Akihabara Electronics Town

Anyone living in Japan already, or is thinking of coming over has no doubt heard of Akihabara.  Electronics buffs, anime fans and gamers the world over are all familiar with Tokyo's electronic district. But you don't have to be a computer nerd or comic book fan to enjoy Akihabara.So famous is Akihabara that it is a major tourist destination for visitors to Tokyo. Whether you're looking for a new camera, or figurines of your favourite anime characters, Akihabara will provide you with an eye-opening experience.Akihabara is also home to Japan's "Otaku" culture. Otaku loosely translates to what we might call in English a geek or nerd. Otaku flock to Akihabara as it's a treasure trove of collectibles, manga and anime goods. Along the main street, and the back streets as well, there are dozens of shops selling collector's cards, figurines or classic toys. Some stores are huge and are multi-storied. Another popular variety of store with otaku are "maid cafes." These are cafes where the (all female) staff dress in maid outfits. Many of these maids can be seen on the streets of Akihabara advertising their particular cafe. Even if maid cafes aren't your thing, it's certainly entertaining seeing the maids on the street trying to entice walkers by.Apart from costumed maids it's very common to see aspiring young pop idols along the streets of Akihabara. Many perform shows on the streets hoping to gain enough attention and get snapped up by a talent scout. Again, this is a very interesting experience if it's your first time to Akihabara.Then there's the electronics. If you're after electrical goods, then you couldn't be anywhere better. There are several big chain vendors present in Akihabara, but there are also many small shops selling excellent quality second hand goods. Many stores offer duty free shopping and English speaking staff. Remember to shop around though as there are many stores to choose from and competition is tight.So even if you're not an anime fan or electronics enthusiast, there are a lot of interesting things to see and do in Akihabara. The town has developed from an electronics district to a must-visit place for tourists to Tokyo.

Trick Art Museum

If you are visiting Japan, one place I will definitely recommend is the Trick Art Museum. At the Museum, you can experience the excitement of trick art ("damashie" in Japanese), which creates the illusion that depicted objects really exist and make the two-dimensional paintings look as if they are three dimensional. You can position yourself in the right place and take a photo as if you are within the painting. For example, doesn't the photo above look as if the woman in the painting is pulling the girl's shirt?

At the Trick Art Museum, there are numerous trick art paintings, which include swimming with dolphins, falling from a cliff, getting eaten by a dragon, and coming out of a manhole. The paintings vary depending on which museum you go to. You can take pictures either alone or with someone else; just make sure you don't forget your camera! The trick is to take pictures a couple of times for each painting and later select which of them looks more realistic.

You can find Trick Art Museums all around Japan. The well-known place is the Takao Trick Art Museum located near Mount Takao west of Tokyo. If you have the chance, you should definitely go because you will definitely have an enjoyable and memorable time! Just bring along a playful spirit!

Getting to and from Narita Airport

Like many other major cities around the world, Tokyo's main international airport is not within the city's limits. In Tokyo's case, it's not even in Tokyo. In case you didn't know, Narita International Airport is located in, well, Narita which is in Chiba Prefecture. It`s some 60 odd kilometres from downtown Tokyo. This makes getting to and from the airport a little more difficult for the first time traveller to Japan. Not to worry though. Japan's famously efficient public transportation will save the day.

Upon arrival at Narita you will find the "Airport Limousine Bus" ticket counters just across from the arrivals gate. This bus service is great if you are staying at one of the major hotels in Tokyo. Buses also go to popular transit hubs such as Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Shibuya and Tokyo stations. You can even take the limousine bus to outlying suburban areas as well as Yokohama. Depending on where you are going, the journey into the city is usually around 3000 yen (one way). Being a bus means they are at the mercy of traffic conditions. If the roads are relatively clear, expect a travel time of one hour to reach the inner city.

Make your way downstairs from the arrivals gate and you're on your way to the train stations. Both terminals at Narita are serviced by two railway companies. JR (Japan Railways) and the Keisei Railway Company. Directions to both are clearly marked. The Keisei Skyliner Express train is cheaper (1900 yen one way) than the JR Narita Express (2500 yen one way), but the JR Narita Express has the advantage of stopping at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Yokohama stations. The Keisei line only goes as far as Ueno in Tokyo`s north east. Both trains only stop once or twice between the airport and the city. Travel time is approximately 80-90 mins depending on where you are travelling to. More adventurous and thrifty souls may like to try taking the local commuter trains on these lines. Word of warning though. You will have to transfer a few times. This can be quite disorienting for a first time visitor.

To sum it all up, there are three main options you have to reach Narita airport. The limousine bus isn't the cheapest or fastest option but it is convenient. You won't need to negotiate busy train stations with all your luggage either. JR and Keisei express trains guarantee you a fast and easy way to and from Narita but are only available at certain stations. Local trains are the cheapest way to Narita but can be very confusing, not to mention slow. If you don't mind splashing out, you could take a taxi which will set you back a few hundred dollars US, or you could take the helicopter service between Narita and Roppongi for a mere US$600 one way. In any case, here's a particularly useful video explaining how to get to the city upon arrival at Narita airport.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3K6NLBxiYA

24-Hour Television "Love Saves the Heart"

If you are in Japan around the end of August, you might see people wearing yellow shirts holding donation boxes. They are volunteers for the annual 24 Hour Television-Love Saves the Earth charity drive sponsored by Nippon Television Network Corporation and its affiliates.

