Akihabara, an interesting and entertaining place I always visit, when in Tokyo.
Akihabara
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Akihabara, an interesting and entertaining place I always visit, when in Tokyo. |
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And not just because of the little cosplay girls with their NO PHOTO signs, who advertise stores, restaurants, and pachinko parlors among other things |
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There are strange people here and adherents to all sorts of comic-strip or manga-based fan clubs and fan groups of all ages |
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All the 'action' inside of a typical pachinko parlor. Little chrome balls that bounce off pins (pinball) and when a certain number is generated, may get a prize. Also, advertised: one-armed bandits |
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Then there are the shops. There are electronic gear shops, and these, selling resin figurines of anything you might imagine. Here a Naruto show collection, 3D printed, hand painted, and not cheap |
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Cute ones, evil ones, sexy ones. An endless variety of characters and vehicles |
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The typical Japanese housewife cleaning the home. Sure thing. The stuff of dreams. |
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Or such as this one, many an Asian male's dream. A very voluptuous blonde woman |
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Maybe Bunny girl, or some blue alien vampire babes, or a sexy Bulma from the Dragon Ball Saga? I got all sorts of extra points from the kids, when teaching, for knowing much of this stuff. |
Moving on. Enough of Aki. I will be back. |
A time consuming and not very cheap side trip to Nikko
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Nice ride. Both, Tokyo metro and JR personnel are extremely kind and accommodating. The ride was nice, long, and takes you from Asakusa to Tobu Nikko station in comfort. |
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When I finally arrived at Nikko Tobu station and took the bus to the shrine, it looked like this. My heart soared. I would come back with some great shots, as I did in the past. I was warned, though, that the temple of the three monkeys was being renovated. |
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However, when I entered the grounds of the shrine, it was nearly in darkness. The high surrounding mountains cut off any sunlight. No way I was going to buy a ticket to get into the rest of the grounds. |
A total blow-out. Mission not accomplished. Another reason (excuse) to go back to that historic shrine.