Tokyo - Day 3

Today was a free day to explore the city. Our little core group of me, Jeff, Sasha, Peter and Peter set out to explore the eastern side of Tokyo. First stop was Akihabara, the technology district. As soon as we left the train station we were greeted by the first of many Sega arcade shops. Although they are not traditional arcades, but rather a large number of claw machine games carrying a variety of stuffed animals, plastic toys, and general junk. When I won the first prize if the day (a smiling cat donut toy) I was hooked.

Shortly after I won a new friend whom I've dubbed Captain Cat.












Rounding the corner, we came across the first of many Japanese sex shops. For the most part, it wasn't too shocking... For the most part.




Moving on it was time for a cool snack. I got a frozen mochi donut called a rusk(?) in mango cream flavour. It was incredible!












The rest of the gang had frozen mochi.












Across the road we found a huge tech shop. Roaming the various floors was like wandering in Costco. I lost all track of time and left feeling like a zombie.




Leaving the tech district, we were encouraged to check out a Maid Cafe. The servers dress in character as maids and wait on you with exuberance and excessive happiness. Apparently they sing and dance when you order. So off we went to check it out. Worst. Idea. Ever.












We had to take a sketchy elevator up to the third floor where we found a hot, rundown room with a few plastic tables and chairs. Our maid came by and explained the system. Maximum 2 hours, ¥1,000 each ($10) just to be there, no pictures, and minimum 2 orders of food or drink each. It was ¥2,700 ($27)  for an omelette. No thanks! After a little bargaining, we were allowed to leave. We did not pay anything, yet I fully expected the Yakuza to be waiting for us in the alley.




After dodging the maids, we stopped for lunch at a real restaurant. I don't remember the name of the dish here but the important part is that the meal was delicious and I earned that beer, damnit.












After lunch we made a quick stop in an art space. Sadly it was mostly closed as it was Monday.




Next we were off to Asakusa district to see the sensoji temple. The road up to the Shinto temple was lined with stalls and shops selling to tourists. The temple itself was quite beautiful including a lovely koi pond.




After a ridiculously long day of walking in 100% humidity we opted to find and take the water bus back toward our hotel. It was a great ride, beer in hand breeze in my face. The boat recording spoke to the names of the bridges and history of select landmarks.















One last train ride for the evening and we were back in Shinagawa. Too tired to search elsewhere, we stopped at a nearby bar for gin beverages and Thai snacks. I was beat, so after dinner and snacks I went back to the room to get started in this blog post. And immediately fell asleep instead.




Some of the guys from the group went up to the rooftop bar for another round and sky views.