Friday, June 8, 2012

More Tokyo Adventures: Water Bus, Hamarikyu Garden, Electric District, Cosplayer/Harajuku Fashion


Photosession inside the Hama Rikyu Gardens

I still stayed in Asakusa , Kawase Hostel where the Sumida River is just a stone throw away. As always the place was packed with tourists. I saw a long queue and  got curious. After reading the signs I learned that these people were about to take the Sumida River Cruise or the Water Bus. For tourists and travelers this can be a very refreshing experience. You get to enjoy Tokyo from a different perspective.  The cleanliness of the river was awesome.  It is also an enjoyable alternative to trains or subways when traveling to destinations that are near the water.
People waiting for the water bus to arrive
 I chose the seat closes to the window

The whole boat is almost always packed with tourists, and everyone wants to get a seat near the window. The roof is transparent to give a better view of Tokyo
It was colder inside  and had to wear my scarf and jacket.

One can dine here. Perfect for exclusive parties!

Just imagine  dining here and in front of you are Sakuras in full bloom. Very nice especially at night
They are having a great time.. isn't that obvious?

Sumida River Park lined with Sakuras

Sumida park is a must place to visit during Cherry Blossom season

About to leave Asakusa area

Super clean river... Reminds me of Singapore and ILOILO River

Two building connected by a sky bridge. Petronas Towers? hahah.  


Tsukiji fish market

Tokyo Tower

My intended destination was the Hama Rikyu Gardens. The trip from Asakusa took about 35 minutes.
This garden is located in Central Tokyo.

The Rainbow bridge can be seen from the garden. 

Reminds me of our Bonsai at home

There are a lot of benches inside the park. Perfect place if you want to read or listen to music

The garden is surrounded by Tokyo's tall buildings

This tree is different from the others. The branches are oriented downwards

Lovely sakuras

The large pond inside the garden

You can also sit on the grass and just relax

 Relaxing under the tree
Old Looking bridge just outside the Hama Rikyu Gardens
After exploring the Hama Rikyu Gardens I decided to visit  Tsukiji, the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world! It was a 15 minutes walk from the garden. 


It was a bad idea that I visited this place on a late afternoon. The whole place was like ghost town.

Like any fish market, this place is busiest early in the morning. One can witness the tuna auction at around 5 to 6 in the morning. 
No more fish vendors

Stores/restaurants start to close at 11 am

No longer busy
During the Tsukiji's rush hour one can see these:

Auction 

Fresh fish for sale

Tuna overload


Vendors selling freshly catch fish

I then headed to Akihabara. This place is famous for Electronic stuff. You can find the latest gadgets and most shops here are duty free. But if you want not so latest models you can also find it here at a cheaper price. 

This place is also famous for Anime lovers, so here you can find many young Japanese. If you want to see Japanese fashion at its extreme this area is also a good place to visit. Concept stores and coffee shops flock around the area.

Arcade haven

Electronic shops near the train station
This place is so vibrant... Even more amazing at night
the famous AKB cafe in shop. You need to wait for quite sometime before you can get inside

Spotted him in front of JR Akihabara Exit. So anime inspired outfit. 

These girls giving out flyers
So kawai costume. 




who are they? but I think they are popular Japanese celebrities?


Every time I am in Tokyo I always drop by in Akihabara. This place never ceases to give me good vibes. I especially love this place at night when all the colorful and bright lights turn on.


In one of my past visits I was accompanied by my Japanese roommate/classmate. He brought me to an interesting coffee shop called Mailish Cafe, where you got served by girls wearing maid costumes. 

This coffee shop is popular in AKihabara. You have to wait for a while before can get a chair

Striking a pose while waiting outside the coffee shop

Cute signage 

It is not easy to get a photo with your maid. You need to complete the required number of stamps on the card given to you. 
Well good marketing strategy diba. Eto stolen shot lng ng cape kasi bawal din camera inside


My last stop was for that day was Harajuku. If you are into fashion you know that there's such a thing called Harajuku fashion, a fusion if multiple looks and styles to create a unique form of outfit. 


The best time  to visit this place is on a Sunday. Many young people gather here wearing variety of styles. This place is also famous for cosplayers. 

Takeshita dori--Harajuku's main strip

Another shopping street in Harajuku.. Lady Gaga when she was in Japan dropped by in Harajuku  to shop

I also love this shop because it's relatively cheaper. The stocks are similar to FOREVER 21 Korea

Pricey topshop top man
On a Sunday expect Harajuku to look like this:
Cosplayers gather around the famous Jingu Bridge

The Harajuku fashion/cosplayer look

Sympre ako pa picture din kay Ate

Harajuku fashion is also OK for the adults...ang sagwa nga lng tignan

they look scary

If you go there on a SUNDAY not wearing costume you will look like an OUTCAST

Haba naman ng baril mo Te

Harajuku girl na hindi camera shy. Most of the cosplayers hate cameras, they don't like to pose for you. so best in stolen shot lng

Babaeng emotera

MIX and MATCH...nasobrahan nga lang

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