metro | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Dotonbori lights camera action

October 6, 2015 by David Herd

Dotonburi Osaka

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dotonbori lights camera action, this is the entertainment centre of Osaka, it has the lights & the action you just need the camera. The number of restaurants large & small is mind boggling.

The big crab beckons at Kani Doraku Crab restaurant

Huge crabs, dragons, & octopus adorn the restaurant façades to entice you in for a feast. This six and a half meter crab is on the front of the crab restaurant Kani Doraku. It is mechanized, being able to move its arms and eyestalks. Built in 1960, this mechanical billboard soon spawned imitations, including a squid that puffs steam and oni (demons) that light up at night.

You have seen the crab, well here is the octopus. 🙂

Dōtonbori traces its history back to 1612, when a local entrepreneur, Yasui Dōton, began expanding the tiny Umezu River, which ran east to west, hoping to increase commerce in the region by connecting the two branches of the Yokobori River, which ran north to south, with a canal.

There is even some giant Gyoza. 🙂

What a fabulous city, I will certainly visit again in the future.

David Herd and Hamish Elton first night in Osaka

We had just arrived from Tokyo which was Hamish’s first visit. Osaka was the first time for both of us, so we headed for Dotonbori and started our night off with some ice cold Super Dry Asahi which is one of the world’s great beers.

Dotonbori lights camera action

We were sitting by the canal watching the tourist boats go by and waiting for the neon signs to come on.

Cruising the canal

We had some sensational food in Tokyo and were hoping for a similar experience in Osaka. High on my agenda was visit to the city of Nara which used to be the capital of Japan from the year 710 to 784, and the Todai-ji Buddist temple.

The cameras are locked & loaded

I am usually the one taking hundreds of photos.

The lights are coming on in Dotonbori

My favourite time of the day for taking photos.

Beside the canal

View from where we were drinking Asahi.

French restaurant

So many restaurants and such little time.

Another octopus

Use this link for a good budget hotel in a great location.

Has Hamish found his twin?

My friend Hamish Elton on his first trip to Japan.

Or perhaps I have found mine. 🙂

There is a photo opportunity around every corner.

More dragons

Dotonbori is a kaleidoscope of images.

So many restaurants and such little time.

The food choices in Dotonbori is quite amazing. I look forward to returning.

An interesting hotel

We were actually staying at a very good budget hotel in Namba which is only 10 minutes walk to Dotonbori and 5 minutes to the railway station. Use this link for a very good rate.

A beautiful sight at night

Most evenings we would sit by the canal and start the night off with a couple of ice cold Asahi beers.

Dotonbori lights camera action

Glico Man: Originally installed in 1935, the giant neon athlete on a blue track is a symbol of Glico candy. The sign has been altered on several occasions to celebrate events such as the World Cup and to show support for the Osaka baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers.

Dotonbori lights camera action

I hope you are beginning to understand why I chose “Dotonbori lights camera action ” as the title for my Osaka post.

Shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi is the upmarket centre of Osaka and only about 10 minutes walk to Dotonbori. Shinsaibashi is the largest shopping area in Osaka with many boutiques and speciality shops attracting local people and visitors. The Shisaibashi has developed from the arcaded streets “Shinsaibashi Shopping Street” which runs east to Mido-Suji Avenue, is the best-known shopping area in Osaka, and a wonderful symbol of the city. With a history of 380 years, it was already an established shopping area in the Edo Period. Shops of all kinds and for all ages line the street featuring a roofed arcade 600 meters long.

Thanks for visiting my post

I have so much more to show you about the great food in Dotonbori I thought it best to do a separate post. Thanks for visiting my Dotonbori lights camera action photo blog.

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Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

October 4, 2015 by David Herd

Spectacular Temple

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”, along with seven other sites including temples, shrines and places in the city of Nara. Deer are regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, hundreds roam the grounds and parks around the temple.

Many school children

Half the crowd were school children enjoying this beautiful temple.

During the Tenpyō era, Japan suffered from a series of disasters and epidemics. It was after experiencing these problems that Emperor Shōmu issued an edict in 741 to promote the construction of provincial temples throughout the nation.

