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Photos and stories from many of my travels in the past 5 years

Shinkansen N700 bullet train Kyoto station

Japan: Riding a bullet train for the first time, Tokyo to Kyoto

By Mithun Divakaran
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Oct 08, 2015
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Japan, Travel

Date: 22nd March, 2015

It was another early morning wake up for me. Yesterday was a pleasant first day of sightseeing in Akihabara and Ginza, but it was time to leave Tokyo already. My plan was to go to Kyoto and Himeji before returning to Tokyo in time (hopefully) for the sakura bloom across the city. I planned to go to Kyoto by the Nozomi shinkansen — the fastest bullet train in Japan. The Nozomi (N700 series) travels at a top speed of 300km/hr, whereas the Hikari trains run slightly slower and stop at a lot more stations. This being my first time in a bullet train, I figured I might as well experience the best.

I bought my ticket at the counter at Tokyo station. It cost ¥13080 (₹7100/$109/€96) — a lot of money for a one way trip. But I really wanted to get on the fastest train in Japan. For those who are wondering why I didn’t buy a JR Pass, the minimum cost of a JR Rail Pass is ¥29,110 (₹15810/$243/€215) and that’s valid for 7 days. Now, as per my itinerary, I would be taking at the most 3 train trips and after calculating the cost of each journey (you can do that on this website), I realized I would be spending slightly less than that. Also, the Nozomi trains are not included in the JR Passes, which is stupid because the fares for some routes are the same whether you ride the Nozomi or the Hikari.

Tokyo railway station shinkansen line — Tokyo station is so huge that it can often be a bit confusing at first

Tokyo shinkansen station platforms — Fortunately Tokyo station has English-speaking staff to help confused-looking first time tourists like me

I had to board my train quickly as I only had a few minutes before its scheduled departure. For routes on the Tōkaidō line, there are trains leaving every 10 minutes or so. The bullet trains don’t stay too long on one platform — and if you haven’t heard, the trains in Japan are extremely punctual! I couldn’t even take a photo of the train before it departed because I was rushing to get in before the doors closed.

Inside Nozomi shinkansen Tokyo — I quickly got into the car/coach which was nearest to me as soon as I entered the right platform. I knew this wasn’t my seat but I figured I would move to my seat after the car doors closed and the train began to move.

Inside bullet train Tokyo Japan — The regular cars have a 3 by 3 seating arrangement. The premium Green cars have 2 seats on either side of the aisle. You have reserved (pre-reserved) and un-reserved seat cars too.

Tokyo neighbourhood houses Japan — The bullet train does not travel very fast while cruising through Tokyo

It was past Yokohama that the Nozomi really started to hit top speed, and you could feel it! Like the force pushing your body back as the velocity increased. After I felt stabilized, I got up to find the right car and my seat as per my ticket. Continue reading “Japan: Riding a bullet train for the first time, Tokyo to Kyoto” »

Japan: Tokyo – Walking around Akihabara and Ginza

By Mithun Divakaran
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Sep 29, 2015
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Japan, Travel

Date: March 21, 2015

After spending way too much time at Yodobashi Akiba, I moved further into the heart of Akihabara district.

Akihabara underbridge Tokyo Japan — Ahh, wide footpaths

Gundam Cafe Akb48 shop Akihabara Tokyo — Yup, that’s a Gundam Cafe and next to it the official AKB48 Cafe & Shop 🙂 For the uninitiated, Gundam is a popular mecha manga/anime/videogame franchise and AKB48 is the biggest (literally) girl group (literally) in Japan. And both cafes had long lines outside.

Akihabara building Tokyo Japan — Akihabara maybe the home to otaku/nerd/geek culture, but there are plenty of offices around

Akihabara Road Tokyo panorama — When I reached the main road, I just stood there with a smile 🙂 An area with so many videogames, anime, gadgets… couldn’t believe such a place exists, but hey, I’m finally in Akihabara!

Akihabara electronics store Tokyo — This was a complex of stores selling spare parts, electrical components and retro gadgets

Electronic components market Akihabara Tokyo — Definitely a place for electronics hobbyists

Wires spare parts Akihabara Tokyo — I just wonder how many still build stuff from scratch in the days of easy consumption

Cosplayers Akihabara Tokyo Japan — I crossed over to the main hub of Akihabara district

Akky One Gigo Sega Akihabara Tokyo — There were so many enticing buildings, but I had to get around quickly

Doner kebab Akihabara Tokyo Japan — I knew it was time for lunch, but I somehow thought I’d finish walking around Akihabara first

Hirose game Akihabara Japan — Lot’s of girls trying to entice men (mostly) to enter maid cafes

Street sale Akihabara Tokyo — A few stores had street sales but I didn’t find all the prices as low as they were claiming it to be

Continue reading “Japan: Tokyo – Walking around Akihabara and Ginza” »

Yodobashi Akihabara building Tokyo Japan

Japan: Going to Akihabara, and spending way too much time in Yodobashi Akiba

By Mithun Divakaran
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Sep 17, 2015
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Japan, Travel

Date: March 21, 2015

I woke up at around 8AM. I wanted to sleep some more since it was cold and all, but I was excited to go to Akihabara, the electronics and otaku district!

Kinuya Honkan hotel lobby Ueno Tokyo — I had to come down to the lobby to get my clothes as I had to leave my big suitcase in the room opposite the reception. No big suitcases allowed in the dorms due to lack of space. It was a little inconvenient, but… oh well.

Kinuya Honkan hostel Ueno Tokyo — This is the entrance to Kinuya Honkan

Ueno street Tokyo morning Japan — This street and the surrounding areas are choc full of bars and small eateries

Ueno lane Tokyo Japan — Saw a lot of people riding bicycles, which was nice

Cyberspark pachinko Ueno Tokyo — A few pachinko arcades on this street

Pachinko queue morning Ueno Tokyo — There was a queue forming outside this pachinko arcade. Some new game based on the Ultraman franchise was launching today.

Ueno shops Pachinko lane Tokyo — This is the entrance to the street Kinuya Honkan is located on

Pedestrian crossing Ueno Tokyo winter — Right across the road is Ueno station, one of the largest hubs in the Tokyo train network and a major interchange station. I always choose my hotels and hostels near a metro station.

7-11 food Tokyo Japan — I went to a 7-Eleven to pick up some breakfast and coffee. I was amazed to see the variety of ready-to-eat meal boxes on shelves!

Pedestrian overbridge Ueno station Tokyo — I climbed up a pedestrian over bridge to get a look around

Ueno station train Tokyo Japan — Trains, it’s how most people get around in Japan

Smoking bays Ueno overbridge Tokyo — Those were designated smoking bays

Steps pedestrian bridge Ueno Tokyo — I went back down and entered Ueno station (the black cars are taxi limousines)

Continue reading “Japan: Going to Akihabara, and spending way too much time in Yodobashi Akiba” »