Monday, April 30, 2007
Pachinko is Awesome!
Today was the first time I actually had somewhat of an agenda before heading out for the day. I was going to check out the famous fish market and then hit some temples before checking out one of the technology districts which I haven't seen yet.
By the time I made it to the Fish Market, I'd already missed all the action. Who knew it was over by 10 a.m.? So I took the subway to the closest stop to the Temples. To my surprise, between my stop and my destination was a HUGE shopping market. By this point I haven't purchased anything to bring home so I went crazy. Of course I was smart about it and did my bargain shopping. In the end I ended up with a sweet Kimono for myself and some smaller items for others.
After about two hours I finally made it to the Temples to take some pictures. I then ran around the market again and took more pictures. I haven't taken as many pictures as I thought I would through out my trip but I'm close. I think I'm up to something like 10 rolls.
After I finished there, I attempted to find the resale store I found the other day to buy some more stuff. I failed! It's so hard to find anything around here. Very few of the streets have names. They use a weird numbering system that I didn't even want to attempt to figure out.
I went back to my hotel for a few to drop off my stuff and to re-energize before heading out to test my new camera lens just after dusk. It sucks that I have to wait to get my pictures developed to see how well my low-light lens works. I'm actually thinking about converting to digital, once I can actually afford the camera that is.
I got bored taking night pictures after about half a roll; all the streets are starting to look the same anyway. So I decided to check out this pachinko craze that I've seen everywhere. I was happy to find out they had an instruction card in English so I could figure out what was going on much more quickly.
For those of you that don't know what pachinko is, it is sorta like pinball, but is completely vertical. The balls bounce around pins and you just watch them fall. (think of plinko from the Price is Right)
Anyway, a ball lands in a certain catcher, it triggers a slot machine spin wheel and there are all kinds of bonuses. Anyway, I played for like two hours and ended up winning about 1,000 JPY, or about $80. It was awesome. I guess it is pretty rare to win that much in one sitting.
The whole pachinko operation is actually kind of shady. When you are finished, they put the balls through a counter and you take the slip to the front counter. Instead of them actually handing you the money, they give you these golden squares that look like giant memory cards and you go outside and give them to what is considered a third-party operation who then switches them out for cash. A nice little loop-hole to make it legal.
I probably could have played all night but I had to catch my train so I wouldn't have to attempt to get a cab again.
So tomorrow is my last full day in Tokyo and I feel like there is so much I haven't had a chance to see. I'm not sure exactly what I'll get into but it's supposed to rain all day so picture-taking may be difficult. Either way I'm sure I'll make the most of it.
By the time I made it to the Fish Market, I'd already missed all the action. Who knew it was over by 10 a.m.? So I took the subway to the closest stop to the Temples. To my surprise, between my stop and my destination was a HUGE shopping market. By this point I haven't purchased anything to bring home so I went crazy. Of course I was smart about it and did my bargain shopping. In the end I ended up with a sweet Kimono for myself and some smaller items for others.
After about two hours I finally made it to the Temples to take some pictures. I then ran around the market again and took more pictures. I haven't taken as many pictures as I thought I would through out my trip but I'm close. I think I'm up to something like 10 rolls.
After I finished there, I attempted to find the resale store I found the other day to buy some more stuff. I failed! It's so hard to find anything around here. Very few of the streets have names. They use a weird numbering system that I didn't even want to attempt to figure out.
I went back to my hotel for a few to drop off my stuff and to re-energize before heading out to test my new camera lens just after dusk. It sucks that I have to wait to get my pictures developed to see how well my low-light lens works. I'm actually thinking about converting to digital, once I can actually afford the camera that is.
I got bored taking night pictures after about half a roll; all the streets are starting to look the same anyway. So I decided to check out this pachinko craze that I've seen everywhere. I was happy to find out they had an instruction card in English so I could figure out what was going on much more quickly.