An awesome breathtaking building

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan is one of the most impressive temples I have seen in Japan.

Amazing statues

Magnificent huge statues at Todai-ji Buddhist Temple.

Daibutsu of Tōdai-ji

The principal image of the temple, a colossal bronze statue popularly called the Nara Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Nara), completed in 752, it was installed in its daibutsuden (great Buddha hall). The image embodied the Buddha Birushana who was regarded by the Kegon sect as the cosmic, central Buddha. Over the centuries the icon was severely damaged several times and finally restored to its present form in 1692. Most of the extant Todaiji buildings are restorations of earlier structures.

Bodhisattva statue Kokuzo Bosatsu

Bodhisattva statue Kokuzo Bosatsu inside the Daibutsuden Great Buddha Hall at Todaiji Temple in Nara.

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple

Totally inspiring.

Guardian statue inside the temple

The attention to detail is incredible.

Another Guardian statue inside the temple

A very frightening appearance.

Models of temple buildings

An intricate model of the building.

Another model

These models help put the scale into perspective.

Column at the Todai-ji Buddhist Temple

There is a square hole at the base of this massive wooden column where for some unknown reason people crawl through. There is always a friend at the other side to take the obligatory photo of course. 🙂

Fat kid through the hole

For a while there I didn’t think this fat kid would make it. 🙂

Hundreds of deer roam the area near the temple

Deer are regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, hundreds roam the grounds around the temple.

Pindola (Binzuru) statue

According to the earliest Indian sutra‘s Pindola Bharadvaja was one of four Arhats asked by the Buddha to remain in the world to propagate Buddhist law (Dharma). Each of the four was associated with one of the four compass directions.

Binzuru

Pindola is said to have excelled in the mastery of occult and psychic powers. He was once remonstrated by Buddha for misusing his powers to impress simple, ignorant people.

Incense Burner

There was an incense Burner at either end of the long walkway.

The other Incense Burner

I really enjoyed my visit to the Todai-ji Buddhist Temple.

Nobody is safe when I have my camera

Very cute indeed. 🙂

There are deer everywhere.

So tame and used to being hand fed.

Such a beautiful temple

Totally impressive and well worth the visit.

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple

Many thanks for visiting my Todai-ji Buddhist Temple post.

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Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

July 25, 2015 by David Herd

Get ready

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo takes place at the famous intersection outside Shibuya Station. the traffic is stopped in all directions, which allows pedestrians to walk & scramble in every direction across the intersection.

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

The name “Shibuya” is also used to refer to the shopping district which surrounds Shibuya Station, one of Tokyo’s busiest railway stations. This area is known as one of the fashion centers of Japan, particularly for young people, and as a major nightlife area.

The masses collide 🙂

Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Shibuya Station is the third busiest station in Tokyo. The busiest in Tokyo and the world of course is Shinjuku.

Beautiful girls

You will see all different kinds of people and outfits in Shibuya, that’s why it’s one of my favourite places in Tokyo.

Fabulous faces in Shibuya

Tokyo is one of the world’s best cities for people watching.

Shibuya Scramble Tokyo

Something to see around every corner.

Tokyo fashion

Of course close to Shibuya on a Sunday morning you can also see the fabulous Harajuku girls.

Fabulous at night

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway, but for me Tokyo is the neon capital of the world. The Ginza, Kabukicho and Shibuya are just three of the districts that will blow your mind.

Shibuya 109

Here is a popular shopping mall where the trendy Tokyo teenagers shop in more than 100 boutiques.

Dusk in Shibuya

The crowd seems to increase when the sun goes down and all the workers head for the shops, restaurants and bars.

Merry Xmas 2007

My first visit was December 2007 then March 2014 and I’m returning in September 2015 & October 2016..

Cool dude

I wonder what type of music he likes?

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

The specialty here is sweet, fluffy cheese tarts, with a gooey core that oozes out when you cut it open.

Shibuya hamburger

The food is one of the main attractions for me.

The Cellar Grill

One of my favourite restaurants is only a 15 minute walk from Shibuya station. Good food and a great atmosphere.

Wine at Cellar Grill

Thanks for visiting my Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo photo blog, I’m really looking forward to my next trip in September 2015, I’ll be staying at the Shibuya Granbell Hotel.

