Travel! Part 2, Tokyo

After joining up with our Hong Kong buds, we had one day of officially exploring Tokyo! 

The hotel for the night was in Asakusa, so the day naturally started there, with a giant daikon (radish) greeting us good morning.

On the way to the big temple in there area, this crowded street many different Japanese shops. Fans, parasols, yukata, cell phone charms, necklaces, brooms..?, etc. 

 Sensouji is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo, and attracts tons of tourists and worshippers from both Japan and abroad every day. It was nearly destroyed in WWII, but rebuilt into this fine structure since then.

 Just before leaving, we noticed a group of people in these checkered yukata. "What is this?" I asked one of the guys loitering around. "We're about to dance, come watch!" he said, and they started an Awa Odori-esque traditional Japanese dance (after a long, official Opening ceremony, of course!)

 You can also buy fox figurines for [good luck?]. They have to be left at the temple, though! 

In the afternoon, jumped on the subway over to Ueno park area. Lots of people were picnicking under the soon-to-bloom sakura trees. 

 We tried to have our own picnic with the free pizza snack samples someone had given out. The first bite was good, but after getting incredibly thirsty, we soon realized the samples were not for the product, but to get people to buy the alcohol at the gate. Sakura picnics are usually accompanied by lots of sake.

Also in Ueno we got to visit the science museum. Try getting into the MN one for $5 USD! Saw a 360 view video of the food chain, and spent lots of time at the hands on exhibit. 

Later in the afternoon, headed over to Akihabara, Japan's famous geek hotspot. It's spilling over with electronic stores, arcades, anime figurine shops, and maids handing out fliers for their cafes. 

 Someone likes Evangelion... notice the passenger, too!

My one purchase at Akihabara was a new 8gb SD/XD card for my camera or cellphone. At Y500, I don't think that's too bad!

Finally, went to the Tokyo Tower to get a nice night view of the city (that is, after getting terribly lost by getting off at the wrong station...)

Then, as if the day weren't packed enough, one more stop at Shibuya to see the famous intersection. If you ever see a movie with Japan in it and about a zillion people crossing at once, it's probably the Shibuya crossing. Unfortunately, we arrived just as many people were heading home for the night, and didn't spend much time there. 

Finally, back to the hotel by 12:30, and went to bed to get rested up for the next big day!