Travelogue Japan Day 12-Odaiba By Day

You can get to Odaiba by car, train, boar, bus, or monorail.  Im usually going by the Yurikamome monorail due to the stations proximity to the attractions on the island.  There is the large ferris wheel

Travelogue Japan Day 12-Walking The Yamanote Line

Restarting this old series since I have neglected in many years.  Much of the southern portion is covered but not complete.  This addition will not complete it either.  Starting point is Tokyo Station after I get something to eat.. 

Travelogue Japan Day 11-What To Do On a Rainy Day? Not Much

Ive been very fortunate that the weather has been very favorable.  Last year, I felt really cold and could have brought a few more long sleeved shirts.  I did that this year and didnt really need them for the most part.  Today it did rain throughout the day an no plans in particular.  However, I did have a taste for meat.  I wound up at Kichijoji. 

Travelogue Japan Day 10-Shinagawa After Dark

The Shinagawa station area is just west of Tennouzu Island which borders Tokyo Bay.  The evening was balmy and I decided to try and walk towards the bay area.

Travelogue Japan Day 10-Glicopia East

Glico, the maker of Pocky and Pretz gives tours at 2 factories that I know of.  On the west side near Kobe.  Its a little more involved to get to that location. and one on the east side near Kitamoto station.

Travelogue Japan Day 9-Ikebukuro and Akihabara

Today I go back to Tokyo and it started to hit me that I would have to be flying home soon as well.  that my vacation would soon be over.  I sent my luggage ahead of me and it was a good thing I did.  I got caught up in the morning rush on the subway to Shin Osaka  station. During these times, commuters pack themselves into cars that were meant for much fewer people.  The japanese are used to it but it makes me feel claustraphobic.  I couldnt move my arms and was somehow balancing on my heels most of the way.  I bought a bento to have for breakfast.  I was orginally planning on leaving in the afternoon with a reserved seat.  But the train originates from Shin Osaka so it wasnt hard to get a seat in the non reserved car.

Travelogue Japan Day 8-KFC

This Sunday there was a forecast for a cloudy somewhat rainy day.  A day that would be good for indoor activities or whatever you would want to do under a roof.  A roof over maybe a mall perhaps.  In the northern area of Osaka, they held a World Expo in 1970.  Now its been developed into Expo City and placed a Lala Port mall on it.

Travelogue Japan Day 7-America Mura and Namba

In between the hotel and Dotonbori is an area called America Mura.

Travelogue Japan Day 7-Himeji Castle

The furthest east I have gone in Japan is Sapporro.  This will be the furthest west up to this point.  A quick ride on the bullet train gets us to Himeji station

Travelogue Japan Day 6-USJ, Tsutenkaku, Shinsekai

I had not really had time to rest over the last few days so I took the opportunity to get a little more rest and a slower schedule for today.  Went to McDonalds for lunch and had their shrimp fillet sandwich.  Its a great choice and much tastier than the fish fillet sandwich we get over here.  Its still a swaure patty but filled with shrimp instead of fish

Travelogue Japan Day 5-Universal Studios Japan Part 3

USJ celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2016 as its theme for its parade.

Travelogue Japan Day 5-Universal Studios Japan Part 2

We continues through the park towards the New York area.  I have only been to NY once myself.  It seems they were going for more the retro look of the city.  the predominant cuisine of the eateries in the area was italian with pizza and pasta.

Travelogue Japan Day 5-Universal Studios Japan Part 1

Thursday and I was planning on going to USJ at some point while I was in Osaka.  I thought a weekday would be an unhurried less crowded day to visit the theme park.  Just off the loop line at Nishikujo.transfer to the Yumesaki line.

Travelogue Japan Day 4-Hakutsuru, Kobe Port, and Kobe Beef

There are a number of sake manufacturing plants in the eastern area of Kobe.  The one that I recognized was Hakutsuru.  It is located near the Sumiyohsi station on the Hanshin line.  There is another Sumiyoshi on a JR line but that is a few blocks to the north.