Granbell Hotel

I got an excellent deal booking through this Agoda link.

One last look at Shibuya crossing.

An awesome view from above.

Live link

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Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

July 22, 2015 by David Herd

On a Sunday morning sidewalk

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo originated among teens on the streets near Harajuku Station in Shibuya, Japan. It may have been brought to many people’s attention by American singer Gwen Stefani, but the evolution of the style certainly didn’t begin with her and it certainly won’t end with her. Like many “street fashions” it is difficult to characterize because it is constantly changing and because it has many manifestations.

Very cute indeed

These photos were taken a few years ago, I believe now in 2016 there are not as many girls gathering here every Sunday.

Comparing notes

Mix and (mis)match different fashions. What is now known as Harajuku (like Halloween in Japan every Sunday) style started as teens in the district began to integrate traditional Japanese attire, especially kimonos and geta sandals, into their wardrobe. Before, they wore primarily clothes that were influenced by the West, but by mixing the traditional with the modern, they created a new style. Other examples of mixing and matching including the punk look with the schoolgirl uniform or a goth look with designer clothes. In Harajuku, mixing different styles and mismatching colours and patterns is encouraged – you can do anything you want, as long as your outfit is a thoughtful expression of your individuality.

Lots of style here

It’s impossible to pinpoint one “Harajuku style.” Many styles have originated or developed on the streets of Harajuku, and many Harajuku girls (and boys) integrate one or more of these somewhat more defined styles into their outfits.

Pink is my colour

Decora style favours bright colours, flamboyance and accessories from head to toe. You decorate yourself with plastic toys and jewelry, and it’s not uncommon to have so many that you can hear them click together when the person moves

Here I am

I just had to get a shot with the Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo.

Love the purple hat

A beautiful Japanese face.

Lots of style this girl

A very interesting fashion statement.

Panda hat

A great hat & a nice tie.

Perhaps I’m a little confused

Don’t be worried what other people think of you. People might think your weird, Asian people might call you gaijin, but if you’re happy, don’t change for other people. Advice from this webpage.

Ah! What the heck

Many styles have originated or developed on the streets of Harajuku, and many Harajuku girls (and boys) integrate one or more of these somewhat more defined styles into their outfits.

Pink panthers

I must say I’m not a fan of body piercing.

Painted faces

A couple of very cool dudes.

I’m guessing they are Goths

A good horror movie outfit.

A gathering of Goths

Harajuku girls are one of the most interesting sights to see in Tokyo.

Lets finish with “cute”

Bye bye girls, nice to meet you.

Harajuku station

Here is where it all begins, Harajuku Station is a railway station near Shibuya.

Here is where they buy their clothes

A nearby busy street is where many of them buy their clothes.

Don’t buy anything

What you are wearing now is perfect. 🙂

Just walking the dogs

They all seem to be the same breed. 🙂

Hmmm, not sure he approves.

A very interesting face in the crowd.

This should explain everything

What Harajuku Girls Really Look Like | Style Out There | Refinery29

Watch this video on YouTube

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Asia best city Tokyo

April 17, 2014 by David Herd

Tokyo Skytree

Asia best city definitely Tokyo Japan

Asia best city Tokyo Japan, this was my 3rd visit after being there twice in 2007. There is so much to see and do in this fantastic city. I guarantee I won’t wait 7 years before I visit again.

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting, restaurant, and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010 and reached its full height of 634.0 meters in March 2011.

Asakusa

Looking down at Asakusa from the Skytree. Asakusa is a district in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, most famous for the Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. There are several other temples in Asakusa, as well as various festivals.

Sky Tree at night

I rarely use a photo I have not taken myself, however this one I found on Twitter is an exception as it is so spectacular.

Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple

Sensō-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Taitō. It is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect, it became independent after World War II. Adjacent to the temple is a Shinto shrine, the Asakusa Shrine. Want to see more photos just CLICK HERE.

