Jap Blog 29th of July 1996

Up at 9am for a large breakfast. Into the city to Ueno-koen (park) and there was some strange architecture there. Lots of homeless people in the park with their tents. Photo of Benzaiten Temple. Wayne took us to Little America. On the way to Asakusa Nakamise-dori we met a Canadian, Gavin, who thought that my accent was British. Photo of Hozo-mon Gate and Senso-ji Temple. Nice pagoda there. Had a walk around Ginza, the most expensive real estate in Tokyo, while looking for the train station that Wayne’s friend Mizuho was to meet us at. Went in the wrong direction and were 20 minutes late. Had a drink and the waiter kept filling my glass with water – even while I was trying to drink. Walked over to the Imperial Palace and then took the subway to Tokyo Tower. Saw some statues that are dedicated to aborted feotuses. Had tea in a department store – beef croquette, kai, cabbage, soup and rice. All the rice and cabbage we wanted. I kept bothering one young waiter for a new bowl of rice. Ended up eating four [author’s note – never want to see a bowl of steamed rice again]. Then we went for a walk around Shinjuku – the red light district. We all went into the lobby of a love hotel (5500 Yen/2 hours or 9000 Yen/night) and they said, “No, not three at one time.” Blokes on the street were handing out pamphlets for clubs but very few handed us anything. While waiting for a light to cross the road a Jamaican guy handed us a pamphlet and said that it was really cheap to get in (a bar)– only 4000 Yen! He said, “We have Americans, English and Australians.” I told him that I didn’t want any white trash. Went to the subway and said goodbye to Mizuho and headed back to the Kimura’s place.

Pics - Chikatetsu art, Funny sign - no smoking or bonfire.

- posted by Hammy @ 8:26 am