{"id":8028,"date":"2024-05-19T01:17:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-19T05:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arcticukitsu.com\/Blog\/?p=8028"},"modified":"2024-05-19T02:07:57","modified_gmt":"2024-05-19T06:07:57","slug":"trip-to-japan-round-2-day-4-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arcticukitsu.com\/Blog\/?p=8028","title":{"rendered":"Trip to Japan – Round 2 – Day 4 (2024)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\"20240130_090908\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Stopping by Wendy’s for my morning meal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

This blogpost covers the day of January 30th while in Tokyo, Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Had a lovely wake up at 7:00-7:20 AM timeframe. I’ve also lightly pre-packed my luggage to ready myself for tomorrow’s flight to Hokkaido, preferably to Hakodate. Caught up on Twitter\/X, and planning. My frozen drink from the day prior was still frozen, still an ice cube. I left it out thaw (eventually chucking it when leaving). That mini-fridge was too strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once ready, I headed to Wendy’s for my meal: burger, pair of hashbrown nuggets, and peach tea. I happily ate upstairs viewing the scenery, the morning life of Ueno, and just lost in thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Japan Trip 2024:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Day 1<\/a>] \u2013 [Day 2<\/a>] \u2013 [Day 3<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Satisfied, I left for Ueno Station to head for Shimbashi Station to visit a stationary train on display, one I also had made note of the night prior (or a few nights prior) desiring to see a steam locomotive up close. I happily left the station, even curiously making my way towards the train from an overly fancy entrance-exit design. Station had a bit of a neat historical flair to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I happily, yet curiously made my way around the train in a 360 manner; Going around the train to see it from all angles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_100404\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Shimbashi Train.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_100413\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Viewing back towards Shimbashi station with some neatly designed entrances and exits.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_100434\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– I belatedly discovered the train has a gimmick at 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00. Three times a day. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_100503\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Making note of the station and the train. It’s an interesting open-walled design.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_100540\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Happily viewing the CII 292 train from the front.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_100554\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Admiring the train from every angle I could. Like I said, 360 around the train.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I even walked behind the train, possibly forgetting to capture a picture of train from the rear, or it may have been awkwardly obscured preventing me from having captured it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_101417\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– JR Shimbashi Gate – A lovely historical flair to the entrance-exit. Hibiya Entrance. (Waited for the least amount of people possible to capture this picture.)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Satisfied, yet in a rush, I made my way back into Shimbashi Station to make my way towards Shibuya. I’ve also desired to Shinjuku, I however aimed for Shibuya simply for the fun of it. I also desired to capture a few points of interests I failed to capture on my 2023 trip to Japan. This is me making up for my past mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_102504\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Enroute to Shibuya while viewing a Shinkansen outside the door. Was a neat experience in motion.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_102506\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Admiring the Shinkansen, at least the little portion of it moving past the doorway.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_102508\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Happy Shinkansen thoughts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_104702\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Slowly making my way around Shibuya trying to soak it all in, properly this time. It was raining the last time I was here in 2023.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_104853\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Waiting for a gap in the queue to snap a picture with just the ‘Hachiko Memorial Statue’. I didn’t need a selfie, just a picture of the statue. Too many photobomb moments. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You have to wait in a queue to take selfies, and group pictures, something I wasn’t really doing. All I’m doing is scenery pictures, hence the quick-picture snapping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_104921\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Shibuya Crossing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_104940\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Panorama – Shibuya Hachiko & Crossing area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"Screenshot_20240130_105329_Maps\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Google Maps tracker to prove I was there. I was at Shibuya.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_105458\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Mario Kart in the center-left of the image (the guys in the yellow). <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_105751\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Noting the various scenic displays above mini buildings. TV Screen under ‘MAGNET’, a cloudy mountain display to the right of that, and more fancy advertisements. I find these advertisements neat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_105754\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Attempting to re-center the image. I’ve also considered going onto the look-out, it however came with a catch making me decide against it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_110019\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– The catch was simple, however not appealing to me at the moment. $15 is a decent price, I simply thought “maybe later”.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Instead, I desired to visit and explore the nearby area to see what’s in and around. What stores, retail outlets, food joints, and attractions were to admire. I simply went with the flow. Nothing really planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_111623\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Stopping at C-PAL for Gacha fun. Some Hololive, and other amusements. