. I seem to have overslept another one days ago but this one was little bit stronger. An experience you'll never forget. For heaven's sake it didn't strike hard in Tokyo. Even minutes after the shake I thought that the sofa was moving and my stomach without calm. Why was that so surprising for me? I have to say that where I live noticeable quakes are very rare. I heard about it so many times (especially in Japan) but it never happened to me before.

Because all my destinations where reachable by JR Line I bought a Tokunai Pass for 730 Yen, a day pass for all JR lines in Tokyo. So you can get off whenever you want and how often you want without paying more. Good for travellers or passengers who often (about more than 6 times) pass the ticket gates within a day.

Going to Ebisu by Yamanote Line wasn't a difficult task. I finally got into the Photography Museum in the Yebisu Garden Palace, an expensive looking shopping arcade... "Post-war / Pre-war Japan" and "How Photos can change people's viewpoint" where really impressing exhibitions showing insightful and historical photos of Japan long before I was born.

Surfing at the nearby excite broadband internet station was kinda cheap. No matter what you buy at the convenience store next door -- they seem to be linked in some way -- you can surf an hour for free. That gave me time to chat with a friend in Taiwan telling her about my trip.

Taking the Yamanote train to the near Yoyogi Park was hassle-free. I took a round in the park, enjoying the nature in downtown Tokyo. On that romantic hot summer day mosquitoes seemed to be my only enemies. Couples relaxed, dancers and street artists were here to practice their talents. It was an almost too idyllic place.

A short trip to the Kinokuniya book store in Shinjuku was rather disappointing because no teller machine at any bank there accepted my Maestro card for picking up cash. Credit card fees for cash are too high so I decided to get some money at a post office ATM later on.


I was not that easy to get my desired Japanese lecture book and the kind woman in the bookstore told me in perfect keigo that it was not available and I have to wait 2 weeks if ordering it. Since my flight was sooner I kindly asked her where I might get it. After a phone call to the other branch of nearer to Shinjuku station she said I should go there. I have to admit that I could only understand half of the words she said and she didn't seem to be amused to repeat her words (still in Japanese) but in the end I got what I want.


I somehow noticed that bookstore clerks don’t smile that often. Especially that lady didn't smile at all... uncommon though... too busy even in Japan to serve a Gaikokujin? Well, she surely had many customers to serve.

The day ends with a dinner at around Iidabashi where my friend Sanae worked. After walking around for a while I decided to give Okonomiyaki a try. It wasn't famous but at least it tasted like something. Since it is originally from Osaka you should try it in the Kansai area (my own experience, believe me). That's the last time I should see her this time... later more.


Arriving at the hotel at 21:30 the day wasn't already over as expected. At 22h we started an unofficial roof party with other backpackers and foreign hotel guests. The front guy said as quoted "don't tell the owner" and as long as we are quiet it's ok or the like. It was really fun talking with other travellers and having fun.

There was Karl from Atlanta who taught English in Kumamoto, Kyushu for two years and stays his last days in Tokyo before going back to America for good. Melanie (from N.Y as I remember?) living in Canada who collected Japanese children books and missed her flight back and got upgraded on the next one. Sam from Australia on his way to his study abroad in France and other from France, Australia and US... lots of interesting people. Maybe this kind of people makes travelling such a wonderful thing. Meeting new people and making new friends in a foreign location has something to do with freedom you could never feel in other situations. A unique feeling for granted.

Travel diary
Shiny Japan 2005
Day nine - August 15

Nijubashi, Ginza, Tsukiji, Ebisu to Kaminoge

On another hot summer day I hoped to see the world's largest wholesale fish market but I was too late. At 11:30 am even the market for consumer was closed. It is said that you have to get up at around 5 to see the wholesale market in action where fresh fish is sold every morning like on a battlefield.

I solaced myself with Nigiri sushi in a nearby restaurant where these were awesomely inexpensive. 903 yen for a sushi plate on the menu. More than enough for 1 person in my humble opinion.

Just hundreds of metres further I went shopping in BicCamera (bought a camera filter) and took a rest in a sofa at MUJI. Muji is great... they have this special mix of selling furniture and own-branded food like cookies or milk tea -- recommended and cheap which are a good alternative to expensive drinks in so-called konbini aka coanvenient stores. This sofa was so relaxing!! Maybe some customers thought that I have no place to go than hanging around at the MUJI store. Does Tokyo really have nothing to offer? ;)

Since I was already in Ginza I passed by the Sony Showroom presenting the new High Quality camcorders. Except of its impressing quality there was nothing else exciting in there.

