Day 2

You are looking at Hachiko Crossing in Shibuya, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.  At peak times, as many as 10,000 people cross during each signal change.

This trip was going to be a quick trip; fly in on Friday afternoon and leave on Sunday afternoon.  Knowing that ahead of time, I had to make the best use of my time.  When traveling I don’t like to have a plan that makes me feel like I’m watching the clock but I did have some general goals: go see the electronics and camera section of the city and visit Ginza.  Being Tokyo, there are several areas that are known for finding the geeky stuff.  This wasn’t really much of a cultural visit, that will happen next time around.

Time for a little shopping.

First stop was Akihabara, it is affectionately know as Tokyo’s “Electronics Town.”  Can you think of a better place for a geek like me to visit?  Unfortunately my shopping was limited to window shopping only, because of the very poor exchange rates.  Prices were between 20% and 50% higher than what I would pay in the states or here in Taipei.  I guess that was a blessing, because I saw a few gadgets that are available in Japan and not in Taipei.  I salivated, touched, tried but did not buy a thing with the exception of small camera strap.

For some reason this store really stood out among its neighbors.

No, not every single meal was a Japanese meal.  This gyro really hit the spot.

After nine straight hours on foot this bowl of katsu donburi replenished an empty stomach.

Apparently this is a very good department store.