Andrian Kurniady`s Blog (Deprecated)

As suggested by Mr. Raymond, we go to Asakusa. This time we have to use subway trains instead of the regular JR trains (that we usually use). Switching between trains from different companies was simple as most of them use the same ticketing system. We arrived in Asakusa just before the sun sets. There was an apprentice geisha passing by when we exited from the station.

Found ourselves lost in direction, we finally managed to the souvenir market (Nakamise-Dori, according to Lonely Planet’s guide). The place was nicely decorated with lights and fake sakura branches.

To our surprise, there was also a shrine (or temple) by the end of the alley, which makes a good night shot. Andoko was asked for help of taking the pictures of these girls (again)

There was a couple of shops selling kimonos, and I managed to buy a kimono in one of them. Don’t know about the quality, but it was quite affordable. Unfortunately, the shops selling packed nori (seaweed) closed when I decided to buy some (Nori in there is quite cheap compared to Indonesia, so I guess volumes does matter in pricing equilibrium).

Many shops closed at around 7pm or so, and we decided to go back to Akihabara (which we haven’t visited yet) with another JR train. Just next to the station is the main store of Yodobashi camera, which occupied some 7 stories of the building, selling anything electronic ranging from laptops, cameras, PCs, computer peripherals, toys, even video games and Nitendo Wii. There was even some top-of-the-range professional-grade DSLR cameras available to try freely. I tried some Nikon D2H (which shoots incredibly fast in burst mode, some 5fps) and a Canon 5D full-frame DSLR. All kinds of the lenses and cameras are available there (at least most that I can think of), mostly with a demo unit available. Shopping is far easier over there, I suppose, as we can try the things before deciding to buy (not like in Indonesia…).

Out of the Yodobashi camera building, we crossed some streets and found a ramen restaurant. Ordered some ramen, which is not quite expensive. Finished with the late dinner, we walked several blocks to see the Anime center (which was closed, unfortunately). On the way back we found a cute Japanese girl (wearing some uniforms) singing on the street. To our surprise there was even a professional photographer (some Canonian with L-lenses) taking pictures of her.

(Photo taken by Mr. Raymondus Kosala)

The winds are very cold at night, but finally we arrived safely to the hotel (which is in a walking distance from Akihabara). Back in the hotel, I packed my things to prepare for the departure on Sunday.

Continue to Day 8

-Andrian Kurniady

(All photos are copyrighted, please ask for permission before reproducing)

Pages: 1 2 3