Heading over to Marunouchi I brought myself to take a photo of the emperor's castle. Nijubashi where it is located is really extremely large and it seems to be larger than it is because hardly any people where around. Thunderstorm was bound to come up, so I went to Tokyo station quite fast...

JR Line Tokyo -> Ebisu

Stupid as I was (maybe too tired) I forgot that museums were closed on Mondays. I learned that this is common almost all around the world. Standing in front of the Photography museum I decided to walk around the station, took pictures of western-style buildings and walked all the way to Kaminoge in around 2 hours... I wanted to do some sports for a good night sleep. On my way there I couldn't believe it but I finally found myself in a supermarket. Tokyo's supermarkets are hard to find if you have ever been there. I was happy to find 150 Yen apples and 100 Yen Yakisoba. Saved me money on the other day!

The residential area is not really famous but by walking on foot you actually see how big Tokyo is. You might go more than half a day just to get from one corner to another of Tokyo.

Shortly before arriving with a soaking wet of sweat t-shirt in Kaminoge my friend Kumi called me, so I walked around the station (people must have been astounded why an Asian looking guy is talking bad Japanese on the phone and is walking around the station entrance). The street was noisy, so I had to ask her all the time what she was actually saying.

After eating Chinese in Japan style cold Ramen (have never seen that in Taiwan though) at a local restaurant I returned to my hotel 1 hour 30 minutes away in Minamisenju.

Travel diary
Shiny Japan 2005
Day eight - August 14

Narita III, Akihabara Day

August 14 was quite unspectacular... after giving my friend a lift to the airport -- using a 130 yen ticket since I took the train all way back without leaving the Narita airport terminal 2 train station -- I strolled around at Ueno, relished some Chinese-style ramen for 650 Yen (couldn't figure out the difference though, because everything cheap in Tokyo doesn't seem to have a strong taste) and headed for Akihabara on foot. Even though my orientation was right in the beginning, I got puzzled and went right back through a lively place called Okachimachi to Ueno station. Pachinko halls and a Kebab stand were right next to each other. A wonderful contrast.

Realizing it was the wrong direction I asked my city map and finally got to Akihabara while enduring the hot summer temperatures even Japanese can't get used to. It was Sunday and the whole electronic area turned into one big pedestrian ground. I even saw some girls in costume making some ads for whatever... I wasn't very keen on figuring it out. After around an hour of window shopping and typing e-mails for my penpal on my Japanese mobile it was time to get home, or let us say, to our room of shelter (aka hotel).

17h was quite early to be in the hotel but the shower was worth it. I was still too tired from my month of internship in Taiwan and the hot and subtropical weather.

Somebody once told me it is luxury to sleep in Tokyo since you are already there. Yeah it's true... but I didn't have any choice.

Travel diary
Shiny Japan 2005
Day seven - August 13

Asakusa Senso-Ji, Odaiba, Shibuya


We took a bus from Minamisenju straight to the stop opposite of the Matsuzakaya department store. Because I was already the second time at Senso-Ji, I was looking for spots I might not have discovered before. Interestingly you can find payphones opposite the main temple, so you won't lose connection to heaven if you don't have a cellphone at your fingertips. Like from the Tokyo tower you can tell your best friends in landline clear quality who are at home that you are "live" at Senso-Ji, one of the most important buddhist temple in Japan.

However, it was full of tourists all around the world.


If you try to find a more special way to move around Tokyo try the boat trip from Asakusa to Hinode/Odaiba or vice versa. Around the price of a subway ticket it is worth the amount you pay. We did some shopping in Matsuzakaya, got into the boat and enjoyed the skyline of Tokyo from (the river) Sumidagawa. You can see a lot while having a nice rest. At the end of the trip Tokyo Tower and the Rainbrow bridge connecting Odaiba with the main part of Tokyo can be viewed from the waterside.

We changed boats at Hinode pier and headed towards Odaiba where half of the people wore Yukata on that Friday afternoon. Shopping and eating in Aqua city wasn't easy. Too many people were standing in front of the famous Ramen shop, so we decided to go to a grill restaurant (oishii!!) after shopping in the crowdy building.