Travelogue Japan Day 4-Kobe, UCC Coffee, and Kobe Beef

First time at this branch of the chain.  They call it Toyoko Inn Shinsaibashi. But its actually closer to the Yotsubashi station of the Yotsubashi subway line.  Shinsaibashi station on the Midosuji subway line is a few blocks east.  Dotunburi is to the southwest and within walking distance.  anytime I went there, I walked.  Could take the subway, either one, to Namba station if you like.

Travelogue Japan Day 3-Osaka

The bullet trains stop at Shin Osaka station.  From here you can take the Midosuji subway  to Osaka/Umeda station and beyond.  Or a JR line to same station.  Going through the station, gifts and foods are available for purchase.  An eki bento kiosk sold a variety of different bentos.  Here we have rice with octopus in a clay pot similar to those used to catch octopus.

Travelogue Japan Day 3-Shiga Kirin Factory

Its an early start to catch an early bullet train out of Tokyo and head west to Osaka

Travelogue Japan Day 2-Shinjuku Redux Part 2

From the south tower, you get a better view of the station area and some of the department stores like Odakyu or Takashimiya

Travelogue Japan Day 2-Shinjuku Redux Part 1

A few stops along the loop line from Shibuya will get you to Shinjuku, another area of shops, restaurants and entertainment.  More adult entertainment than most places in the Kabukicho area.  this is also the busiest station on the Yamanote line.

Travelogue Japan Day 2-Shibuya Redux

Shibuya was the location of the first conveyor belt sushi place I had been to.  It was cheap and the quality was decent.  Sadly, I believe that the quality has gone down and no longer worth the visit.  Its inevitable that the pice would go up, 105 to 120 yen on last visit, over the 15 years Ive been to Tokyo.

Travelogue Japan Day 1-Asakusa Redux

Theres no real need for me to come to Asakusa for as many times as I visit Tokyo.  But every now and them, I will stroll the area especially if there is some now area that I just hear about.  The main attraction is Sensoji temple.  The entrance is highlighted by the large red lantern and the guardian demons alongside it. 

Travelogue Japan Day 1-Akihabara Redux

There are certain areas around Tokyo that I always stop by when Im in town.  One of those is Akihabara.  since Im here, I thought Id get some curry at Co Co Ichibanya   I like their curry better than Go Go curry but I will go their in a pinch if Co Co is not around but I have found more Co Co than Go Go.  However, there is a Go Go near the Toyoko Inn

Travelogue Japan Day 1-Tokyo Marathon Redux

I landed last night and arrived at the Toyoko Inn by midnight.  I just had enough consciousness to check in, take my baggage up and plop down on the bed.  The next day I awoke to a sunny Sunday.  A Sunday that happens to coincide with the 2016 Tokyo Marathon.  Im not a running enthusiast, hence the coincidence, but I thought I'd take a look since I was here.

Travelogue Japan Day 13-Walking the Yamanote Line

My lat full day technically as my flight departs at 20 past midnight.  I never plan or know what to do on these days as I worry about how much time I will to get to and through the airport.  Usually overestiamte and Im at the airport lonh before I need to be.  First things firat, going back to Toyo station to try anpther ramen place.  Soranoiro routs a vegan ramen.  Im not about that ao I choose their number 1 which has chasiu, slice of chicken, and stewed pork.  Love the garlic chips on the counter.  I beliwve its a soy sauce based recipe.  I liked it and it was a nice warm bowl for a very cold day.

This time I head north from the station along the inside of the line.  Nothing much going on for thos leg except I saw a small UPS customer counter before getting to Kanda.