The telethon began in 1978 as a charity project aiming to introduce existing conditions of social welfare in Japan and around the world and to address the need of assistance to disadvantaged people. The telethon has been very successful raising a total donation of 27,248,414,171 yen as of September 2008. The donation is used not only for people in Japan but also for people around the world.

During the event, various special programs are aired, which one of the main events includes a full marathon participated by a famous Japanese TV personality. Last year, a 42km relay swim across the Tsugaru Strait and an eight-hour ping pong rally in attempt to break the world record were aired. Fundraising drives are also conducted at numerous stores around the country during the week.

This year will be the 33rd annual telethon (August 28th and 29th) with TOKIO, a popular Japanese pop band, as the main personality. For every event there is a specific theme and the theme for this year is "ARIGATOU~Ima Ano Hito ni Tsutaetai~" -"Thank you~ Now I would like to say thank you to this person~".

Watching the program 24 hours nonstop may be difficult, but if you have the time, take a glance at it since it is definitely worth watching!

Beer Gardens

With the temperatures gradually rising, thirst develops accordingly. Lucky for beer enthusiasts Japan is soon to enter "beer garden season."

Years ago, an effort to curb Tokyo's "heat island effect", which is particularly bad in the summer, was initiated by the Tokyo metropolitan government. The idea was to create "green spaces" on the city's many rooftops. Many large hotels and department stores created green spaces (of sorts) by turning their rooftops into beer gardens. The term "garden" may be a stretch of the imagination, but venture out of the city and you may find some do have actual gardens.

Beer gardens are a seasonal phenomenon and typically open for business sometime in mid/late June and close in early September (colder parts of the country may have a shorter run). The peak of the season is in late July when fiercely hot and humid summer conditions drive many an office worker to end the working week with a trip to the beer garden.

Typically one orders their drinks and snacks at a separate counter. Orders are then processed and delivered to your table soon after. Some do have waiter service, and some, if you're lucky, are even self service. Nomihodai (all you can drink) and tabehodai (all you can eat) plans are also common place.

In Tokyo, you don't have to search too hard to find a beer garden in the summer. All the popular districts have them and they are usually situated on department store rooftops. Popular Tokyo beer gardens include:

Keio Department Store Beer Garden, Shinjuku.
http://info.keionet.com/foreign/index.html

Lumine Department Store Mexican Beer Garden, Shinjuku.
http://www.sunnypages.jp/travel_guide/tokyo_nightlife/Beer%20Gardens/Beer+Mex+Mexican+Food+AMP+Beer+Garden/4394


Ginza Matsuzaka Rooftop Beer Garden, Ginza.
http://www.sunnypages.jp/travel_guide/tokyo_nightlife/Beer%20Gardens/Ginza+Matsuzaka+Rooftop+Beer+Garden/4398/access

Ebisu Garden Place Beer Hall (open year-round)
http://gardenplace.jp/english/#entrancepavilion

As you'd expect, beer gardens can be very popular so you may want to make a reservation if you're thinking of going on a weekend. Larger gardens such as the Keio dept stores are often big enough to handle the weekend crowds.

Internet Cafe in Japan

When you arrive in Japan, one thing you may be wondering is -how to get Internet?

In Japan, it is quite easy to find places with Internet access. Internet cafes are the most commonly used places where they come in many shapes and sizes. The level of service and privacy may exceed your expectations! Depending on the Internet cafe you go to, not only do they have Internet access, but they also offer comics, magazines, DVDs, TV, and video games. Some areas even have drinks, microwave, and showers. You may also request pillows and blankets.

Most Internet cafes are open 24 hours, thus it is common for people to stay overnight. You may think the price is expensive if you stay overnight, but the price is quite reasonable ranging from 1500 to 2500 yen. Depending on the room you stay in (public/business/couple/private rooms), the price would vary, but it is still much cheaper than staying at a hotel. Staying in a public booth which is the cheapest cost around 400 yen per hour or 1000 yen for 3 hours.

Staying at an Internet cafe may be a great idea if you are looking for a decent and cheap place to stay for two or three days in Japan. Popeye Media Cafes, well-known Internet cafe, are probably most recommended where you could easily find them in every major train stations.