Sega Joypolis was exquisitely expensive but we gave the cycling game a try. Afterwards I was really out of breath and couldn't believe a small kid beated us (two adults!!). The result was becoming out of breath for the fameless 2nd place.... why oh why.

After a short break before the shops closed in Shibuya and in an interesting Kaiten Sushi store (Irasshaimase yelled at every guest coming in, then you have to read their rules - in Chinese, Japanese or Korean: you have to eat at least 7 plates and leave within 10 minutes or the like after the last)... we finally returned to our hotels for a very very good night sleep.

Travel diary
Shiny Japan 2005
Day six - August 12



Woke up at 9 and got to Tokyo Station to get the Kamakura Free Pass which is slightly cheaper than buying a round-trip to Kamakura and an Enoden ticket. After spending some time in line of the ticket counter we finally board the Yokosuka Line bounding for ... (forgot the name, it was around Yokosuka) which was quite fast (even faster than the fastest train in Taiwan nowadays).
After about a hour of sleep and indiscriminate talking to my friend on the train we finally got to the old old former Japanese capital of KAMAKURA. There we were.

Old-fashioned and nostalgical streets and lots of temples to visit. Remembering all their names would surely take some hours at least if you're good at it and Kanjis. (I ain't good at remembering those temples).

After enjoying a great Curry we headed to Hachimangu Temple, as far as I know for the God of warriors... we decided for going on foot to the Zuisenji temple which took quite a while after visiting a pharmacy store with a cute old and very polite man who sold me a muscle pain soothing bottle of SALONPAS. It doesn't help much but a least a little more than a Placebo.

Zuisenji wasn't a mainstream temple at all. Maybe it was just in the guidebook for specialists. It turned out to be a more silent one in the hills hidden behind many many trees with a amazing view over the forest. We only saw two groups of Japanese visitors there...

Since we had no tour guide and I was tired to make it out, we obvioulsy haven't seen all hot spots. But this place was actually interesting too.

Heading back to Kamakura Station by bus I was astounded by the bus driver's memory (Female japanese wearing mask and gloves with the obligatory microphone.) Even though there were only 4 bus stops all in all she had to remember when every passenger got on or off the bus since you had to pay after riding and the fare depends on the distance. Gosh. I was baffled.

Taking some shots around the station and the main street (one of the main attraction, I have to mention here) we went shopping in Tokyu Hands and got to Enoshima by Enoden. Weather got bad and we had to walk around in rain. Thank you, 1500 Yen Tokyu Hands umbrella bought in Shinjuku, for protecting me from getting wet for a year... but why did you got holes so fast? All we did was walking up the hill in Enoshima and down again passing the souvenir shops. Time was ripe to head back.

By the way, my friend dropped her umbrella (bought in Enoshima) in the hotel because it was Made in China and she wasn't keen on taking it home to Taiwan. She said that I can take it if I like but I just forgot that fact, at least I could have used it for the rest of my Japan trip. Darned. I noticed months afterwards. One of the most forgotten/left-back items in life are umbrellas (after my personal favourites gloves, scarves and caps) I guess.

My friend in Tokyo Sanae promised me to guide me next time after hearing about our trip to Kamakura. "You haven't seen Kamakura at all" was her remark. Well, LOL.

Travel diary
Shiny Japan 2005
Day five - August 11

Harajuku, Meiji-Jingu, Shinjuku East & West (i-Land tower)
On day five of my trip we haeaded to Harajuku, took a walk
over Takeshita-Dori with all its teen stores, mainly
fashion, and after we got a bit lost in the residential area
behind Takeshita-Dori we got to Omotesando. Well, we didn't
see quite much of Omotesando. After visiting some shoe
stores and clothes (my friend was rather fast at shopping,
so I was lucky ;)) it was time for the Meiji shrine.
Sometime I read that it is the most important Shinto shrine
Japan. I can't guarantee whether it is true or not since my
memory is not that good anymore due to my advanced stage of
age.

We somehow took a wrong exit and instead of giving Shibuya a
try we headed to Shinjuku which was nearer on foot.
Takashimaya and Tokyu hands had everything (material things)
to offer most people could wish (I don't talk about
expensive cars or luxurious apartments).

I think we spent about 15 minutes in Kabuki-Cho. Thereafter
in Shinjuku West we enjoyed the view from the top of one of
the Tokyo Metropolitan government tower which was for free.
It is a recommendation for all Tokyo visitors who would like
to save the money for the Tokyo Tower or don't have the time
to visit it. And they are higher than the red famous one
further east.