For those of you that don't know what pachinko is, it is sorta like pinball, but is completely vertical. The balls bounce around pins and you just watch them fall. (think of plinko from the Price is Right)
Anyway, a ball lands in a certain catcher, it triggers a slot machine spin wheel and there are all kinds of bonuses. Anyway, I played for like two hours and ended up winning about 1,000 JPY, or about $80. It was awesome. I guess it is pretty rare to win that much in one sitting.
The whole pachinko operation is actually kind of shady. When you are finished, they put the balls through a counter and you take the slip to the front counter. Instead of them actually handing you the money, they give you these golden squares that look like giant memory cards and you go outside and give them to what is considered a third-party operation who then switches them out for cash. A nice little loop-hole to make it legal.
I probably could have played all night but I had to catch my train so I wouldn't have to attempt to get a cab again.
So tomorrow is my last full day in Tokyo and I feel like there is so much I haven't had a chance to see. I'm not sure exactly what I'll get into but it's supposed to rain all day so picture-taking may be difficult. Either way I'm sure I'll make the most of it.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Food and Sleep
It's about quarter-till 7 a.m. and I just got back to my hotel no more than 20 minutes ago. I knew it would take a lot to top my Friday night at the Chemical Brothers show but lasts night's show far surpassed it.
I ended up taking a nap late yesterday afternoon to rest up so I would be ready to hang with the Japanese. I woke up right at 10 p.m. and attempted to rush as to not miss my train. As soon as I walked out of the train station near the venue, I was stopped my two Canadian girls looking for the same place I was. We teamed up since it's near impossible to find any specific location in Tokyo and ended up getting directions from a couple Aussies.
I didn't really eat much before the show, so the red bull hit me extra hard. Luckily I didn't drink much vodka otherwise there's no way I would have made it. Most of the people there were 'crazy' and even though it was packed wall to wall earlier in the show, many of them couldn't handle it and were passed out along the side walls during the latter part.
The show was slated to wrap up around five but continued until almost six. I thought that the walk to the train station and to my hotel would be a little weird since it was so early and I obviously just spent the night on a dance floor, but the streets were filled with the post-partying crowd in search of their 'late-night' munchies. This is my kind of town!
I almost joined in and picked up a doner kabab, since I probably haven't had one since I was in Europe, but i decided to head back and hit my free hotel breakfast which begins any minute. I regret my decision. Either way, all on my agenda for the time being is food and sleep, lots of sleep.
I ended up taking a nap late yesterday afternoon to rest up so I would be ready to hang with the Japanese. I woke up right at 10 p.m. and attempted to rush as to not miss my train. As soon as I walked out of the train station near the venue, I was stopped my two Canadian girls looking for the same place I was. We teamed up since it's near impossible to find any specific location in Tokyo and ended up getting directions from a couple Aussies.
I didn't really eat much before the show, so the red bull hit me extra hard. Luckily I didn't drink much vodka otherwise there's no way I would have made it. Most of the people there were 'crazy' and even though it was packed wall to wall earlier in the show, many of them couldn't handle it and were passed out along the side walls during the latter part.
The show was slated to wrap up around five but continued until almost six. I thought that the walk to the train station and to my hotel would be a little weird since it was so early and I obviously just spent the night on a dance floor, but the streets were filled with the post-partying crowd in search of their 'late-night' munchies. This is my kind of town!
I almost joined in and picked up a doner kabab, since I probably haven't had one since I was in Europe, but i decided to head back and hit my free hotel breakfast which begins any minute. I regret my decision. Either way, all on my agenda for the time being is food and sleep, lots of sleep.
Damn Storms
After I finally recovered from last night and ventured to to the Roppongi district, the day actually turned into the best photo session I've had thus far. I got some nice urban shots and I found and awesome marble building that I probably used half a roll of film on (see picture below). When I started heading back to the subway station to head to another area of town, it started storming. And I mean full blown thunderstorm.
I made it about half-way to the Roppongi Station so I decided to slip into a restaurant to grab some food and wait it out. After the grub and a couple beers it didn't seem to be slowing down so I made a run for the station. I didn't even have a jacket let alone an umbrella. And any of you that know me well know that at the mature age of 25, I'm still semi-terrified of thunder. The lightning is cool, it's just the aftermath that sends my nerves into a craze.
