Japan!

On Saturday, June 28th, I visited Tokyo in our 1st week in Japan. Growing up, I always had this vague image of Japan, Tokyo more specifically being full of flashing lights, anime, and huge electronic districts. Akihabara, Tokyo was no different. The stereotype was true, to some extent.

Tsukuba Express runs to Akihabara with a top speed of 130km/h. Comparatively speaking, that is pretty fast, CTA runs at a top speed of 88 km/h. The Fully Automated Tsukuba Express is a pleasure to ride. The air turbulence it produces and how quickly another train passes through is fascinating to see.

Akihabara is the one-stop shop for all electronics. From Mom and Pop shops selling all kinds of electronics. Seemingly teen-aged Japanese girls posing as cosplays from Japanese genres of anime or manga. The area is big of anime and gaming aka the ultra nerdy Japanese cult culture.

Personally, finding vegetarian food in Japan hasn't been easy. Indian restaurants are best bets. We happen to find an Indian Restaurant close to Akihabara Station, which had surprisingly good food and not so good service.

It's fascinating how homogenous this country is. People here are unbelievably helpful. Be it a stranger walking all the way with us to the place we're trying to find rather just giving directions or people trying their best English to help you out in every way possible. People here seem to be fascinated by westerners and western culture. The western influence can be seen in Japanese young, middle-aged men wearing English printed tees (most of them were literal translations, with funny and silly messages).  The sheer number of Hamburger chains in Tokyo, although the size of Burger's is only slightly bigger than sliders.

On that note, if you're from the United States,  you'll find food portions here really small and might consider ordering more than one item, which means that food here is actually a bit expensive, given small portions of food.

Weekend in Tokyo. 5-6th July

Areas explored - Asakusa walking tour. The Sensoji temple, Parade, Japanese style wedding, Dance festival

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