We asked a local in Tokyo whether she knows where the LOVE
sign in Shinjuku might be located but she couldn't help us.
My friend Serena could remember it was somewhere in her
Chinese guide, so we finally found it on the metro station
map in Tochoumae station. The i-Land tower was just a block
away... I never found it in a German guide (from DK etc.) so
I guess it is not that interesting for European foreigners.
We had dinner in one of the business towers which were quite
exclusive but not that expensive as I thought. Yaki-ebi was
good...

Our last station was OIOI City and Shibuya 109 near Shibuya
station. It was more for girls, so I tried to make the best
out of the situation and enjoyed the crowded and young
atmosphere over there.

We finally got back at around 22h in our hotels. Exhausted.

Travel diary
Shiny Japan 2005
Day four - August 10



Getting a Vodafone prepaid mobile set and Ueno

Gently woken up by the hotel staff (or did I wake up 10 seconds earlier?whatever, I was tired so I can't remember) at about 9 am, who told me that my friend Sanae left me a message. Interesting hotel service... the clerk came all the way up to the 4th floor to tell me that I should meet my friend at Iidabashi at 12:30 pm and call her back.

I called back and she confirmed that.

At roughly about 12:30 I got my first prepaid mobile phone... note that you can't get it if you don't have an alien registration card or a kind Japanese friend who buy it in his/her name for you. So you have to beg for it or you won't ever see one except a rental one which is only cheaper as long as you are for a short stay in Japan and want to stay connected.

What I needed most is the e-mail function. Getting onto the net wasn't worth the money at the hotel, you had to pay lousy 10 yen per minute. You just get too nervous to surf in a relaxed way or fetch any information within a decent time frame. Since e-mail and sky mail (by Vodafone TM) is a probably even more important function than talking on the phone in Japan it is a must-have to stay in touch with your (in the first place Japanese) friends. One more reason was that it was inpossible to reach my Tokyo friend Sanae at work since talking privately is not allowed as some might now. For heaven's sake this does not apply to leaving a message...

Here is a list of expenses you have to deal with a prepaid mobile:

Mobile phone set 4000 yen, cheapest available at konbini (convenience store) or online
Prepaid card (3000 yen) 3000 yen

Vodafone Skymail 5 yen
"Long" E-Mail 15 yen
Downloading "Long" E-Mail 15 yen
Calling nationwide 100yen/min.

More on http://www.vodafone.co.jp or any other mobile company

Taking the longer way from Iidabashi to Ueno, I took the Sobu and Yamanote line... to see more around the Yamanote circle line, I didn't take the shortest connection and went over Yoyogi, Shinagawa etc. southbound. Somewhere I finally got a place to sit and was happy that I could rest for a while.

Ueno Park on a hot day is really tiresome to walk but I did it. After seeing museums (didn't get in), eating a Pizza (pepperoni for 450 yen) I decided to pick up my friend from Taiwan at Narita airport who is going to stay 3 nights in Tokyo.



Pond Skyline


Kitchy swan boats at the pond in Ueno


Savoia Pizza 450 yen, mine was second from the right

Later on: Keisei Ueno -> Keisei Narita Airport (1000 Yen ticket)

Narita Airport and back at Minamisenju

I regret that I had to dine out at the airport. Every meal is too sweet and expensive in the one and only restaurant at the arrival hall. That was definitely not Chinese as said.

The flight had a delay of more than 1 hour... so I should be happy I wasn't in time. ^^

Unfortunately my phone battery ran out of battery, so there was no gadget I could play with while waiting.

Waiting longer than expected we both head to her hotel (-> much cleaner than mine room and only 200 yen more per night. Plus curfew at 1 instead of 12am!!!), checked in for her and I got to mine that was 100 metres farther away from the station. In the room I finally got time to check out my mobile phone manual haha.

So that was back in Minamisenju.

Travel diary
Shiny Japan 2005
Day three - August 09



Ikebukuro Day by Arakawa tram line



Arakawa Tram line bound for Waseda


When I was in Tokyo last year I already wanted to try out the last tram line there, known as the Arakawa tram line which is built along a interesting residential area that has its own touch. Most of the tram lines have been dismantled since the practical metro lines in a vast network were established.

