Monday, December 24, 2007

Asakusa, Japan


Asakusa is a temple town, which have preserved a certain atmosphere of the old Tokyo. This atmosphere of old Japan attracts many tourists throughout the year. Usually, many people visit Asakusa during New Year's holidays and festivals. History said that during the Edo period, it marked the Northern limit of the city. It was where the out-classed such as the prostitutes, yakusas and priests lived. In the Meiji era, it was in Asakusa where the first public cinema opened, where the first Western operas were shown and the like.

The Kaminari-mon Gate near Asakusa station leads the way to the temple. It cannot be missed with its huge red lantern and two evil-looking protectors: Fuujin, God of Wind and Raijin, God of Thunder.

Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century.

Most tourists visiting Asakusa will probably see the small souvenirs shops along the Nakamise-dori, between Kaminari-mon and Senso-ji. It is the ideal place to look for traditional Japanese goods such as yukata, red lanterns, lacquer boxes or Buddhist statues.

Asakusa remains a place of entertainment. It was the site of kabuki theaters and a large red light district. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, modern types of entertainment, including movies, set foot in Asakusa.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

AKIHABARA


Akihabara is Tokyo's famed Electric Town and one of the most animated places in the universe to shop! It is where you can find Japan's big-name consumer electronic and computer makers. And these makers compete each other to be the first to market with the season's latest products. Akiba, as its shortened name, is located less than five minutes by rail from Tokyo Station.

It was 2003 when I first see this place and I was amazed what I have seen. I saw computers, computer peripherals and latest gadgets all around the corner. Manga, anime, videodiscs, and game software are the million sellers. Hand parts for the do-it-yourself PC builder are readily available. Tools, electrical parts, wires, microsized cameras and more are to be found. Foreign tourists tend to visit the big name shops like Laox, where I bought some watches for my family and friends. Akiba is really famous as an electronics wholesale district.

After tough days' shopping, even you are tired, can be certain of one thing: you'll be back!