As i near, more nad mre shops appear making seem like its a soemwhat bustling place shwen it wants to be.  I have never stepped outside of this stationbeforw.  I continue with the next destination being Akihabara.  I turn up on a wide street.  A peek down the street doea not receal anuthing familiar but I press on.  Sure enough the road dog legs to the right and the buildings I was looking for com into view.  Not too klng after, I am here.  the usual gap between stations is 2 or 3monutes by Yamanote

Travelogue Japan Day 12-Odaiba

Picking up where I left off, thos is not theinly way to get to the island.    The Rinkai will get you to slughtly different stops.  There is the ubiquitous giant ferris wheel as well as Tokyo Big Sight.  Ive come a bit late in the day for some night time pics as well.  Fuji TV studios are here but here is not much to see on their self guided tour.    Afterwards I visit the Aqua City/Decks and Diver City complexes.  Both are shopping, restaurant and enetetainment locations that sandwich Fuji TV.  Decks has this retro area with games, haunted house and retro candies and gift store.  Diver City is newer and has a much larger entertainment area.  Not to mention Gundam guards the entrance ever on the guard from Zaku attacks.  Gundam is lit when it gets dark but uas some light sources of his own.  Aqua City offers great views of the Tokyo skyline day or night.

Travelogue Japan Day 12-Walking the Yamanote Line

Continuing this series until I get all the way around.  Today starts at Tokyo station.  I start here today be uase I came to hav ramen at another popular spot amongst ramen street, Ikarugo.  I choose their number one but in a smaller portion.  It similar to the ramen I like at Setagaya with a thick soup.  The noodles were straight but had the chew that Im lookong for.  All in all I would come back for this again.  From here I exit the Yeasu(east) side and head for the outisde of the loop going south.  Its not very far to the next station. Inbetween the 2 stations is the Ginza area.  Some of the most expwnsive rettail real estate in Tokyo.    As I hit Yurakucho station, i go back toward the inside of the loop and come across Hibiya park.  A number of phtographers were waiting to take a picture of something.  For all I know it could be the running of the carp.  I proceed and get to the next station pretty quickly as well.  From Shimbashi you can reach Odaiba on the Yurikamome.  A very quick walk among these 3 stations

Travelogue Japan Day 11-Rain

Rain is predicted for today and it didnt disappoint with siblings cold and gray.  I didnt wnat to spend all day racing in between raindrops.  It was going to be a quick snak run, an early dinner and back to rest in the room.  It became more extended outdoor time.  Went to Kichijoji toe get some menchi katsu.  These 2 are the first of the batch.  They sell so well that theres constant turnover.  They are also a butcher shop but those patrons pale icomparison to the number of people who line up for the balls pf meat and onions.  Went back to Shinjuku to visit the meat restaurant Gyubei.  It was too early and they were still serving their buffet lunch.  In the meantime went to Takashimaua Times to browse their restaurant floor.  Saw this buffet place that also offers foast beef.  Their lunch cutoff was 1530 and dinner didnt start until 1730.  So much for getting back early.  The buffet for 90 minutes was ok.  Carved roast beef and roast pork for the mains.  Didnt try the pork.  Some sides include grilled vegetables, pasta, soba and udon with dashi, some chinese items. paella, and green and regular curry.  A small salad was on offer near the dessert bar.  speaking of which contained several mini cakes and fruits.  A sweet rice dumpling filled with anko and fruit cocktail jelly.  White and milk chocolate fountains provided some with the dramatic climax of covering pineapple, mini cream puffs or marshmallows.  The rain kept coming down as i dodged the last few drops as I slipped into safe haven.

Travelogue Japan Day 10-East of Shinagawa

On the wast side of Shinagawa station, its mainly office buildings.  A few restaurants and conbinis to help support the masses of workers.  Nothing in the way of entertainment except for some pachinko parlors near the station.  A few bridges connect the mainland to Tennozu Island.  I work my way toward Tokyo bay.  Then head north to where Im just south of Rainbow Bridge.  Some docks and other stuff block my view of the east side of the bridge as well as Odaiba.  This is as far as I can get without trespassing.  This guy is still fishing.  Doesnt seem to be having any so I thought it weird him being the only one trying to catch fish here.  Not any weirder than some other guy walking around the docks taking pictures.  On the way back, the elevated railway of the Shinkansen and rhe Tokyo Airport monorail going to/from Hamamatsucho.  I stopped by this market earlier and picked up something on tue way back.  Pepsi's flavor of the moment, sakura.  I didnt find it as offensive as some of thri offerings but you will have to try for yourself.  I guess it taste like sakura