The hotel area in Minamisenju happens to be next to the end stop of the Arakawa tram line in Minowa. After a 10 minutes foot walk and buying a ticket on train (which even returns money and also takes TOEI cards... at first I was worried that I didn't have the exact fare in coins but after a while I thought. It's Japan, can't be a problem) I found myself sitting on a train curving through the norther part of Tokyo till Ikebukuro. Since you pay around 180 yen for the trip no matter where you get off it was worth the money for a 30-minutes-ride.


Tram stop in Ikebukuro


Somehow it was pissing down, weather was really weird those days, and it wasn't helping for having a good mood. I still put some pictures while heading to Sunshine City which is really a huuuge Shopping centre. Speaking of shopping -- this might be more fun for women. A so-called paradise for textile-oriented females.




Namja Town with its theme parks (food -- Gyoza, hell, ice-cream theme) inside the building somehow appealed to me, so I got in for 500 yen (ticket without included attractions) and just had a look since everything was in Japanese and visiting attractions seemed to be not only complicated but without decent knowledge of Japanese not possible to understand. You somehow can buy a strange electronic pet that you can use in the whole area. Namja Town turned to be a children's and couple spot and I felt so out of place... it was hard to find the exit from the upper floor and I went 3 times in circles in the ice-cream theme section that I almost went crazy. And everything so expensive. Would you pay 500 yen for a cone, even if it looks very very tasty? Well, your personal choice.


Namja Town entrance


By the way, I don't recommend the Gyoza restaurant obviously owned by Chinese in the basement floor that I visited before Namja Town. The Gyozas didn't have any taste and I somehow couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a communist propaganda picture hanging on the other side of the wall from where I was eating. Political freedom? Nah... Misled patriotism maybe. If you ever want to eat a Gyoza, go to Taiwan.

All in all the food section didn't really appeal to me in the Sunshine City complex. I didn't go up onto the Obsevatory Tower because the Tokyo Metropolitan Tower in Shinjuku is for free.

The Toyota Amlux Building was futuristic and cool. You could play a simple driving simulation, take a seat in every car and buy it if you have enough money. The latest available Toyota cars were really neat and comfy. Driving/Sitting on the right side (steering wheel) in a new car is something worth trying too. Funny was the Toyota employee who presented a car with enthusiasm even though nobody was listening to her (except of me in the distance even though I only understood part of it, well I didn't really listen).


Presenting the car without audience




After a nice walk through Sunshine-Dori with loads of colourful signs and commercial (I love this stuff when I don't get too color-blind) and I took many pics of Ikebukuro station which is very impressing. Just two walk through the TOBU department store inside would take up hours.
I decided to take some "cheap" Ramen near the Metropolitan Art museum where I surely took many splendid pics again I headed into the residential area of Ikebukuro in order to find a touristic spot as explained in a guide. It seems to be a precious building but I didn't notice any interested tourists there... countryside feeling inside Tokyo.



Sunshine Doori



Tokyo Metropolitan Art museum


Art museum inside



Precious building in the Tokyo pampa




Ikebukuro station


I headed to my friend after a short stop in Shibuya. I shouldn't have since she was quite occupied with work.

Setagaya-Ku to Minamisenju: around 1 hour train ride (380 Yen one-way) + 10 minutes (almost for free) on foot.

Late at night I managed to get back to my hotel after Curfew at 0:45. The hotel pamphlet said 25:00 o'clock which was confusing, but it wasn't a problem. The guy at the front told me it is 24:00. Phew... So early ;) Lucky that I still got into my room and the door wasn't closed.

I surely slept well after the long day.

Travel diary
Shiny Japan 2005
Day two - August 08

This was the Ochanomizu, Kanda, Jinbocho, Suidobashi day which where all around the same area. As far as I know there's a women's college in Ochanomizu (that I didn't notice when I was there) and Jinbocho is known for its 2nd hand book stores all over where you mostly get what you want if you look long enough for it. Suidobashi (literally "Channel bridge") seems to have a theme park as shown on the picture.


After a quite sleepless night in my friend's living room (I seem to have overslept a minor earthquake) and having a wonderful generous breakfast with my friend's little usually lively but in front of strangers shy nephews I got back to the place that should have gotten a hotel room for me for my 12 days.