Tsukiji Honganji Temple

Hongwan-ji, is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple located in the Tsukiji district of Tokyo. Tsukiji Hongan-ji’s predecessor was the temple of Edo-Asakusa Gobo, built in Asakusa in 1617 at the behest of the 12th monshu, Junnyo Shōnin. The temple burned during a city-wide fire in 1657, and the shogunate refused to allow it to be rebuilt in Asakusa due to a prior project there. Instead, the temple was moved to a new parcel of land being reclaimed by the Sumida River—today’s Tsukiji. This land was said to have been reclaimed by Jodo Shinshu followers themselves who lived at nearby Tsukudajima. The name Tsukiji comes from the kanji characters meaning “reclaimed land”. This new temple, named Tsukiji Gobo, stood until it was leveled by the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923.

New Sanno Hotel

Dinner with Clai & Dan at the New Sanno Hotel. It offers a swimming pool, recreational facilities, a Navy Exchange, and other services designed for military travelers. The hotel is regulated and controlled by the U.S.–Japan Status of Forces Agreement. In addition to active duty and retired US military personnel eligible to use other Armed Forces Recreation Centers, DoD civilian employees duty stationing in Japan, contractors on DoD orders to execute contracts for the US Armed Forces stationed in Japan, US Embassy Tokyo personnel and individuals administratively attached to US Embassy Tokyo are eligible to use the hotel.

New Sanno Hotel

I dined with friends at the US military hotel in Tokyo (New Sanno Hotel). You actually need a passport checked by an armed guard just to get in the door.

Met a couple of military guys, one was an ex Lieutenant Colonel whose name is Lance Gatling, you guessed it, his great great Grandfather was Doctor Richard Gatling who invented the Gatling gun in 1861 during the American civil war. Naturally talking to these guys I learnt some interesting facts, America lost about 600,000 in the civil war. In World War II, they lost about 200,000, & 54,000 in Vietnam. The primary cause of death in the Civil War was disease and infection.

Metro cafe

Metro cafe is one of our favorite Tokyo bars, you can always meet delightful Japanese ladies there. It is located at Omotesando Station.

The Cellar Grill at Omotesando

Not far from the Metro Cafe is a great little restaurant called the Cellar Grill.

Bob Bitzer & I at the Cellar Grill

A great night with lots of laughs.

The Cellar Grill

Feeling no pain at the Cellar Grill, now lets get back to Cafe Metro.

Friends in Tokyo at Metro cafe

Here we are back in our favorite drinking spot in Asia best city at Omete-Sando station. I’m with Clai, Dan and Bob.

kabuki theatre tokyo

The building was destroyed on October 30, 1921. Since it burned down from an electrical fire, the second building was designed to “be fireproof, yet carry traditional Japanese architectural styles”, and at the same time using Western building materials such as lighting equipment. The reconstruction commenced in 1922, and was uncompleted when the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake struck and caused it to burn down. It was rebuilt in a baroque Japanese revivalist style, meant to evoke the architectural details of Japanese castles, as well as temples of pre-Edo period. The theater again burned down in the Allied bombing during World War II. It was restored in 1950 preserving the style of 1924 reconstruction, and was until recently one of Tokyo’s more dramatic and traditional buildings.

The Ginza

The Ginza is known as an upscale area of Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses. Ginza is recognised as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world.

Asia best city definitely Tokyo Japan

A great people watching corner.

Shabusen in the Ginza

Kobe beef at Shabusen at the Ginza A terrific restaurant for Kobe beef, go at lunch time for special prices.

Near the Tsukiji Market

The Tsukiji Market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind.

Tsujiki Market

The market is being relocated.

Sumida River

Sumida river flows through Tokyo, Japan. It branches from the Arakawa River at Iwabuchi and flows into Tokyo Bay.

Sumida River

I must say Tokyo 2014 was better for me than Tokyo in 2007, it certainly helps now I know the city better and I have some friends to mix with.

Sushizanmai

Sushizanmai at Tsujiki is still my favourite restaurant in Tokyo.

Sushizanmai

I met this lovely lady called Mammi at Sushizanmai.

My favourite Japanese song

David Herd at Shabusen

Thanks for visiting my Asia best city definitely Tokyo Japan post, please check out Shinjuku and Yokohama.