Travelogue Japan Day 10-Glicopia East

Yesterday I couldnt get the Nihonshu Kit Kat.  When I spoke to them, I made out March 8.  So I went back in the morning and they had restocked.  Only problem is, I will have to buy it now, carry it to Saitama, then back again to assure the dnt run out on me again.  I had a reservation for the 1230 tour.  There is a Glicopia in Kobe but a little more difficult to get to.  I got to Kitamoto around 1100 which gave me more than enough time to walk the 30 minutes to the factory.  Taxis and a bus are available.  Took pics of the pimped out Glico wagon while i waited.  Once the tour starts, there is a video on the history of the man, Riichi Ezaki.  Afterwards we are seperated into smaller groups.  A small section the caramels history and the toys they used to include. Photo op with the victory man.  Finally on to the tour.  Photography is not allowed.  The first part they showed was the Pocky being bagged then boxed.  In the next section, We saw dough being extruded and pressed into ribbons.  The ribbons are ct to ther undividual sticks and head into the oven to bake.  I took a pick of frsh Pretz coming out.  Lastly, they were packaged and boxed.  At the end there was a little quiz.  The people with the best score got a 3 box set of large Pretz.  As a partinh gift, we were given a box of Pretz and inflatable Pocky.  A 70 minute tour on its own but you can opt to design your own giant Pocky for 500yen.

Did I mention I havent had lunch yet and its almost 1400.  I pounded down the box of Pretzon the way back to the station.  The first thing that I latched on to was the udon shop.  Got my ticket and entered.  It registered that she asked me what kind of noodle that I wanted.  Due to the hunger and the fact that I saw udon on the front of the shop, I blurted out "UDON!".  Normally udon is pretty low on my list of japanese noodles.  Bit of curry rice on the side

Travelogue Japan Day 9-Tokyo Ikebukuro Akihabara

Yesterday I sent my luggage ahead to Tokyo.  Its a gpod thing I did.  I got caught in mash of people known as the morning commute.  I had no plans for the day and I was up early so I left early.  Opted for the straight shot to Shin Osaka on the Midosuji instrad of the Yotsubashi the transfer ar Osaka.  5 stops of body on body direct contact wirh no room to mobe my arms.  Went straight to the terminus at Tokyo.  2 Reasons:lunch and Kit Kat.  Had tsukemen at Rokurinsha.After Iwasdone, they added stock to make the remaining dipping sauce drinkable.  Nearby was my go to place for Kit Kats.  They had rhe nihonshu(sake) flavor when I was here a few days ago.  During mtime away, they stopped selling them.  I could not find them anywhere.  Fortunately I bought one to taste last Sinday.  All I tasted was white choclate.  Their claims were overhyped to not give these to kids due to the powdered alcohol inside.


Went to walk around Ikebukuro for a bit.  Im around Sunshine dori if Im here.  Theres reztaurants, shopping, entertainment, arcade, and bowling alley.  A number of animeshops are located near the Sunshine 60 complex.  I dont see this as much as before but these places sell oversized takoyaki.  Softball sized as opposed to golfball.  I mistalenly ordered one with alot of mayo.  Never again.

Decided to have ramen for dinner.  Stopped by this place under the tracks at Akiba.  A place we found when we used to stay sround their.  Had chasiu misoramen and shrimp gyoza.  I love this garlic chili condiment they have on the counter.  Afterwards, walked around for a while

Travelogue Japan Day 8-Expo City

This is the last leg of the trip in western area.  I head back to Tokyo in the morning.  Im going north into Suita to have KFC for lunch.  Yes I am talking about Kentucky Fried Chicken.  Why go all this way for KFC?  Because this unusal location is a buffet restaurant.  For around 2100 yen incl tax for lunch, you get 80 minutes to pig out.  Slightly higher for dinner.  Located at the Lalaport mall in ExpoCity, it is near this odd statue.  I had seen it before but paid no heed as I had no intention of visiting it.  Now here I am.  Its called the Tower of the Sun.  I always thought to myself that it reminded me of the monsters in Evangelion.