Thanks to my friend in Tokyo who called the hotel back the night before to fix the hotel troubles I finally got my vacant room for the rest of my Tokyo stay. There was a misunderstanding because I originally booked a room for a Taiwan friend too who was going to stay for only 4 nights and had to cut short her vacation to 3. That's when all the trouble began... what the hotel employee possibly thought was: I decided to stay 4 nights only and my friend cancels her whole trip (which was bluntly nonsense). The English level in this matter was maybe fairly too high for them.

Anyway, everything seemed to be fine, I let my luggage stored at the front and headed to Ochanomizu. Since I had no precise plan what to do I went to the Mizuno Store to buy some baseball lucky charm stuff for my cousin. He begged me to get some for him... I wonder if he has gotten it by now from the other friend I booked the hotel for too. I walked and walked, got hungry, got into a small chain-like restaurant and ordered a 500 Yen rice with beef. Maybe it was the hot weather but I guess it was the food that wasn't that appealing that I couldn't eat that much. But hey, what can you expect for 500 Yen in TOKYO?? Right, nothing... I told myself not to cry for the cheap and good food in Taiwan because there is nothing I can do about it. The rest of the day was not really exciting. Walked to Suidobashi, took some photos, walked back to Jinbocho, bought a book "How to speak Osaka dialect" and rushed back to the hotel because my rucksack was so heavy (haven't checked in yet) and I didn't have any energy to walk on. The flight and the stay in Taiwan was tiresome and I knew it was time for a nap in my hotel room.


In the evening I explored the surroundings of Minamisenju and visited the nearby 7-Eleven. 200 Yen for a 1,5 litre bottle of mineral water was tough. But before you die you buy it... that's what most people think at least. After a while in Europe you will miss those Konbinis. Even though it is relatively expensive, it's great. 24h open, reasonable food. Supermarket in Austria: mostly open till 7 pm, Satudays till 5 pm, closed Sundays and not much choice.

Most interesting in the vicinity was maybe the market in Minowa but I forgot my camera. Crap.
That's how my 2nd day ended. With a dark sky...

Travel diary
Shiny Japan 2005
Day one - August 07

After a not so spectacular internship at a biotech company in Taiwan for about a month and short trips to Kaohsiung, Taichung and Hsinchu visiting relatives I was again on my way to JAPAN. Even though it was the second trip to Japan so far -- just one year after the first -- I think was still excited about it. The hot weather in Taiwan (and later in Japan too) made me feel somehow too tired to explore 19 days full packed with sightseeing, visiting friends and above all planning the whole thing, but I still made it. My aunt just dropped me at the airport and let me alone at the airport in Taoyuan, Taiwan. It was kind of my bro's girlfriend (who lives near the airport) coming by later on and saying goodbye to me.

Well, I somehow made it to Narita at 7:30 pm Tokyo time and I was astonished I got through the immigration that fast (I went so fast, maybe I was afraid of lining up like last year). It is easy to pass the immigration if you are Austrian citizen.... headed to the Keisei counter after trying to reach my Tokyo friend on the phone (without luck) and standed in the crowded train for 90 minutes all the way to Nippori (1000 Yen, cheapest fare available). Changed train for Minamisenju, maybe one of the cheapest spots for tourists with unemployed people hanging around. I managed to get to the hotel at 10 pm without looking into the map after the flight (wow) and somehow felt exhausted. So I was kinda shocked when the hotel owner told me that there was NO room free today even though I did reserve it beforehand. Furthermore the guy didn't speak any English, so I had to stick to my lousy Japanese I have learnt in my last 3 years. It quite took an effort to understand him and after some phone calls of the owner with a employee who could speak English and the employee with me (in between I called my Tokyo friend who I finally reached with my last yen coins) I decided to stay at my friend's house on the other side of Tokyo and fix the problem the day after.

The employee on the phone actually was not willing to admit any faults with my reservation but because I didn't really complain she somehow got nicer. I said "There is nothing we can do about it, so I just stay at friend's home for today and we solve the room issue tomorrow) I'm sure she was afraid of being charged for anything and didn't want any troubles. (She even apologized for the misunderstanding afterwards which is another story I might tell later). Waiting for a hotel room anywhere else for the night was too much for me... so I got onto the next train and figured out how to get to my friend's house on the train with my supa dupa Tokyo train map for the whole region I bought last year in a 100 yen store in Akihabara. It must have been around 11 or 11:15 pm when I got there. My friend just got back from Hiroshima and we had a lot to talk about... lots to catch up for a year. You can't say how happy I was to see her, even though the first day could have gone much smoother. It was her birthday though... strange celebration.