Tokyo Trip - Part 2

Now onto what we saw while in Tokyo.  I thought I'd give an overview of the highlights.

The Crowds

As always, Tokyo is full of people.  We went on a Sunday so some of the streets were shut down so that everyone could meander as they please.  This is probably the only thing that I really don't like about Tokyo.  This many people in one place is not my cup of tea.

The crowd is endless

The Park

Tokyo has several parks, but we took a stroll through Yoyogi Park.  It was such a nice escape from the crowds, towering buildings, and endless pavement.  Can you tell I'm not a city person?

The Greasers

In Harajuku's Yoyogi park there is a group of guys who dress up like greasers and dance to 50's rock and roll.  They are part of the "Rockabilly Club" and they meet up every Sunday to perform.  It was an entertaining sight to see.

The Festivals

There seemed to be a few festivals going on that we were lucky enough to wander into.  The Vietnam festival had a string of food booths set up with an array of appetizing aromas.  Too bad I was dead set on Indian food.

Group carrying their float

Vietnam Festival performance

The Arcades

Drew insisted on going into the Sega arcade in the Akihabara district of Tokyo.  This arcade was seven stories, each story becoming more intense and more nerdy.  I could handle up to the second floor where there was a Tetris machine.  Drew leveled out on the sixth floor...

The Shopping

You can buy just about anything in Tokyo.  Apparently, Drew should even be able to find shoes large enough to fit him.  One of the more interesting stores we went into was Tokyu Hands.  It is an eight story department store with each level containing a different category of item.  It is set up with partial levels and you make your way through the store in a spiral fashion.  I enjoyed the stairs which shared with customers the amount of calories burned while ascending to the top.

Almost up to 10 calories burned

The Alleys

Ame-yokocho is just one of the many little alleyways that are abundant in Japan.  This is Drew's favorite part because these tiny streets contain an endless variety of mom-and-pop shops and restaurants. This is where you can find the good stuff.

Overall it was a great day in Tokyo.  I think my legs are almost as sore as they were from our hike.