It opens at 11 and you need to sign up for 1 of the 4 seating times for lunch.  I ended up getiing the 3rd roster at 1350.  Aignups for dinner not available until lunch is done.  There is a small salad bar which has their coleslaw.  2 soups including a cream corn.  Drink bar includes soft drinks and hot tea as well as iced/hot coffee.  Starches include mini croissants, biscuits, fries, spiral cut fries, garlic bread, fried rice, and those chewy little rolls you get at a churasscuria.  A few pasta and hot vegetable items.  For the mains, theccy had fish nuggets, fried shrimp logs and their fried chicken.  You can pick from your favorite parts.  Lastly dessert has a choice of 6 ice creams.  Others include mini cream puff, lemon gelatin, coffee gelatin. fruits, and milk pudding.

Suffice it to say, all I could do was somehow waddlw back to the room tolapse into the food coma.  This is where I spent the rest of the day.  I was in no shape to go anywhere.  Was it worrh it?  Not really for me.  I found the chicken a bit tough but the rest of the food was decent quality.    If you love KFC, just get here early.  6 piece will cost you close to 1200 yen

Travelogue Japan Day 7-Namba

Out and about on a busy Saturday night.  Although I dislike the crowds, I feed of the energy of all the poeple outgetting something to eat, having fun, and meeting up with friends.  Generally everyone is in agood mood.  These shotengai that are covered make themselves very inviting no matter the weather is like.  In an area loke this you can have a small mom and pop shop next to flobal conglomerate like McDonalds or loud and brash pachinko parlor. There is alot to offer and often they can run for several blocks in several directions.  This particular arsa is just south of Dotonburi

Travelogue Japam Day 7-Himeji Castle

Wow!  Its been 7 days.  Where has the time gone?  This morning is a quick hop over to Himeji to visit the namesake castle.  It was recently renovated and open to the public last year.  In some areas, work was still prpgrssing but not completely done.  Nagoya castle was being fixed up when I visited.  The gleaming white keep is easily visible from the train station.  its also an easy walk up the boulevard.  Across the moat and up the winding path to the main keep.  From there you climb a number of steep stairs to the top.  imagine if you were an attacking force and you got into the building?  Its hard fighting up hill.  The rooms inside are pretty bare and few things are on display.  The big payoff once you reach the top.

Along one of the fortifications, you can walk along the inside.  There are rooms inside and a few of them contain displays.

Where the main drag meets the castle grounds, souvenir shops/restaurants serve the tourists.  I opted for a quick bowl of oden before lunch.  The walk back to the station was made easier by using the covered walkway of the shotengai.  It was a nice sunny day and I worried about getting burned.  I got lunch at this fast food place near th north entrance of Himeji eki.  This meal consisted of a cheese in hamburg meal.  They were promoting this and it was probably what i smelled.  I was surprised by how soft the rice was

Travelpgue Japan Day 6-USJ, Tsutenkaku

Today I got a later start as tried to sleep in a bit.  It will be good to get home and get a good nights rest in my bed.  I had the shrimp burger at McDonalds.  Shame they dont have this back home.  I felt obligated to make use of my 2 day pass.  Pretty mcuh everything was done in 1 day.  It could have been done in 1 day if I really tried.  Anyway I went on the Hollywood Dream jet coaster.  Not the biggest nor fastest coaster bu the first one Ive benn on in literally a decade.  The Jurassic Park ride was open today but my ticket says i would have to wait an hour.  Wandered the grounds, got boeed, and left.

