Tokyo, Japan

Gerard:

I must thank Yishida for taking time out from his busy study and work schedule to bring me around Tokyo on the 3rd June 2008. Though it's not my first time in Japan (4th time) but it's my first time on my own without joining any tour group. It is an experience to be able to track those unexplored places by tour groups.

We met on that Tuesday morning at Shinagawa Station. Gosh, it was my first time there, and that station was huge, but somehow, Yishida managed to locate me. From there we headed off to Akihabara, to hunt for my Mac stuffs. We had a great chat over a cuppa of coffee as we were there early before the shops were opened. Yishida was kind enough to bring me around to most of the Mac Shops available in that district. Finally, we were at this huge gigantic electronic store where the announcements were made over the air in different languages. Yodobashi Store is the one to visit! It is much larger than the one in Shinjuku area, around 6 or more storey high of electronic/computers department stores! Akihabara is worth the visit, a lot better prices than the small Sim Lim Square or Funan IT Mall in Singapore!

Then we headed off to Ueno Market. We had a walk and lunch at a very cheap Sushi resturant: 1000Yen eat all you can. After lunch, we took a walk around the market and then to Ueno Park where there are many wonderful museums and a beautiful garden on hilltop. I even spotted a replica of Rodin's Gates of Hell (La Porte de l'enfer) in the midst of the garden! Amazing! Don't have to travel all the way to Paris to see Rodin's work!

After which we headed off to the War Memorial Museum and Shrine, then to the Imperial Palace gates. We took a walk around Shibuya area before we bidded farewell.

Even though that day was a terribly wet rainy day, with the wonderful company and guide of Yishida, the whole day was well spent. Thanks Yishida! Hope to see you in Singapore! Or maybe next time when I go to Japan again!:-)

Domo-aligato-kozai-mas!
Gerard