I made it to the station and back to my hotel without getting too wet but now I don't know what to do with myself. As long as I refrain from doing any work during my vacation, it'll be OK.
I made it about half-way to the Roppongi Station so I decided to slip into a restaurant to grab some food and wait it out. After the grub and a couple beers it didn't seem to be slowing down so I made a run for the station. I didn't even have a jacket let alone an umbrella. And any of you that know me well know that at the mature age of 25, I'm still semi-terrified of thunder. The lightning is cool, it's just the aftermath that sends my nerves into a craze.
I made it to the station and back to my hotel without getting too wet but now I don't know what to do with myself. As long as I refrain from doing any work during my vacation, it'll be OK.
DSC00036
This is not a good representation of the building, but my 35mm shots should give it justice.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Just a cab ride away.
So I was lucky enough to catch a Chemical Brothers show last night. Apparently it was the place to be in Tokyo, if you knew about it. They posted the show just a day before. The club was three floors, the main dance floor with two floors of lounges over looking the 1st level.
I finally found the club about ten minutes after the doors opened and luckily got in line before it wrapped around the block. Apparently I was lucky to even get in. As soon as I walked in the door it was body to body through out most of the club, similar to the sardine feeling I've grown accustomed to on the Tokyo Subways.
About 30 minutes after I got there, it was like being in a mosh pit everywhere I walked, even while in line to get to the restrooms, the bar and in the spiral stairways connecting the three levels. It was almost too much, but it was the Chemical Brothers.
I made it about five hours in the club before I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm actually amazed I made it that long, I credit the red bull for this.
After I made it back to the train station, I realized that I missed the last train and would have to take a cab. No big deal, really. I didn't have much cash but the hotel previously offered to pay for my cabs and add the cost to my hotel bill without any additional surcharge. The problem was that I couldn't get a cab to pick me up.
I was standing at a taxi stand and cabs would almost pull over for me until they realized I was a Go Jin (anyone not Japanese). A couple that arrived at the taxi stand after me got a cab to pull over and offered it to me, but the driver immediately drove off when he realized what was going on.
About 10 minutes later, I struck up a conversation with a Japanese guy with good English skills also in search for a cab. I asked him if what was happening is commonplace, it is. So I put up my hood and pulled the strings as to cover up my blond hair and lowered my head while he flagged a cab for me. He told me to try to get in the cab before the driver noticed I was a Go Jin. It was very unlikely he would throw me out especially once he realized he could get a reasonably high fare out of me.
The driver didn't speak a word in English and yelled at me in Japanese once we arrived at the because he didn't understand I had to get the door guy to come outside to pay the fare. Luckily the door guy heard him from inside the sliding doors and took care of the situation. The door guy wouldn't tell me what the cabbie said but left it at, basically, that he was completely out of line.
The hotel told me to call them for a car if I get into this situation again and apologized for the ignorant Japanese people I've had to deal with. I pretty much expected something like this would happen at some point or another, I just didn't know when.
I finally found the club about ten minutes after the doors opened and luckily got in line before it wrapped around the block. Apparently I was lucky to even get in. As soon as I walked in the door it was body to body through out most of the club, similar to the sardine feeling I've grown accustomed to on the Tokyo Subways.
About 30 minutes after I got there, it was like being in a mosh pit everywhere I walked, even while in line to get to the restrooms, the bar and in the spiral stairways connecting the three levels. It was almost too much, but it was the Chemical Brothers.
I made it about five hours in the club before I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm actually amazed I made it that long, I credit the red bull for this.
After I made it back to the train station, I realized that I missed the last train and would have to take a cab. No big deal, really. I didn't have much cash but the hotel previously offered to pay for my cabs and add the cost to my hotel bill without any additional surcharge. The problem was that I couldn't get a cab to pick me up.