A train the leaves from US J goes directly to Twnnoji.  Didnt know this yesterday and transferred ar Nishikujo.  Just as before, had some noodles.  Curry udon with meat.  Down the strett and through the underpass I arrive at Shinsekai.  This is the arwa of shops, entertainment and restaurants at the base of Tsutenkaku.  While the pathways were not crowdes aa I would expect on a Friday, alot of the restaurants were doing a brisk business.  The streets eminate out from the tower with somes streets pretty much dead as their shops were closes by 7pm.  I knew about the Toyoko Inn near Tennoji but not about the one in the heart of Shinsekai

Travelogue Japan Day 5-Universal Studios

Everybody wants to visit Tokyo Disneyland/Disneysea when they come to Japan.  Disney is not my thing.  Instead I went to Univeral Studios in Osaka.  I was hoping fewer people on a Thursday but iguess its all relative and the crow still on the light side.  There is a reservation system for the Harry Potter area when its crowded.  Much later in the day before closing its a free for all.  Went directly to line up for the ride.  Once you get inside I thought it much darker than it neede to be.  I kept bumping into everyone before we got to the ride.  The ride was literally making me nauseas.  I was going to have lunch but had to walk it off first which took an hour.  The restaurant, 3 Broomsticks, featured fish and chips.  When i was ready to eat, I was in the Jaws aeea.  Oddly enough, they dont have fish and chips here but chicken and fries.

Many areas of the park are modeled after Ameircan cities and alot of the food is supposed to reflect what we eat.  There is Saido,the lone japaneae place.  San Francisco, New York and of course Hollywood are on display in a way where you would only learn about these places is from postcards.

Three coasters but one was down.  Aside from Harry Potter they have a number of virtual rides like Evangelion and Spiderman.  During the day, there was a parade.  This is the 15th anniversary for USJ.As cheesy as it seemed, the kids and some people were rally into it.  Speaking of people, some were dressed in costume or dressed very much alike.  The Minions were widley copied with Hp on a close second.  I even saw a Mario and Luigi

Afterwards I would get down to the Teenoji area.  The aea has been developed quite heavoly since my last visit.  Tjjs stand up soba place was at the right placeat the right time.  I ordered the soba with squid tempura.  My plan qas to get to Tsutenkaku.  But aftr stepping out ontk the street and seeing how far it was, i went back to eh soba place, had curry soba tjean went to th room to call it a day

Travelogue Japan Day 4-Kobe port, Chinatown, Kobe beef

(Pics to be added later)
Kobe is a port town like Yokohama and are very similar to each other.  As far as modern day, they.both have ferris wheels and Anpanman museums.  Both areas are built up with shopping and entertaiment complexes.  Yokohama has a building called Landmark Tower and Kobe has an actual tower.

They also have Chinatowns.  Yokohmama's is much larger whereas Kobe is basically 4 city blocks that meet at a central location.  Its very touristy for such a small area.  Most businesses are restaurants or street food vedors. souvenir shops fill in the rest.  Its right on between Kobe and Sannomiya stations and a few blocks south of Motomachi station

For dinner, I ad to go back for more kobe beef.  Steakland is a causal teppanyaki place and does not need resrvations.  Again I had the beef dinner.  It was prepared much the sameway as lunch but there was an additioa.  It does see nl seafood dish and 200 grams of meat.  I felt the beef to be more tender here.  Wakokqu had a bit more chew.  They used butter instrad of the beef fat.  However thry cooked up the fat with bean sprouts as well.  I left this place feeling more satisfied.  It is  bit much but this was my splurge day

Travelogue Japan Day 3-Osaka

(Pics to be added later)
Arrived in Osaka where I will be staying for a couple of days.  Its later than I expected and a bit cold from the previous experience.  I just want to get some essentials and some sleep.  I checked in and got my luggage that I had sent the day before.  A mere 1080 yen and saved the haasle of lugging it around.  Not to mention not having to get a locker which would have cost just as much.  I walked the several blocks to Dotonburi for a drink run at Don Quijote.  Turns out they havanother location nearby on the main drag.  Alot of people around on a Tues night.  Much more than I anticipated.  On the way back I got some takoyaki at this ppace near DQ.  Seemed lije a good deal at 500yen for 9 pieces.  Now must sleep too tired

