While my first trip to Tokyo was one of business, I was still able to get a little taste of one of the world's most densely populated cities.
Before detailing our misadventures in Tokyo, I would like to make a little side note about commuting in Japan. What I found fascinating was that you can be riding on the train where one second you are surrounded by skyscrapers, and the next second you are in the middle of vegetable crops. Even as you walk around an urban neighborhood, there are small plots of farmland scattered throughout. Its quite indicative of the deeply seeded agricultural roots in the Japanese culture, despite its modernization. But I digress...
Sooooo, the purpose of our visit to Tokyo was to go to the Immigration Bureau and apply to change our Visa status from 'short term' to 'long term.' In stark contrast to the mundane atmosphere of the train car, as soon as you step into the train depot in Tokyo you are hit with hustle and bustle of the Japanese commuter. In my opinion, the immediate area by the train station felt like walking around in what would be the offspring of Las Vegas and New York City. Bright lights, people handing our fliers, large walkways, and even larger skyscrapers dominated my peripheral as I tried to keep up with Chihiro. She led both Matt and I through the chaos to a bus stop that would take us to the Immigration Bureau.
Once we were on the bus I was able to take a second and pull out my camera to take photos.
To be honest I don't know what bridge we were on, but I liked the view.
Chihiro (right) and Matt on the bus.
The ride back wasn't bad. Matt and I made it back to the Ninomiya House shortly after and called it a day.
Before detailing our misadventures in Tokyo, I would like to make a little side note about commuting in Japan. What I found fascinating was that you can be riding on the train where one second you are surrounded by skyscrapers, and the next second you are in the middle of vegetable crops. Even as you walk around an urban neighborhood, there are small plots of farmland scattered throughout. Its quite indicative of the deeply seeded agricultural roots in the Japanese culture, despite its modernization. But I digress...
Sooooo, the purpose of our visit to Tokyo was to go to the Immigration Bureau and apply to change our Visa status from 'short term' to 'long term.' In stark contrast to the mundane atmosphere of the train car, as soon as you step into the train depot in Tokyo you are hit with hustle and bustle of the Japanese commuter. In my opinion, the immediate area by the train station felt like walking around in what would be the offspring of Las Vegas and New York City. Bright lights, people handing our fliers, large walkways, and even larger skyscrapers dominated my peripheral as I tried to keep up with Chihiro. She led both Matt and I through the chaos to a bus stop that would take us to the Immigration Bureau.
Once we were on the bus I was able to take a second and pull out my camera to take photos.
To be honest I don't know what bridge we were on, but I liked the view.
Chihiro (right) and Matt on the bus.Once we got to the Immigration Bureau we went to the counter, took a number, and sat in the waiting area. Within a few minutes we actually comprehended the fact that we drew #524 and they were serving #237....bummer. After semi-patiently waiting from 12:30 to 4:30 to the lullaby of 300 people and Korean soap operas, we got to the counter and they processed our documents.
Right before getting back on the train to Tsukuba we spotted a huge, 9 story building called Todobashi-Akiba. This place has everything. Seriously. Everything. From TVs to bikes, tailored suites to telescopes. The entire 8th floor is devoted to dining, there is an arcade, and the 9th floor has a driving range. I know that it may sound like a Walmart on steroids, but it wasn't. Pick a retail item and this place has every related gadget you can think of and then some.
After walking around for 2 hours playing with various $1000 cameras, DJ equipment, and computer paraphernalia, we each bought like 4 small things and left. The train ride back to Tsukuba was packed with people. I wanted to document it so I took out my camera and snapped the photo below.
Right before getting back on the train to Tsukuba we spotted a huge, 9 story building called Todobashi-Akiba. This place has everything. Seriously. Everything. From TVs to bikes, tailored suites to telescopes. The entire 8th floor is devoted to dining, there is an arcade, and the 9th floor has a driving range. I know that it may sound like a Walmart on steroids, but it wasn't. Pick a retail item and this place has every related gadget you can think of and then some.
After walking around for 2 hours playing with various $1000 cameras, DJ equipment, and computer paraphernalia, we each bought like 4 small things and left. The train ride back to Tsukuba was packed with people. I wanted to document it so I took out my camera and snapped the photo below.
The ride back wasn't bad. Matt and I made it back to the Ninomiya House shortly after and called it a day.
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