What a great year for travel in 2015

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A quaint Tokyo street

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Yokohama Japan super city

April 17, 2014 by David Herd

Yokohama Japan super city, the second largest city in Japan by population after Tokyo, and most populous municipality of Japan. It is the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture. It lies on Tokyo Bay, south of Tokyo, in the Kantō region of the main island of Honshu. It is a major commercial hub of the Greater Tokyo Area.

Intercontinental hotel

Yokohama is really worth a visit, much of the city was destroyed on September 1, 1923 by the Great Kantō earthquake. The Yokohama police reported casualties at 30,771 dead and 47,908 injured.

A great looking building

For some really good deals at this magnificent hotel just bookmark this link.

Yokohama station

Yokohama is a only 30 minutes from Tokyo on the metro, this mural is at the station.

My friend Kayo in Yokohama

We walked a few kms past the Intercontinental hotel to the cruise terminal at Minato Mirai 21, then onto Chinatown for lunch.

Car Sharing Service

Japan’s first one-way car sharing service with a large number of vehicles. The scheme, which enables the company to trial new concepts for mobility within urban areas, has been jointly organized with the City of Yokohama. Drivers will be able to rent units of NISSAN New Mobility CONCEPT, an ultra-compact electric vehicle. They will be able to drop off the car at a different location from where they started, enabling one-way travel.

Yokohama Japan super city Yamashita Park

Yamashita Park on the waterfront which opened in 1930. Much of Yokohama was destroyed on 1 September 1923 by the Great Kanto earthquake. Yokohama was rebuilt, only to be destroyed again by thirty-odd U.S. air raids during World War II. An estimated seven or eight thousand people were killed in a single morning on 29 May 1945 in what is now known as the Great Yokohama Air Raid, when B-29s firebombed the city and in just one hour and nine minutes reduced 42% of it to rubble.

Goddess of Water Statue in Yamashita Park

This section of the park is only a short walk to Chinatown.

Seagulls resting on Hikawa Maru

Hikawa Maru is a Japanese ocean liner that Yokohama Dock Company built for Nippon Yūsen Kabushiki Kaisha. She was launched on 30 September 1929 and made her maiden voyage from Kobe to Seattle on 13 May 1930.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a historical building that is used as a complex that includes a shopping mall, banquet hall, and event venues. The complex, officially known as the Newport Pier Tax Keeping Warehouse.

The coast guard

Lots of interesting ships to see in Yokohama Japan super city.

Cosmo Clock 21

Cosmo Clock 21 is an enormous Ferris Wheel clock in Yokohama, that, at 353 ft. (107 m), was the world’s tallest Ferris Wheel for eight years, from it’s construction in 1989 (for the ‘89 Yokohama Exposition) to 1997, and has been the world’s largest clock from 1989 to the present.

Chinatown

Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown not only in Japan but also in Asia (larger than China-towns in both Kobe and Nagasaki) and it is one of the largest in the world.

Yokohama super city

Thanks visiting my Yokohama Japan super city photo blog.

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Please check out my “Sleepless town” and my “Piss Alley” posts.

Click here for the famous Tokyo fish market.

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Tokyo is fantastic

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Here is a quaint Tokyo Street

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Shinjuku Tokyo’s Business Center

April 16, 2014 by David Herd

Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower

Shinjuku Tokyo’s Business Center

Shinjuku Tokyo’s Business Center located in Tokyo Metropolis. It is a major commercial and administrative center, housing the busiest train station in the world and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building.

Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower is a 204-meter, 50-story educational facility located in the Nishi-Shinjuku district in Shinjuku. The building is home to three educational institutions.

Shinjuku is the busiest train station in the world

West of the station

Nishi-Shinjuku: The area west of Shinjuku Station, historically known as Yodobashi, is home to Tokyo’s largest concentration of skyscrapers. Several of the tallest buildings in Tokyo are located in this area, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, KDDI Building and Park Tower.

From Skyscrapers to tiny restaurants

There is an incredible diversification in Shinjuku, everything from modern skyscrapers to tiny “hole in the wall” restaurants.

Meet my new best friend

Here I am with y new best friend in the little “no name” restaurant that sits only 3 people, 4 at a squeeze.

