YAY! I have been to Japan three times now - each time for several weeks, so I guess I am fairly familiar with it. However, each time I come, I tend to be chaperoned around, which is not always the best thing when experiencing a country.

So at the weekend I decided to head into Tokyo to two places I had on my mind - Akihabara, and Harajuku. I think the people I was staying with were more worried than me, since my Japanese is at 1 year old level, and Tokyo (make no mistake about it) is HUGE.

I was quite proud to buy my train tickets and lunch - in Japanese.

Akihabara
For those who dont know, Akihabara may well be the largest shopping centre on earth for electronic goods. If you are a geek like me - its heaven. I had been before, but had learned a long time ago, that if you have a fetish for electronic gadgets, dont drag around with you, someone who hasnt (like my family). If you want 'stuff' and you are in Japan, come here, coz the prices and selection are mind blowing.

However, Akihabara also has a phenomena which easily confirms that the Japanese are pretty much as crazy as we think they are. Therse are Akihabara Maids. First thing - this is about as un-politically correct as you can get (thats why its so much fun). These maids line the streets of Akihabara, and if you go to one of the Maids Cafes, will give you a cute little show with you coffee. My personal theory is, computer geeks have so much trouble getting near a lady, this is thier only chance. I managed to leave Akihabara, without losing my honour.

Harajuku

I wanted to visit Harajuku for a while, and thought I could get some snaps of the weird fashions you can see there. When I arrived  - I realised I had been before about 6 years ago, but my guide hadnt shown me the parts I was interested in.

In the end, I took no photos, but strolled around for a while. Its a little like England's Carnerby Street in some ways. But in honesty - nothing to blow your mind, just punky kids.

So I headed back to Akihabara, but this time in search for a little music. Found a fantastic music store yes. But while passing the station I came across Alma. Actually, I was feeling rather annoyed, that while some 'fake maid' was doing bad Karaoke, but being cute and noisy, Alma were playing some very impressive music, but virtually being ignored. Well, I made a point to stop listen and take some photos, and clap load at the end of songs, as I thought this may help to get a
crowd started. I'm pleased to say that it did - other people (sheep) followed my lead and stopped to listen. I bought Alma's CD, and have invited them to add thier music to Zorpia. I hope they do!

I headed back to Tsukuba where I was staying, and then next day was on a plane to Matsue (thats another story). I enjoyed my day out alone in Tokyo very much, and I'm sure will do it again.