I had to be awake before 11am the next day to check in. Luckily this was the case otherwise I would have slept heavily until late noon. I arranged some transport and a stay in Kyoto and Osaka then Tokyo again. I made a plan of my day while my laundry was undergoing. I was staying at Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki in Asakusa in a mixed dorm. You make your own bed and breakfast. The hostel is very nice and I saw why it was so pricey. Most of the accommodation in Japan is not cheap so I was strictly under a budget. I understood that most of my money will be used on transport and accommodation. Accommodation is from £12-15 a night which is actually quite pricey. I had myself a £350 budget for the week including accommodation, transport, food and beverages. I also hoped to save atleast £20 to use as an extra in my next country stop which will also be my last.
Due to the Great East Japan Earthquake there was a power shortage in most places. In the hostel there were restrictions when using the electricity and air con. I didn't mind because then you realise how much you don't need it. The staff were extremely friendly and I was liking the vibe.
I was ready with my plan and my maps, I started to walk around Asakusa for the Sensoji Temple which was only 5minutes from my hostel. It was busy with school children and tourists from all over Asia. It's a Buddhist temple which is Tokyo's most colourful and popular. The weather wasn't hot nor warm but it wasn't cold. I strolled along Nakamise Street where there are hundreds of stalls selling clothes, food and souvenirs but I didn't buy anything. I then walked to the SkyTree Tower through Sumida Park across the Red Bridge. It's not far from Asakusa so I saved 150Yen by walking. Usually the park is full of Cherry Blossomed Trees but not this season. Shame.
The SkyTree Tower (東京スカイツリー) is a television broadcasting tower and landmark of Tokyo. It's a new building but bang in the middle of human scale buildings. Japan is not exactly sky-scraping fantastic. To go up it costs just over 2000Yen with a 30minute queue. I hate queues. I didn't go up because it didn't fit my daily budget and it also didn't fit my wish list budget. I didn't mind not going up as there's always Google and a free view in another building.
I walked back to Asakusa for the Orange (Ginza) Metro Line to Ueno. Only 5 minutes away but at first, the public transport in Japan was just too confusing. The subway is run under two different companies (toei line & metro line), going to different places and costing different. I planned to only use the Tokyo Metro line which is only 600Y for the whole day on all subways which is roughly £3! Unlike London which is three times the price! For both companies it costs 1000Y.
So I took the Orange (Ginza) line to Ueno G16 for their market, Ameyoko Arcade (it was one of the largest post-war black market). They had fresh fish, fruit (watermelon on ice lolly sticks) and vegs and clothing. They ain't cheap though! It's weird because it's part of a historic core of Shitmachi. You know what, there are a lot of 'shit'something words here - I need to find out what it means! The place also has international stores such as Uniqlo and H&M (which is everywhere so seeing it was getting boring). I stopped by Ueno Park which is free and is Tokyo's oldest public park. I did some temple-viewing and saw the statue of Saigo Takamori. Don't ask me what it is, I don't even know. Ueno also has a zoo but care for no animals I haven't seen so 'meh'. Tokyo National Museum costed 130Y for students to enter but sadly I had no time. Instead I read about it and moved on.
I took the same line to Ginza G09 which is basically Oxford Circus of London. It's one of the most famous upmarket shopping districts in the world but nobody cares. Fashion label stores with millionaire brands and wife shoppers, and too many people. I didn't last long there. If you like shopping and paying for overweight luggage, this is so the place for you!
I then headed to Nijubashimae C10 which is on the green (Chidoya) line and visited the Eastern garden of the Imperial palace. It had great space with trees in front of high buildings and security was tight. The palace is the permanent residence of Japan's emperor and imperial family. I waved at them and they holla'd back(!). A recent birth of emperor Prince Hisahito meant the princesses are in debate about rights of ascension. Interesting, who will be on the throne next. But to be honest, I don't have such big interest in any royalty because they are where they are because of blood. Nothing else; it wasn't earned. So again, I don't care. I deeply apologise to all the royal fans but this is how I feel. They do not personally benefit me in any way possible. My opinions.