I was standing at a taxi stand and cabs would almost pull over for me until they realized I was a Go Jin (anyone not Japanese). A couple that arrived at the taxi stand after me got a cab to pull over and offered it to me, but the driver immediately drove off when he realized what was going on.
About 10 minutes later, I struck up a conversation with a Japanese guy with good English skills also in search for a cab. I asked him if what was happening is commonplace, it is. So I put up my hood and pulled the strings as to cover up my blond hair and lowered my head while he flagged a cab for me. He told me to try to get in the cab before the driver noticed I was a Go Jin. It was very unlikely he would throw me out especially once he realized he could get a reasonably high fare out of me.
The driver didn't speak a word in English and yelled at me in Japanese once we arrived at the because he didn't understand I had to get the door guy to come outside to pay the fare. Luckily the door guy heard him from inside the sliding doors and took care of the situation. The door guy wouldn't tell me what the cabbie said but left it at, basically, that he was completely out of line.
The hotel told me to call them for a car if I get into this situation again and apologized for the ignorant Japanese people I've had to deal with. I pretty much expected something like this would happen at some point or another, I just didn't know when.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Time out...
I'm taking what is becoming my daily afternoon break. I left the hotel about 9a.m. and probably haven't stopped walking since, with the exception of my time on the subway.
I hit another park today, Ueno Park. To the East of the park there is a huge market area spanning over many narrow streets in a basic grid. Many of the shops were selling the same stuff, mostly purses and outrageously priced sneakers. (no I didn't buy any) I did find a really neat antique shop that I may revisit to pick up some traditional Japanese stuff to bring home.
I was reluctant to visit some of the shops because I couldn't see what was on the inside and couldn't read the signs on the outside. It sucks that there is such a language barrier. Of course when I went to buy a ticket for the Tokyo National Museum they automatically spoke to me in English. Is it that obvious? ;)
The Tokyo National Museum currently has a Di Vinci exhibit that outlines his entire career in somewhat of a psychological form. It sounded really cool but it walked you through the exhibit with an audio guide that they did not offer in English. Oh well.
The rest of the museum was what interested me anyway, Japanese history through art. I couldn't take any pictures but they probably wouldn't have been that interesting anyway. That kind of stuff is only worth seeing in person as far as I'm concerned.
After I relax for a few, I'm going to head to another district and try to find the venue I'm going to tomorrow night to get an advance ticket. I'm not sure if I can handle the night life in Tokyo but I have my energy vitamins to keep me going.
The shows I'm going to tonight and tomorrow night start around 10p.m. with the headliners going on around 3 a.m. The shows wrap up around 5a.m. Luckily for me they sell iced coffee in all the vending machines as well.
I hit another park today, Ueno Park. To the East of the park there is a huge market area spanning over many narrow streets in a basic grid. Many of the shops were selling the same stuff, mostly purses and outrageously priced sneakers. (no I didn't buy any) I did find a really neat antique shop that I may revisit to pick up some traditional Japanese stuff to bring home.
I was reluctant to visit some of the shops because I couldn't see what was on the inside and couldn't read the signs on the outside. It sucks that there is such a language barrier. Of course when I went to buy a ticket for the Tokyo National Museum they automatically spoke to me in English. Is it that obvious? ;)
The Tokyo National Museum currently has a Di Vinci exhibit that outlines his entire career in somewhat of a psychological form. It sounded really cool but it walked you through the exhibit with an audio guide that they did not offer in English. Oh well.
The rest of the museum was what interested me anyway, Japanese history through art. I couldn't take any pictures but they probably wouldn't have been that interesting anyway. That kind of stuff is only worth seeing in person as far as I'm concerned.
After I relax for a few, I'm going to head to another district and try to find the venue I'm going to tomorrow night to get an advance ticket. I'm not sure if I can handle the night life in Tokyo but I have my energy vitamins to keep me going.
The shows I'm going to tonight and tomorrow night start around 10p.m. with the headliners going on around 3 a.m. The shows wrap up around 5a.m. Luckily for me they sell iced coffee in all the vending machines as well.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Gardens and Shibuya
I spent most of the morning running around the Imperial Palace Garden and the Hibya-koen garden. When I started out, I was a little shy about carrying my camera around my neck. Not for security reasons but I hate looking like a tourist. I came to realize that with my camera out or not I was obviously a tourist, so I went with it.