Travelogue Japan Day 3-Kirin Shiga

(Pics to be added later)
Heading over to Osaka today on.the Shinkansen.  On the way I will stop off at the Kirin Factory.  They offer free tours of the 2 products produced here: beer and tea.  Since I dont really dink beer, I opted for the latter.  Now it was a surprise to me that it would snow in this part of Japan.  Shortly after Nagoya it was clear I was going to be in for some flurries.  After taking the local Ohmi Railway I got off at Screen station and proceeded the rest of the way on foot.  its really not the far but the wind and snpwfall caught up to me after a a slight lull  Undeterred I psuhed on and finally arrived.  Turns out I was the only person on this tour today.  I felt bad for the guide as she had to struggle to try and translate  By the way photography is not allowed on the tour.  There was a short movie followed by a demonstration of the bottle creation process.  A souvenir of the process is a panda shaped PET bottle.  Glass windows overlook a small portion of the manufacturing process.  The system was halted as pepple worked on rhe machinery.  After the tour you are given several minutes to sample their beers and other beverages.  The beers included regular stout and premium.  A limit of 3 on the beers.  Got back on the bullet train and all the snow was gone in the area just east of Maibara station

Travelogue Japan Day 2-Shinjuku

(Pics to be added later)
The rest of the day was spebt here.  Kabukucho has been getting a facwlift.  Probably due in small part to the 2020 Olympics coming their way.  Theres a new Toho theater and hotel not too far from Yasukuni dori.  Something seems to be looking down on the denizens of the area.  ITS GODZILLA!!!  A creatoon of Toho, he holds court above the cinema.  A Godzilla themed room give you 24 hour view of the giant lizard's fearsome snarl at the Hotel Gracery.  Ill leave him be and head over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building.  The twin towers have free observation decks at the 45th floor.  The north tower has longer hours but part of the view of Shinjuku requires purchasing something at the cafe to gain access to the east windows.  The aouth tower has no restrictions.  Did some tower hopping before getting back to ground level.
Found myself at the Odakyu dept store's restaurant floors.  This place caught my eye because they serve beef and the prices seem reasonable.  Mental note for next time.
I wanted to see if Godzilla was still vigilant after dark.  And he was!  Ive never felt threatened walking around Kabukicho after dark.  More annoyed by the harassment of the hawkers.  Again the area has been and continues to be cleaned up.  Announcements clearly warn the tourists of the scammers and to report overly aggressive sales people.  It did get cold but it didnt affect me as kuch as it did last year.  At that time with the same amount of clothing, I could feel it down to my bones.  As I walked, I forgot about the hunger that comes around dinner time.  So I picked up a 500 yen chicken bento at the Takanawa Wing.  Wing was closed last year for renovations.  Also got some strawberries for the Shinkansen ride tommorrow since i had not planned to pcik fruit this time around.

Travwlogue Japan Day 2-Shibuya

(Pics to be added later)
Spent much of yesterday on the east side of the loop.  Today I will be on thew
west side beginning woth Shibuya. This station is.known for Hachiko and the scramble.  Others alao know it for Shibuya 109.  Ive come to have an early sushi lunch.  Have to remember theres a Tetsu here since the one closer to me is temporarily closed.  This is part of a chain of cheap sushi restaurants.  Their tagline is: the conveyor belt sushi place without the conveyor belt.  They have a 3 level shuttle that brings your order to you.  Multilingual touchscreens take your order 3 items at a time.  I begin with crab cream croquette, miso crab soup and seafood avocado salad.   Didnt detect much crab in the croquette nor avocado in the salad.  Had the cheeseburger nigiri which consisted of a meat patty with a dolop of so called cheese sauce.  They have a few items especially the pork ones.  Grilled poek and boiled pork woth black pepper come to mind.  i finished it off with the dessert platter with ice coffee.  Chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate and strawberry sauce accompanied by a pear in jelly.  They also have udon ad ramen too.  it was ok and i ate alot.  Even with cheap sushi it can still add up.  I walked around for a bit before going to Shinjuku.  Oddly enough found a small grocerand the fist Taco Bell Ive seen.