Anyway, people are seen jogging along the path in front of the palace as if preparing for a marathon. It's been a while since my last run I thought.
Transport here is similar to China's own with colour coded lines, ticket machines and the underground system. I got used to the transport system here so felt relaxed when journeying to different places.
I was excited to head to Harajuku aka 'Funky Town' on the green (Chidoya) Line to Meiji-Jingumaaae for 'Harajuku' C03. Exit at 3 or 1. This place is just amazing! It's like one street full of people, colourful lights and independent boutiques. You see some of the craziest styles put together, the coolest shops and the brightest things to buy. Though I didn't buy anything. Different couloir socks, blue hair, contact lenses, Disney looks, massive clothing, gothic looks, school girl image and so much more! The shops are cheap for the locals but expensive for foreigners. If you holiday in Japan with intention to shop and go all out; have atleast a grand on you. I'm not kidding - you could probably have enough to visit an Island just outside though (like Okinawa). For me, next time. I walked around trying to sneakily take pictures of the weirdest dress sense but I failed and gave up.
Back to the metro, I changed for the Brown (fukutoshin) line to Shibuya which was only one stop away (but a long walk to the transfer, like 300m - see what they did there) Exit at 8 for the great Shibuya Crossing which was too much fun! So many people crossing from different sides, I looked up all around me to finally believe I was in Japan! Lights from billboards and video screens with cute girl adverts. All adverts consist of a very white female looking cute with some face wash all smiley. I don't know what to think of it but it's not real. It was like Times Square but with a lot of corners and more intense. I visited Hyakkendana street just further up the road but it's full of food so unless you want to eat, good for you.
The Japanese don't mind me here at all!!!! I'm just like any other tourist (although there are barely any) and no one stares at me, no one sees me as mysterious, no one cares! Amazing. I could do anything and not get attention!
I went to Shinjuku-Sanchrome via the brown (Fukutoshin) line (you can get there by the red, Marunouchi line too) and I was getting tired. Exit A5 then turn right and right again for Shinjuku Central. Shinjuku station is big for commuters and is actually the second largest in the world. So take the wrong exit, it can be daunting being so far away from your destination. The sun has already settled and my feet were worn. I came here for the free view up the Metro Government Building of the city but it was dark so the view was quite poor - well not poor but just brightly lit buildings. I didn't mind so I strolled the area and had seen a little too many food places. The Japanese are never out of options. Shinjuku was filmed in 'Lost in Translation' (I haven't actually seen this movie). There are tiny nightspots, blinding lights and too many colours screamed each road and my eyes were getting tired so I moved on.
For the evening and the last stop, I went to Roppongi on the Grey (hibiya) Line. People have said it is avoided by travellers but I wanted to see it for myself. The place is full of Chinese prostitutes, horny foreigners, Russian strippers, needy women, large Nigerian bouncers and hungry men. Let me explain, 20 years ago you wouldn't be able to do anything in this city but things have changed. I went to the Roppongi Crossing to be in the middl then I walked to Roppongi Hills which gives you great views of Tokyo but it was closed.
Roppingi has a red lights district similar to Amsterdam's own around Tokyo Midtown. You know what, if I do see black people they are usually men and Nigerian. I started to think maybe the locals here think I am some sort of player from Africa. I don't know. Walking towards Tokyo Midtown west I had started to see business men coming out of taxis and ladies in short skirts. I stopped myself before I went any further. I felt underdressed and walking in the alleys was starting to feel uncomfortable. I wanted to enter the gardens but it was too dark so I opted out. Instead I put a close to my day. If you had wanted to stay, A972 Garden bar is said to be really nice.
I headed back to Asakusa to see drunk locals falling out of taxis and prepared a bag for my time in Kyoto!
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