I decided to check out the US Embassy but after searching for it forever, I gave up and hit up an Irish Pub for lunch. I'm still intimidated about the language barrier and the Irish Pub's menu was in English. I bet I was really close to the Embassy and didn't realize it.
After lunch I headed to Shibuya on the subway. The transportation system here seems to be pretty easy. I was able to pretty much figure it out right away as opposed to the first time I was in New York.
As soon has I exited the Shibuya station, all I could see were huge TV screens and people. OMG, people everywhere. I'm sure you've seen a video at some point or another. If I find one, I'll post it up here as well.
After getting lost a hand-full of times and finally finding an ATM that accepts American cards, I headed back to my hotel to chill for a few hours and let my legs take a rest. I can't remember the last time I walked so much.
I decided to check out the US Embassy but after searching for it forever, I gave up and hit up an Irish Pub for lunch. I'm still intimidated about the language barrier and the Irish Pub's menu was in English. I bet I was really close to the Embassy and didn't realize it.
After lunch I headed to Shibuya on the subway. The transportation system here seems to be pretty easy. I was able to pretty much figure it out right away as opposed to the first time I was in New York.
As soon has I exited the Shibuya station, all I could see were huge TV screens and people. OMG, people everywhere. I'm sure you've seen a video at some point or another. If I find one, I'll post it up here as well.
After getting lost a hand-full of times and finally finding an ATM that accepts American cards, I headed back to my hotel to chill for a few hours and let my legs take a rest. I can't remember the last time I walked so much.
Finally in Tokyo!
I made it to Tokyo and to my hotel with no problems. I haven't traveled too far from my hotel room since I'm exhausted but I may go out in an hour just because.
My hotel is pretty sweet though. I discovered when I got here that I get free breakfast every morning and free drinks and appetizers in the evening. The downside, I have to pay to use the internet. :( This means I won't be able to post as often as I hoped to but I'm sure I can make it work.
I haven't really made any plans as to what I'm actually going to see tomorrow but figuring out the subway system is at the top of my list. I'll probably spend the morning wandering around just to let it sink all in.
I don't think it has registered that I am on the other side of the world.
My hotel is pretty sweet though. I discovered when I got here that I get free breakfast every morning and free drinks and appetizers in the evening. The downside, I have to pay to use the internet. :( This means I won't be able to post as often as I hoped to but I'm sure I can make it work.
I haven't really made any plans as to what I'm actually going to see tomorrow but figuring out the subway system is at the top of my list. I'll probably spend the morning wandering around just to let it sink all in.
I don't think it has registered that I am on the other side of the world.
Monday, April 23, 2007
The Preview
So I've resurrected my Justifying Procrastination blog in an effort to document my trip to Tokyo. I'm leaving for the airport in about an hour, the nervousness is not subsiding but the excitement is growing exponentially.
I haven't set my expectations too high as to not entice any disappointment, but I have a feeling this trip is going to be super awesome!
I'll be landing at Narita in in about 22 and a half hours. Hopefully I'll be able to post some awesome pictures. I'll mainly shoot 35mm but I'll have my crappy digital on hand to catch some shots as well.
Just so you guys know, Tokyo time is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. It's my intention to update this page daily but you never know.
Wish me luck!!
I haven't set my expectations too high as to not entice any disappointment, but I have a feeling this trip is going to be super awesome!
I'll be landing at Narita in in about 22 and a half hours. Hopefully I'll be able to post some awesome pictures. I'll mainly shoot 35mm but I'll have my crappy digital on hand to catch some shots as well.
Just so you guys know, Tokyo time is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. It's my intention to update this page daily but you never know.
Wish me luck!!
Photo Test
So I've set it up so I can blog photos right from my Flickr account. This pic is one of my favorites so, yeah, here it is.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)