Walking in Tokyo

Tokyo is well known for its size and subsequent efficient public transportation system, but unknown to many visitors is the fact that Tokyo is a great city to walk around.
It’s true that you’re never far away from a train or subway station in Tokyo, but if the weather’s fine, why not consider walking to your points of interest? Not only will you get some great exercise, but you’ll experience Tokyo “between the stations.” You don’t have to venture too far from any popular train station in Tokyo to find yourself in quaint neighbourhoods or traditional shopping districts.
Here are a few examples of easy and interesting walks in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
1.) Shibuya to Shinjuku

Both locations are among the most popular for both Japanese and overseas tourists in Tokyo. A seven minute ride on the Yamanote line will do the trick, but why cram yourself into a busy train and then face the prospect of navigating the station upon arrival when you can walk? Both locations are situated along the arterial route called “Meiji Dori.” Follow that road and you can’t fail. Better still, following Meiji Dori will take you through Yoyogi and Harajuku. Adventurous types may want to explore the adjacent streets of Meiji Dori which contain stylish residential areas, high-fashion shopping and even Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu shrine. Give yourself 40 minutes to walk between Shibuya and Shinjuku, or longer to allow for stops and shopping. Southbound walkers to Shibuya can add an extra fifteen minutes walking time to reach Ebisu.

2.) Ginza/Tokyo station area.

Tokyo station maybe your first experience of downtown Tokyo. A 4-5 minute walk outside of the central Yaesu exit will bring you to a large street named “Chuo Dori.” From here you can turn left to Nihonbashi or right towards the famous shopping district of Ginza. Ginza is only a 10-12 minute walk from this point. Once there, you’ll find that Ginza is not only a haven for shoppers but an extremely pedestrian-friendly area. The busiest areas are even closed off to traffic on weekends. Don’t fancy Ginza? On the opposite side of Tokyo Station are the Imperial Palace and grounds as well as Hibiya Park. Both are only minutes away on foot from Tokyo Station’s central exit.



Walking in Tokyo is a rewarding and invigorating experience. With the advent of GPS enabled mobile phones, it’s never been easier too. Don’t just limit your experience of Tokyo to what’s around the stations. Take a walk and see a different view of the city!

Veggie Sweets and Desserts

When you are on diet and wish to lose some pounds, don't you want to still eat some sweets? Well, how about cakes made out of vegetables?

Patisserie Potager is a very popular vegetable confectionery that opened at Nakameguro in 2006; it is also the first specialty veggie bakery in Japan. Every day you would see many women in line waiting to try out these healthy sweets. There are a variety of cakes made out of different organic vegetables, which include tomato, pumpkin, avocado, carrot, asparagus, and beet. Some of their well-known cakes are "Green soybean cheesecake", "Green asparagus and vanilla mousse", "Gobo chocolat" and "Tomato short cakes".

Owner Aya Kakisawa focuses on using less sugar and makes full use of the vegetables' taste. She taught herself vegetarian and macrobiotic cooking before opening the bakery and not only cooking, but she also works in supporting farmers and providing nutrition education.

Many customers find the desserts very delicious and satisfying. The price is reasonable too! If you are looking for something healthy and sweet to eat, I would definitely recommend going to this cafe!

Japanese school uniform

School uniforms, which are called "seifuku" in Japanese, are common in public and private schools in Japan. In the majority of middle and high schools, it is required for students to wear school uniforms, which consist of military style uniform called "gakuran" for boys and sailor outfit as the standard uniform for girls.

Gakuran, normally black or navy, were based on military outfits from the Meiji era, which were inspired by European naval uniforms. The buttons are usually designed with the school emblem as a symbol of respect to the school. Sailor outfit called "sera-fuku" were inspired by the British Royal Navy and usually includes a white blouse, pleated skirt, and a ribbon; there is a summer version and a winter version. A school uniform ranges from about 50,000yen to 80,000yen.

School uniforms are extremely popular especially among girls. It is common to wear school uniforms outside of school as a fashion. Even girls who attend schools where school uniform is not compulsory purchase and wear school uniforms as a fashion trend known as "Nanchatte seifuku" (just kidding uniform). Conomi located in Harajuku is a popular store right now where you can purchase various styles of school uniforms. Girls enjoy customizing their uniforms by selecting different colors and prints.

If you want to try out a school uniform just for fun, you can even rent a school uniform for free when taking purikura (depends on the game arcade)! :)

Cheap Izakaya

Travelers and people new to Tokyo are often shocked by a very high cost of living. Past-times such as drinking a few beers and having dinner with your friends can become more and more unaffordable.
The financial crisis has left a severe dent in Japanese citizen's spending power. Even a highly developed food and drinking culture such as the Japanese does not prevent workers and salary men from adjusting their life-styles to their financial means. However, a recent development in Tokyo's Izakaya industry is cause for hope for all students, low-budget travelers and all people living on a tight budget. As a result of the dwindling spending power and reduced bonuses in the Tokyo work force, extremely cheap izakayas have popped up all over the downtown Tokyo area. It does not matter if you are in Shinkuju, Harajuku, Shibuya and many more major hubs, you can be confident to find eateries with cheap yet tasty food and beers ranging from a stunning price range of 50-180 Yen per beer.
These places have traditionally been a haven for poor university students but are now frequented by businessmen as well. With very little money to spend on personal leisure activities such as after-work drinks, 50 yen a beer is an affordable price. But how do these places manage to keep their prices so low? The answer lies in location and buying in bulk. Food is acquired locally from where the izakaya is located and bought in big quantities.
Unfortunately the Japanese economy is only slowly recovering from the past financial crisis and is already to slipping into deflation. Bad news over all but good news for people who love going to izakayas that don't leave deep holes in one's wallet.