Food was average, wine was excellent

I was not worried about the food being very average & overpriced, the experience was well worth it. My friend Kayo had given me a lovely present, a nice bottle of red & a bottle of sake. So I drank the red at this tiny “no name” restaurant.

Here is my present from Kayo

Japanese people are so nice, they love to give you presents. I will look forward to returning the favor when Kayo visits Thailand in August.

My friend Kayo

We met on the Gold Coast in Australia 10 years ago and it was great to catch up again in Tokyo.

Kabukicho is in Shinjuku

Kabukicho is in the heart of Shinjuku and right next to the railway line is one of my favorite places, Piss Alley.

Piss Alley

Piss Alley is a quaint Tokyo Street in Shinjuku which really has a distinctive personality. Known also as Memory Lane however I think Piss Alley has a far better sound to it.

My favourite Japanese song

Watch this video on YouTube

Toyoko Inn

My hotel was in a perfect location and a very reasonable price if you book through my Agoda link.

Granbell Hotel

If you would prefer to stay at Shibuya I got an excellent deal booking through this Agoda link.

Thanks for visiting my Shinjuku Tokyos New Business Center photo blog

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A-One hotel on Beach Road

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Kabukicho Tokyo the sleepless town

April 15, 2014 by David Herd

Kabukicho Tokyo

Kabukicho Tokyo the sleepless town

Kabukicho Tokyo the sleepless town, an entertainment and red-light district in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Kabukicho is the location of many host and hostess clubs, love hotels, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, and is often called the “Sleepless Town”

Kabukicho Tokyo has transformed from a residential area to a world famous red-light district housing over three thousand bars, nightclubs, love hotels, massage parlours, hostess clubs and the like. Although referred here as a “red light district”, there are no red lights in the literal sense with prostitutes in the windows as in Amsterdam.

Selling dreams to lonely women in Kabukicho.

The “sleepless town”

According to a spokesperson of Metropolitan Tokyo in 2004, there are more than 1,000 yakuza members in Kabukicho, and 120 different enterprises under their control.

Entering the new millennium, laws were more strictly enforced and patrols became more frequent. These, adding to the installation of fifty closed-circuit cameras in May 2002, reduced criminal activities here, amidst controversy.

In 2004, the police undertook an operation clamping down on illegal clubs and brothels, causing many to go out of business. Also, there is a movement to rid this area of the yakuza (“bad hand” gangs), known as the Kabukicho Renaissance.

Kabukicho Tokyo Neon lights everywhere

Kabukicho Tokyo was a great place to stay as there is always something to see & do. Also it is close to Piss Ally, one of my favorite spots in Tokyo.

An Australian influence?

You gotta love Wombat herbs. 🙂

Kabukicho Tokyo DVD shop

A typical Kabukicho neon.

One of many love hotels

Kabukicho is the largest red light district in Asia

Another love hotel

You have the option to pay for a short stay or all night, up to you.

It really is the town that never sleeps

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway, but for me Kabukicho Tokyo is the world’s brightest city.

Here is a site which shows you what is available

Check out those wonderful innocent faces. 🙂 Photo by Phoenix & Phoenix.

Selling dreams to lonely women in Kabukicho.

Grambell Hotel Shibuya

A nice budget hotel in a fantastic location. Use this link for a great rate.

April 2nd 2020

Dozens of sex workers have been infected with coronavirus in Japan’s biggest red light district sparking fears hundreds of customers may have been infected with the killer disease.

Japanese media reports scores of people working in the adult industry in the notorious Kabukicho district of Tokyo have been confirmed to have COVID-19. Check out THIS LINK.

My favourite Japanese song

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Piss Alley Tokyo very quaint Street

February 27, 2014 by David Herd

Piss Alley Tokyo very quaint Street in Shinjuku which really has a distinctive personality. Known also as Memory Lane however I think Piss Alley has a far better sound to it. 😆

Piss Alley Tokyo

Piss Alley Tokyo was named many years ago, when it was a shady destination for criminals to get drunk together. The place wasn’t very built up back in those days, so instead of using a toilet, people just relieved themselves wherever they could.

Wonderful tiny restaurants

Many of the restaurants in Piss Alley Tokyo only seat 6 or 7 people, the larger ones probably up to 20 and people are often packed in like sardines.

