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tokyo

Panda eating bamboo Ueno zoo Japan

Japan: Ueno Zoo – pandas, a lonely polar bear, and more

Date: 26th March 2015

After beginning my day in Asakusa, I was now at Ueno Park, the largest public park in Tokyo city.

Ueno park sakura zoo Tokyo
The sakura trees needed a few more days to fully bloom
Ueno park zoo line Tokyo
I decided to check out the pandas at Ueno Zoo, located inside the park

Entry tickets to the zoo cost ¥600 (₹360/$5/€4). I was mostly here for the pandas but I figured I would then take a quick stroll around the zoo as well.

Giant panda facts Ueno zoo
Pandas are native to China
Panda Ueno park zoo Tokyo Japan
I don’t remember exactly how many pandas I saw, but I believe Ueno Zoo has around 3 pandas currently
Panda chewing bamboo Tokyo Japan
Most of the time I just saw them chewing on bamboo 🙂
Giant panda Ueno Zoo Tokyo
Pandas are so cute!
Panda eating Ueno zoo Japan
Check out this guy, he he
Panda eating bamboo Ueno zoo Japan
“Nom nom nom nom”

Here is a brief video:

After the pandas, I walked around to see what other animals they have at Ueno. Continue reading “Japan: Ueno Zoo – pandas, a lonely polar bear, and more” »

Sensoji Buddhist temple crowds Tokyo

Japan: Nakamise street, Senso-ji temple, and Ueno Park sakura at half-bloom

Date: 26th March 2015

After spending days outside Tokyo — mostly Kyoto and Himeji — I was back in Japan’s impressive capital city. I was staying in the Asakusa area, popular for being close to many of Tokyo’s attraction — namely Nakamise Street, Sensoji shrine, Asakusa shrine and Sumida River. It’s why I chose to stay in Asakusa and booked myself at the Khaosan Tokyo Laboratory hostel for a few days.

Toshiba Japanese toilet buttons
Toshiba toilets, who would have thought 🙂 It was nice to sit on these on a chilly morning — because the toilet seat would warm up!
Khaosan Tokyo hostel kitchen terrace
I went upstairs to the kitchen to have my breakfast
Khaosan Tokyo hostel kitchen utilities
The kitchen isn’t very big but I didn’t find it very crowded either. It has all the essential appliances.
Khaosan Tokyo Laboratory hostel Japan
I got ready and went downstairs to check out the information the hostel had put up about attractions in Tokyo and how to get to each one.
Asakusa district Tokyo Japan
First attraction on today’s sightseeing list was Senso-ji temple, so I headed out in that direction
Mos Burger Asakusa outlet Tokyo Japan
Good thing there was a Mos Burger outlet nearby 🙂

I walked towards the end of the road Senso-ji was situated on just to explore the surroundings. There are quite a few banks around, so I got some US dollars exchanged.

Asahi beer building skytree Asakusa Tokyo
Past the bridge over Sumida river is the Asahi Beer Hall (the building with the ‘golden turd’ on top of it)
Senso-ji shrine entrance Tokyo
This is the entrance to Senso-ji Temple, one of the most popular Buddhist shrines in Japan — because it’s the oldest in Tokyo. Therefore, it’s also one of the most popular attractions in the city.
Kaminarimon giant lantern Sensoji-japan
This large lantern is called a Kaminarimon
Nakamise dori shop street Tokyo Japan
Leading up to Senso-ji temple is Nakamise Street, choc full of small shops

Nakamise Dori, as its known in Japanese, has seen many shops come and go since it first came up in the 18th century.

Continue reading “Japan: Nakamise street, Senso-ji temple, and Ueno Park sakura at half-bloom” »

Club Sega Sofmap Akihabara Tokyo

Japan: Tokyo – Walking around Akihabara and Ginza

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!
Club Sega Sofmap Akihabara Tokyo
I was tempted to enter Club Sega, but I turned around instead
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” »

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