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BACKGROUND
This was an interesting trip. It was the first time I paid my own way to go to Japan. Also the first time I was there less than a week. Also the first time I booked less than 2 days before leaving.
You might be wondering what would make someone do that. Well, I was just in a bad place mentally, and needed to go where there wasn't going to be people who could easily communicate with me. This also meant lots of adult beverages to fog my thoughts out.
So, let's see what the pictures will provide by the following categories:
Each of these links take you to the section below.
I hope this makes it easier for you to bounce around.
As Mark says, "Let's 👍 ... Get Into It!"
Cars
I flew from ATL to NRT this time, for the transoceanic portion. I think that was all that was available because of the last minute booking. But it let me see this beauty in the airport.
My first car was almost exactly like this. This one is in a lot better condition than mine was, though.
My first time seeing the new Miata on the road.
This apartment's car park was just stacked with automotive goodness.
Seems like I see a Maserati every time I go to Japan, eh?
And a Corvette too! The Toyota 86 was properly modified as well. The car culture is still alive in Japan (at least in 2018).
Animals
Proper skeerdy-cats. I had to get on mega-zoom on my phone to get this picture, thus the lack of clarity.
Fish in a barrel? They sure are pretty though.
Shrines & Temples
Senso-ji:
Meiji-jingumae:
My favorite sake barrel, still being donated. But I don't know what brand it is or where to get it.
Gardens, Plants, & Scenery
Food & Drink
The plane ride over was fun. This was somewhere over California, I think.
First breakfast, Tsukiji Market. This is the last time I went there while the fish auctions were still next door. They've since moved somewhere further away, and I've not been back to the market since.
It was so delicious. I usually order chirashi sushi when available because I feel bad for the time that takes to make nigiri. And I really wanted that mug. I should have asked to buy it, but my server and I weren't at that high of communication levels yet.
The obligatory Calpis to drink while in Japan.
I've told you that Yebisu is my favorite mass market beer in Japan, right?
I wandered over to Asakusa to find some enlightenment at Senso-ji. But I got sidetracked by this cafe that was open, and serving beer, at 9am. No Yebisu, but I was within spitting distance of the Asahi building, near the Sky Tree, so I figured that was a clue as to what I should drink.
After Senso-ji, and lack of enlightenment, I went to one of my favorite restaurants in the world to get tendon, and it was delicious as always. It was pretty nice to just stroll there from Senso-ji, so I try to schedule the shrine visit around lunch to get this as a two-fer.
It seemed like they were having a dark discussion. I wanted to walk over, pat them both on the back, and ask them to try to work things out. But I don't think that would have been well received, so I just drank my beer.
And made a perch for my hashi.
And ate my tendon.
I forget where this was. But it looks delicious, so it probably was.
Yebisu Beer Museum
I mentioned in the 2005 blog that this was my go to place in Tokyo. Well, here I am again, and it is different inside, again. Compare these photos to the other trips I made. You'll see what I mean. But it was still great and the beer tasted better this time for some reason.
Golden Gai
I wandered around looking for a bar that had some decent reviews. I found it, but it didn't open until many hours later. But I was thirsty now.
And fate brought me to this kick-ass joint. Here I'm telling the owner why Jack Daniel's bottles are square. A story I learned on tours of the Jack Daniel's distillery many years beforehand.
I've lost count by this point, but this fellow came in and sat kind of close to me. Which was cool because I didn't expect that. I think we maybe talked a little also.
Then this couple from Italy joined us. And the place started picking up.
Then another couple joined us. Maybe from the US? Or Germany? Crap, I can't remember, I was many drinks deep by this point.
We got the joint completely full now. I'm not sure who the big Asian fellow is, but he seemed to carry some weight with the owner and the first fellow that joined me in the bar. There's also the couple from Russia next to him at this point. A truly magical night of people from all over the world in the smallest bar I've ever been in.
Hotel Room
This has been one of my favorite hotels to stay at in Tokyo. Convenient location near Golden Gai & Shinjuku. Affordable. And a free smart phone? I didn't use it, but that is a nice perk!
Flat screen TVs are common now, since it is 2018. 😃
Japanese style tub and toilet, but in the same room, which is not always true. As well, the frosted glass let a ton of light in, so it felt nicer than the traditional opaque plastic wet rooms typical of other hotels.
Bed and a couch. Not too shabby.
Why Japan?
I just don't have words for the monkey-dog pairing.
I'm not sure what is going on here. David Bowie was already dead, Iggy Pop is still awesome though. Not sure who the person is playing guitar. Either way, I was asked to bring this home as a present for someone, but I couldn't determine if it was for sale or not, so I didn't. Probably part of why she didn't want to see me anymore.
I never quite understood these knife shops in Tsukiji Market. Is there really that much demand for these knives?
The hall of anime pillars. I was afraid to look for fear of seeing a weeb rubbing against one with a shit-eating grin on their face.
The airline seemed really unorganized this time. So much so they were bring food out to feed us for no apparent reason, even though we were boarding momentarily.
Green Peas? Really?
And Red Road too?
CONCLUSION
I was properly shit faced almost this entire trip. I was having a dark time in my life. I felt better after this trip, but the darkness seems to come back after some time. But, this is the life I have and I'm making the best of it. I hope you do also, and get to go places that you love.