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I played around with the gacha machines for a lengthy while, even obtaining some Dragonball themed stuff for a friend, among other goodies. I even attempted to obtain Suisei (at second glance, she doesn’t exist) simply trying to obtain every combo key I could manage. I had tons of gacha rewards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had to run to a nearby Konbini to obtain a bit more cash for more gacha fun. Also purchased myself a lovely honey tea drink, Spicy Chicken, and other neat little snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_112230\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Further wandering the streets seeing what’s in the area. Also making note of the collab banners, something I found neat yet wasn’t in my interest zone. Simply taking images for my blog.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_112409\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Japan has overly lovely backroads and alleyways for street shops like these. I admire this design style.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_112438\"<\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Even if I’m out of my element, it genuinelly is highly fun exploring and sight seeing in Japan, something I’m not really allowed to do locally in Canada, let alone Ottawa. Sure, I can go, I however run the high risk of being stabbed or shot to death. Sure, I can also be stabbed to death in Japan as well, it however ranks far lower. To me, it felt as safe as Ottawa was back in 2000-2006. Maybe even 2012, until all the fake political nonsense ruined everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_112448\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– C-Pals (C-PLA), or that’s how I noted it. Belatedly noting the fun happy capsule fun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_112904\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Lost my capsule under a machine, something I had to fish out. I also noted someone else lost their capsule under there.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_113807\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Making note of more neat Japanese side-street fun. Lovely collab banners, awesome Japanese vibes, and just me being happy. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I was having a lovely happy time being in my own little bubble. A Japanese bubble, yet my own, far away from Ottawa idiocy. Away from stupid people, if still surrounded by “over-tourism” in some loose manner. People didn’t bother me, I hopefully didn’t bother them, and we were all happy folks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_113810\"<\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_113915\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Letting my roommate know I have a Vegeta gift for him. It’ll be with me until I return to Japan. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_114054\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Once again noting what I won, compared to what was still up for grabs. Roommate was overly humble, yet still gifting him this for how much he has helped me out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Satisfied, I decided it was finally time to seek out a model train shop. Let’s see what Japan has for Japanese trains to gift my roommate’s father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_114906\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Making note of a further crossing, if truck photobombed. I was stuck in the middle of an ‘Y’ intersection.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_114910\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– A better capture, hopefully. Even noted a cinema for me to eventually watch Gundam SEED FREEDOM movie here. Neat!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Models Imon – Train Gift Hunting:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I basically inputted an Google Maps location aimed at Imon, something I basically went clockwise around the block before making my way back to where I started. Almost. I was confused. I was searching for an entrance tied to Imon, something which took me many confused moments to discover. I passed by numerous ramen shops, food places, and such. Where was Imon? I eventually stumbled across it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"Screenshot_20240130_115641_Google\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Half of these train prices were insanely expensive. I had a loose idea, this was insane. 261,800 Yen = 2380,78 Canadian Dollars. For one train! Yikes! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I basically spent roughly an hour browsing. I was even searching for Tango-Yura’s train type, something they didn’t have. Instead, I purchased an Idolmaster truck for myself, an Tatra Tram for myself, and a blue train similar to what I had seen for Tango-Yura. It was close enough. The Tatra Tram was purchased for my childhood admiration of Slovakia’s trams in the city of Bratislava. I enjoyed riding on those Tatra trams for the fun of it, something which family, friends, and relatives would allow me to ride for the fun of it. I also even purchased an ‘Laid-Back Camp’ Anime livery N-Scale train. These were all N-Scale. The last one in red and grey was aimed at my roommate’s father, something he reluctantly accepted after the fact, yet treated horribly. It hurt me to see the train I gifted him treated so poorly. It costed a hefty price. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m however happy with the 3 N Scale trains and 1 Idolmaster truck for myself. I’m also happy with my Tatra tram for Bratislava vibes, even if it’s noted as ‘Dresden’. I’ll view it as Bratislava thanks to how I’ve grown up loving these Tatra trams in Bratislava, Slovakia. I’m also happy with the Hyugo Railway type train to be a proxy for Tango-Yura line, even though it’s a different line train. It’s close enough, and it works. Even the Yuru-Yuru Camp themed train because I saw it as a limited time neat train. I wish I could obtain an KanColle and Azur Lane themed Japanese train. Those would be sweet. I have to take what I can, boasting about every little bit of it because it genuinely makes me happy. I love trains, especially of the European and Japanese side of things.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was even happy the clerk spoke English, even showing me the train working. I was even overly excited it had lights. The trains I had chosen had lights. I’m happy to have seen the trains working in the way they were demonstrated, something which took me all back. Yes, I also browsed the store end-to-end. 98% explored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_123316\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– This is exactly why Japan is so much fun. Various livery of trains, even in scale model forms. You would struggle to get this for anything Western. Coca-Cola is a given, and McDonalds. Everything else, show & game wise, is hard to come by.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_123351\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Models IMON – Floor 7.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Next up, I needed to head towards Daiso. