Travels

Okay, so after hitting some of the big-name areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku. We decided to visit some of the lesser known but still charming areas that each seem to have their own iconic animal.

Since I am a big book person, we had to check out Tokyo’s book district, Jimbocho.

We arrived in Tokyo during a September heatwave which meant priorities shifted from seeing all the things to trying to keep from boiling over.

The Japanese word "otaku" is used to describe people who love anything to do with Japanese anime and manga (Japanese comics).  Here are a few things that set our inner otakus buzzing with delight.  Oh, and we also found a swarm of minions milling about....

The Tsukiji Fish Market is known as the world's largest fish and seafood market.  Closed on Sundays and some Wednesdays, the inner markets (restricted to very few visitors) can open as early as 3 a.m. while the outer markets typically close around 2 p.m.  We wandered through the tight alleyways of the outer market, watching as the shopkeepers, customers, and tourists mingled alongside each other, taking cash, taking food, and taking pictures. There was barely any fishy smell, which is unusual for any place where seafood is exposed to the open air, and is a testament to the extreme cleanliness of the Japanese people and to the freshness of their seafood.  

Although the market has been located in Tsukiji since 1935, it's slated to move in November 2016 to a new location in Toyosu.  We were very happy to experience this piece of Tokyo before it moves on.

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Hayao Miyazaki (think the Japanese version of Walt Disney) wanted to create a museum that immersed visitors into the world of his animations, and he succeeded.  The Ghibli Museum gives a glimpse into the beauty of old style animation in a whimsically designed building where you never know which character or piece of memorabilia will trigger a deep sense of nostalgia. If you're curious, check out a few of his movies: "My Neighbor Totoro", "Howl's Moving Castle", "Kiki's Delivery Service", and "Ponyo".  The museum does have a few minor inconveniences (it's situated outside of central Tokyo, tickets must be pre-purchased online, and no pictures are allowed indoors) but it's well worth checking out if you're a fan of his work..

Happy Valentine's Day!  Here in Tokyo, the shop windows are not dripping in pinks, reds, and big sparkly hearts. The Valentine's decorations are subtle, limited to one or two displays (not necessarily in the front window) and really cute.  Also, only girls give gifts on Valentine's Day.  Don't despair, girls.  March 14th is a holiday called White Day and on this day, it's the guys' turn to give gifts.