Travelogue Japan Day 1-Asakusa

(Pics to be added later)
Ive come here on my first visit over a decade ago but have not returned as much.  It doesnt hold much for a frequent visitor but I return on occassion.  Leading up to the temple, hawkers ply their wares along Nakamise dori.  Souvenirs are the min attractions but food run a close econd.  Freshly roasted sembei and filled cakes are the snacks of choice amongst the crowds.  Aide from being a tourist attraction, locals do come and pray here.  The shoten gai that run along the borders are worth a look at

A few blocks to the west is a newer shopping/entertainment area known as Asakusa Rox.  The centerpiece of the locale is this 24 hour Don Quijote across from the movie theater.  Rox extends a few blocks in every direction from here.  A retro arcade of sorts.  Get the marbles in the right holes and you are rewarded with more marbles.  Sounds like a predecessor to the pachinko.  Moving back toward the temple, a small amusement park begins to close chop for the day.  Further on, yatai stalls cooking up foods and snacks are breathed in before visual affirmation.  Meats, vegetables, and battered goods tempt the stomach but I must resist to not spoil my dinner

Making my way back to the main street, I find a number of clear plastic tarps providing protectin and warmth to the patrons.  They drink and have some small bits a they converse.  Both sides of the street are packed with a lively atmosphere.  Looks like a good time

The subway station is close to the Sumida river and a short walk from Skytree.  I approach along a dark street but huner for ramen stops me short and I make my way back.  I felt like tsukemen at Rokurinsha but the line tured me away.  I decided on Hiragau ofr its shorter line and i had heard good things about it.  I ordered the first item on the ticket machine.  The soup has a heavy seafood taste that mellows with each spoonful.  Not offensive but not what I am used to when I have my ramen, miso ramen usually.  Straight amost white noodles and wonton swim in the soup alongside a single small shrimp.  The chasu is on the sweet side, again to my surprise.  Not bad but not something I would seek out.  I could have had tsukement at Tetsu butrenovations at Shinatatsu prevented that

Travelogue Japan Day 1-Akihabara

(Pics to be added later)
After getting my JR Pass in order, I wanted to start my sunny crisp Sunday with a bit of curry at Coco Ichiban.  I lack vegetables in my diet, especially when I travel.  First course is a salad with chicken karaage and some miso dressing.  I really like their karaage but I like this salad more when they offered it with fried shrimp.  The are deep fried to perfections like the chicken nd very juicy with a nice crunch.

I oredered the normal level of spicey but I think it kept me warm well into the nigh.  Now we check out the new toys at Yodobashi.  I havent had the ned to buy electonics in Japan and the awe and wonder at japanese tech is not as big as it used to be.  Being a fan of Star Wars, I wanted to see what was on offer.  The usual figures and toys can be foud next 2 rc versions ofBB8.  One comes with a remote control and the other uses your smart hpone and tablet.  Each has a head that move independent of the body

Video games are big here so the netrance to the gaming section has to be just as impressive

Wondering around the streets I come to Kotobukiya to see their Star Wars goods.  Have to admit that ive been more impressed with their previous SW stuff like thei chopsticks and ice cube ctrays.  Nowadays, not so much but then I dont collect figures

Travelogue Japan Day 1 2016-Tokyo Marathon

(Pics to be added later)
Coincidentally the 2016 Tokyo Marathon is being run today.  Im not a race enthusiast but i will take a look while Im here.  Its early yet and the race has not started from Shinjuku yet.  Emegency staff are in olace.  Sponsers were on hand to market their products..  This point of the race is 15km from the start.  Wheelchair athlete were the first to appear.  Eagerly awaited elite rnners followed after.  I didnt stay long but I hear there are cosrumed runners like those in the Bay to Breakers.  When I came down for breakfast, 2 numbered paticipants were on their way to the start line.  I probably should have followed. The sound of aerial coverage forshadowed the elite runnees.  When it went silent, the thrill was gone.