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_123930\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Very ghetto, yet flashy street. The Daiso is located under that low-hanging pedestrian bridge. First floor feels like a basement area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_124347\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Japanese Daiso has all these lovely stuff for your Busou Shinki, Frame Arm Girls, Figma, Nendo, and Anime figures. It has everything you desire, and it’s why I admire Daiso as much as I do.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bought various things, including a travel bag for my Steam Deck and Japanese. I needed to purchase a bag, something I had done, which I would eventually swap to something else. Also trying out various neat Japanese drinks in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"azur2024129205812.png\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Craft Boss – Lemon Tea. (Of course, forcing Azur Lane’s AR mode.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"azur2024129205820.png\"<\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"azur2024129205829.png\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Third time a charm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_130112\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– East Mall – Shibuya Mark City<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A little frustrated taking pictures in busy areas, especially seeing people worried how I’m taking images of them. Once again, just scenery related pictures to document for blogging purposes. I’m simply admiring, curious about Japanese architecture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_130115\"<\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Walking around aimlessly trying to figure out what to do next. What should I do? Walking back the way of Toho Cinema, and towards Shibuya Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_130510\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Well, that’s horrible……… I’m well aware of the fact Japan isn’t perfect, it’s however better than most countries. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_130552\"<\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_130613\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Making note of a lovely advertisement.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_130930\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Making note of the various stickers at Shibuya Station. Some of these stickers scream “attention whore”. Pardon the language, there are however some very pathetic looking ones.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Gundam SEED FREEDOM Movie Time:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As noted, finally had the bright idea to walk back towards Toho cinema to buy tickets for a viewing of ‘Gundam SEED Freedom’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_131740\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Making my way back, even walking past the 109 building a few times by now.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_131841\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Various ice-cream themed to Gundam SEED Freedom movie.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Finally purchased my ticket without issue. The problem? Trying to find out where to go, how to get there, and when to get there. Japanese cinemas handle differently than Canadian ones, especially in this location. Everything was an overly painful learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_132414\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Making my way up and around to where my viewing area was, oblivious to how Japan cinema etiquette work. I assumed I could just sit in the theater, something Japanese theaters don’t handle in a Canadian way.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_132657\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Going up and down the elevator on numerous occassions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I found myself going up and down the elevator many times, especially when waiting outside for 1 hour (or so) prior to heading back, and still waiting another hour, or so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_132807\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Found my Screen 2 theater, and where I would be sitting. Gundam SEED FREEDOM shall be viewed soon, if I can simply wait it out for a very long time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_133009\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– TOHO Cinemas. Familiar movie names on display.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_133222\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– My ticket – 1\/13 – 14:55~ (Gundam SEED FREEDOM) – Screen 2 – F-21. In hindsight, I should have also had my Yuudachi figure posing with this ticket, as everybody else had. Everybody else (after the fact) was sharing how they saw the movie while displaying their Anime figure with the ticket on the night, or the next following nights. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I genuinely became frustrated seeing the Japanese Twitter\/X bloggers gaining more traction over my own Tweet\/Post, yet it also makes sense because I failed to capture an image with an Anime figure of my own. No Shinki Renge, no Yuudachi. Just me being tired, frustrated, and absent minded. This one is on me, and I lost my opportunity for some ‘Japan Happy Thoughts’ moment here to connect with the Japanese locals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I, at least, was nearing the time to see the movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_134203\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Granblue Fantasy: ReLink truck advertising for the game. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_134206\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Granblue Fantasy: ReLink was being advertised fairly often in Japan. You would see it advertised a lot to the point it was overly hard to miss out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"Screenshot_20240130_141252_Chrome\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Belatedly noting how to and when to enter Japanese cinemas. Trying to make sense of this while waiting outside.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many minutes, and a few hours later……… Tons of “lost in translation”, confused staff, and painful waiting later…….<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_143300\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Ordered my popcorn with a drink, never got a drink. Purchased a special Hokkaido hot dog.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\"20240130_144512\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– Japanese Popcorn and Hokkaido Cheese hot dog.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

*Once again, I failed to take images with an Anime figure to make this more appealing. Once again, me being stupid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\"20240130_144517\"<\/a>\n<\/div>
– YAY!~ After much painful waiting, and Japanese ettiquette later, it’s Gundam SEED FREEDOM Movie time! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n