Little “hole in the wall” restaurants

There are some very strange dishes available on Piss Alley.

Frog sashimi
Pig testicles
Soft-shelled turtle
Still-beating frog’s heart
Grilled salamander
Snake liquor

I was not taking any risks so I stuck to the Yakitori.

Yakitori in Piss Alley Tokyo

Great yakitori, this is still the place to eat Japan’s original fast foods: yakitori (chicken skewers), motsu-nabe (offal stew) and hormone-yaki (grilled organ meats). Most items on the menus are made from the rejected body parts of livestock.

Foreign television crews love izakaya Asadachi (Shinjuku 1-2-14, no phone) for delicacies such as pig testicles, grilled salamanders, frog sashimi and other foods. Even for adventurous Japanese eaters, most of the menu is considered off-the-wall. There’s a reason Asadachi has maintained its near city-wide monopoly on serving horse penis.

For the less experimental, standard yakitori joints abound, though truth be told, many of these Shinjuku bars survive as much on location as quality. Finding the best yakitori is often a hit or miss affair. The best strategy is to follow the crowds — or better, go with a knowledgeable friend. A general rule of thumb: the less crowded an establishment, the less you can trust its cooking.

Piss alley Tokyo one of the larger restaurants

Most are not much bigger than a shoe box. 🙂

Bright lights of Memory Lane

The collection of small Shinjuku bars evocatively called Piss Alley (‘Shonben Yokocho’) — or Memory Lane (‘Omoide Yokocho’), as the authorities would rather you call it — is a sliver of post-war Japanese culture a few minutes walk from Shinjuku station. The cramped alley of restaurant and bar stalls offers a ‘nostalgic’ experience, which means something like visiting a decrepit shantytown.

My favourite Japanese song

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Busy chef at work

On a Friday night Piss Alley is in full swing. It’s like a film set of tiny buildings, with staircases leading nowhere. The place feels like it’s painted nicotine brown (no smoking laws definitely don’t apply to Piss Alley), and then spritzed with a hot, savory steam. It’s beside the railway (at one point, there’s a rusty ladder up to the main train track out of Tokyo) and the rumble of trains never goes away. Nor does the smell of fried food and sake, as salary-men eat and drink their fill.

My favorite PA photo

Each time I look at this shot it reminds me of the song “Only the Lonely’. The truth, however, is that the run-down, old-timey atmosphere of the Alley is as carefully cultivated as any of the city’s famed theme bars. The theme here just happens to be ‘post-war poverty.’ A black market drinking quarter in the 1940s, Piss Alley earned its name from its lack of toilet facilities, which compelled patrons to relieve themselves against nearby train tracks. The ramshackle post-war infrastructure lasted until 1999, when a fire destroyed most of the buildings and the Alley had to be rebuilt. Along with the renovation came actual restrooms and a new marketing campaign — at least officially, the Shinjuku bars of Piss Alley became Memory Lane. Though none of the current structures are more than a decade old, you’d hardly know it from the grease and grime covering nearly every surface. Although positioned as the ‘ultimate old-style Japanese drinking experience,’ the bars of Memory Lane are mostly staffed by young women from various Asian countries. Between the broken Japanese and hard-drinking patrons, many of them tourists, the area remains a little seedy — just in a new way.

Piss alley Tokyo nice American girls

I visited Piss Alley again in September 2015 & chatted to these nice American girls.

In October 2017 I travelled to Kagoshima and was happy to find another “Piss Alley” type village, check it out on THIS LINK.

It will remain a favourite part of Tokyo for me.

Make sure you put this unique piss alley Tokyo 0n your bucket list. My hotel was 10 minutes walk from here, great value for Tokyo, only $85 per night. Use THIS LINK to book.

Granbell Hotel

This is a great hotel in Shibuya, I got an excellent deal booking through this Agoda link.

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Tsujiki wholesale Fish market

December 21, 2013 by David Herd

The market is being relocated in 2018

Tsujiki wholesale Fish market

Tsujiki wholesale Fish market Tokyo is an amazing sight to see, however you have to set your alarm for an early start. To experience the action yo need to be there around 5am or earlier. The address is 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Negotiating the price

The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, commonly known as the Tsukiji Market, is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind.

