Well today Ichiro and I ventured out into the streets of Japan by ourselves. I was a little nervous at first but we really did do well. We started at Akihabara, aka Akihabara Electric Town. Akihabara is best known as one of the largest shopping areas on Earth for electronic and computer goods, including new and used items. Ichiro’s dream come true. It was streets and streets, lined with shop after shop of electronic stores. I think he died and went to heaven. I, on the other hand, was not as impressed. All the stores looked alike to me and all the items in it looked the same too.
There was one part of Akihabara that amazed me. There are these arcades that are about 6 floors, each floor had a different kind of game. That in itself isn’t that amazing, HOWEVER the people in these arcades are adults, mostly adult males in their business suits! I’m not kidding. Check it out…
There’s a floor that only has CLAW MACHINES!!! We watched men try and try and try to win candy out of a claw machine. I wanted to yell, “DUDE, GO TO THE STORE!”
Here I am trying to win a Mario Solar Mushroom. Sad to say I didn’t win!
Here’s Ichiro trying to win a creepy cat stuffed animal.
Success!!
After we checked out every camera shop in Akihabara, we jumped in a cab and headed over to Ginza. Ginza is known as an upmarket area of Tokyo with many department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses.
I know this street looks similar to Akihabara but these streets were lined with Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and other wonderful stores! I know what your thinking, Ichiro is such a great husband to bring you to an area like that. But let me show you the real reason we went to Ginza….
As you can see, Ginza has one of the largest Apple Stores in the world. 5 floors of Apple heaven with a glass elevator to boot, just like in Willy Wonka! Check out the sign to the right of Ichiro. This store was a high end bag store.
We found a little bit of home, this is the first Starbucks that opened in Japan. mmmmm Starbucks!
As we were walking around Ginza we came across an exhibit from Nissan. It was only the first volume of the collection, but would you believe that it was the 240Z car? The same car that the famous Mr K, from our party, talked about. He designed this car and brought Nissan to America! He also gave Mr. Ashihara the first 240 Z car in America, serial number 001! How Fun!
