Keeping The Other Half Happy In Japan

Above, Harajuku can be reached via the  JR Yamanote Line. Just exit at Harajuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A number of kaiju fans wanting or planning a visit to Japan to see those landmarks and locations used in their favorite movies are likely to have wives or girlfriends. And, they may be joining their spouse or boyfriend in Japan.

If a wife or girlfriend isn't particularly interested in kaiju, tagging along to those landmarks and locations may get a bit old to her after a while. So, how do you keep her happy so you can continue on your location treks in harmony?

Above, the Harajuku Zenmall has quite a number of small shops to peruse in. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's an idea, take her on shopping sprees (provided you have the cash that you've had the foresight to budget in before leaving home) in-between your kaiju location and landmark treks. Let's face it, guys, shopping is in their DNA.

Harajuku would be an ideal place for a shopping excursion to keep her happy.

Modern Tokyo Times has an article on Harajuku and nearby Omotesando, and it begins with:

Harajuku is internationally famous because of fashion and the electrifying buzz of the main street which connects Harajuku and Omotesando. Trendy youngsters flock to the Takeshita-dori and this is what makes Tokyo fashion so special because the main street is so different and this applies to style, age group and the ambient feel. However, the distance between both places is so short and this is why Tokyo fashion is so special. 

Harajuku and the area adjacent is not only focused on fashion because the Meiji Jingu shrine is the most opulent and sophisticated in Tokyo.  This stunning shrine is very symbolic and rich in grandeur and you have a lovely garden and many walkways in this spacious area. Also, it is a living shrine but because of the open nature of Shintoism you don’t have the overtly pious nature of Buddhism, Christianity and Islam.

Above, Spider-Man scales the side of a Harajuku building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Harajuku alone is an interesting place to visit, even to guys who aren't even remotely interested in clothes shopping. Who knows? You might even get to see Spider-Man there!

To read the full article, go here.

Old Tokyo Survives in Asakusa

Above, the Nakamise-dori approach to Senso-ji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my favorite places to visit in Tokyo is Asakusa. Here, there's plenty to see including wandering around Nakamise-dori and Senso-ji Temple. If shopping is your favorite thing to do, there's plenty of it on Nakamise-dori and the Shin-Nakamise shopping arcade. There are many restaurants at Shin-Nakamise to choose from.

Modern Tokyo Times has a good article on Asakusa's history along with nearby Kappabashi-dori, known as Kitchen Town for its many stores selling kitchenware. I visited Kappabashi-dori last month and bought my roommate a personalized chef's knife there.

Above, a giant chef overlooks Kappabashi-dori ("Kitchen Town") in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The article begins with:

Tokyo tourism provides an abundance of options because this highly developed city caters for so many tastes. This applies to amazing Japanese gardens, stunning art galleries, high octane fashion districts, a paradise for gamers, the beautiful Tenno palace, the beach of Odaiba and Rainbow Bridge, Meiji Shrine, mountain range of Takao, and so much more. Therefore, tourists who visit Tokyo are spoilt for choice in this amazing city. 

However, in this article the emphasis is on Asakusa because this lovely district is famous for the stunning Buddhist temple called Senso-ji. This notable landmark in Tokyo is dedicated to the revered bodhisattva Kannon. Also, you have other beautiful temples in Asakusa and throughout the year you have various festivals which highlight the richness of Japanese culture.

Above, a view of Asakusa and the Tokyo Cruise Terminal from the Azuma Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Across the Sumida River from Asakusa are the Asahi Beer Hall and the Tokyo Skytree. The station for Sumida River Cruises is also in Asakusa.

Above, Shin-Nakamise shopping arcade. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

To read the full article, go here. 

Relax & Unwind In Odaiba

Above, a view of the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most of us kaiju fans probably never heard of Odaiba in Tokyo until Godzilla x Megaguirus was released in 2000 as much of the movie's action took place there.

It was then that many of us first learned of the Aqua City shopping mall, the Rainbow Bridge and the futuristic architecture of the Fuji TV Building.

Above, the Fuji TV Building in Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, Odaiba is touted as a place full of attractions and a great place to unwind and relax. Modern Tokyo Times has an article on Odaiba that emphasizes the last point.

They start it with:

Odaiba in Tokyo really stands out because of the unique architecture, the stunning Rainbow Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, relaxing walkways by the sea, the unusual site of a beach, colorful boats which light up the area at night and you also have a host of tourist attractions to enjoy. Indeed, if you visit by monorail then images of the film Blade Runner will spring to mind. Therefore, this part of Tokyo is extremely unique and provides another fascinating angle to this ultra-modern city. 

Another noticeable feature of Odaiba is the romantic angle and this especially applies to the night time period. This notably applies to the amazing backdrop of Rainbow Bridge, ample dining areas to enjoy and the refreshing night time view. Also, you have nice walkways along the beach and much further afield. Given all these features, then you really do have a powerful romantic area for couples at night. 

Despite the romantic feature of Odaiba at night this does not mean that individuals, friends, groups, relatives and single tourists can’t enjoy the amazing atmosphere. On the contrary, Odaiba is a charming place to relax and unwind irrespective of the situation. After all, the graceful Rainbow Bridge at night is a true wonder to behold and well worth a visit alone without the countless other attractions.

Above, the Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Because of Godzilla's aforementioned connection to Odaiba, it is featured on page 25 in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read the full article, go here.

Tokyo Tourism In Harajuku

Above, Harajuki Station, first opened in 1906.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Modern Tokyo Times has posted an article on things to see and do in the Harajuku section of Tokyo.

It starts off with:

Harajuku is an amazing part of Tokyo because of the richness of fashion, culture, and the magnificent Meiji Jingu shrine where the flow of Shintoism can be felt. Indeed, the pace of life and the diversity provided by Harajuku and the adjacent areas of Omotesando, Aoyama, and Shibuya, is simply amazing. This applies to various types of fashion styles and the natural buzz which can be felt throughout this lovely part of Tokyo. 

The fashion district of Harajuku is also very mystical because of the Meiji Jingu shrine where people can enjoy the splendor of Shintoism. Also, it is abundantly clear that the Shinto faith and style of architecture blends naturally with nature. This aspect means that everything seems natural throughout the enormous grounds of the delightful Meiji Jingu shrine.

Harajuku is easily reached via the Yamanote Line that encircles the central area of Tokyo.

To read the full article, go here.