Don’t argue with this guy. 😯

His knife is almost as big as a Samurai sword.

The Tokyo Fish market is located near the Tsukijishijō Station on the Toei Ōedo Line and Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. There are two distinct sections of the market. The “inner market” is the licensed wholesale market, where the auctions and most of the processing of the fish take place, and where licensed wholesale dealers (approximately 900 of them) operate small stalls. The “outer market” is a mixture of wholesale and retail shops that sell Japanese kitchen tools, restaurant supplies, groceries, and seafood, and many restaurants, especially sushi restaurants. Most of the shops in the outer market close by the early afternoon, and in the inner market even earlier.

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Tsujiki wholesale Fish market

The Tokyo Fish market handles more than 400 different types of seafood from cheap seaweed to the most expensive caviar, and from tiny sardines to 300 kg tuna and controversial whale species. Overall, more than 700,000 metric tons of seafood are handled every year at the three seafood markets in Tokyo, with a total value in excess of 600 billion yen (approximately 5.9 billion US dollars on November 24th, 2013). The number of registered employees as of 25 January 2010 varies from 60,000 to 65,000, including wholesalers, accountants, auctioneers, company officials, and distributors.

Here’s looking at you kid.

Tokyo Fish market opens most mornings (except Sundays, holidays and some Wednesdays) at 3:00 a.m. with the arrival of the products by ship, truck and plane from all over the world. Particularly impressive is the unloading of tons of frozen tuna. The auction houses (wholesalers known in Japanese as oroshi gyōsha) then estimate the value and prepare the incoming products for the auctions. The buyers (licensed to participate in the auctions) also inspect the fish to estimate which fish they would like to bid for and at which price.

The auctions start around 5:20 a.m. Bidding can only be done by licensed participants. These bidders include intermediate wholesalers (nakaoroshi gyōsha) who operate stalls in the marketplace and other licensed buyers who are agents for restaurants, food processing companies, and large retailers.

The auctions usually end around 7:00 a.m. Afterward, the purchased fish is either loaded onto trucks to be shipped to the next destination or on small carts and moved to the many shops inside the market. There the shop owners cut and prepare the products for retail. In case of large fish, for example tuna and swordfish, cutting and preparation is elaborate. Frozen tuna and swordfish are often cut with large band saws, and fresh tuna is carved with extremely long knives, some well over a meter in length.

Giant tuna fetches more than US$600,000 at Tokyo auction

Watch this video on YouTube

Tsujiki wholesale Fish market

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Tsujiki wholesale Fish market Tokyo

Sushizanmai is my favourite sushi restaurant in Tokyo is very close to the old Tokyo Fish market & open 24 hours a day. There is always a queue of people waiting to get in.

Tuna fetches record $3m at Tokyo auction January 5 2019

A 278-kilogramme bluefin tuna sold for a record 333.6 million yen (US$3 million) in the first auction of 2019 on Saturday, after Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji market was moved to a new site on the city’s waterfront.

The winning bid for the prized but threatened species at the predawn auction was more than double the old mark set in 2013. It was paid by Kiyomura Corp, whose owner Kiyoshi Kimura runs the Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura has often won the annual auction in the past.

Last year’s auction was the last at Tsukiji before the market shifted to a new facility on a former gas plant site on Tokyo Bay. The move was delayed repeatedly due to concerns over soil contamination. However it has now relocated.

The Toyosu Market is a wholesale market in Tokyo, located in the Toyosu area of the Kōtō ward. There are two markets for seafood, one for general wholesale and one for bidding and one market for fruits and vegetables, with each in their own buildings.

One of the happy chefs

This is the best sushi in the world.

Two of the happy customers

My friend Hamish was really enjoying his first trip to Tokyo in September 2015, he was blown away by the quality and price at Sushizanmai.

Sushizanmai has the best quality sushi in the world at a reasonable price.

The Sushizanmai in Tokyo is an experience to enjoy and remember. If you want a quiet romantic setting cross this place off your list. It is a happy frenetic chaotic dining experience, and the food is wonderful. Check out this video to experience the atmosphere. It’s now October 2018 & the market finally closes.