3-D TV

I've heard talk about it in the states, but here it is! The problem,
though, is I was never sold on it in the movies, so why would I want
to bring it into my home?

Tree lined streets

So Tokyo's metro region has 33 million, just shy of NY's 18 million
inhabitants. I was expecting things to be a lot more crowded than they
are, and the buildings to be higher. I mean, it's no Denver, but
Manhattan is way more intense than this place!

I think the trees add a lot. I've gone out a couple of times at night
and walked for five minutes without seeing anyone (9pm), which is
unheard of anywhere in manhattan. I try not to venture anywhere else
in NYC at night, so I can't comment, but I don't think you can compare
the places I've been visiting to Brooklyn. Just interesting.

Parasols

Parasol in Spanish literally translates to "stop the sun", which is
what these Japanese women would like to do. After all, while Americans
bemoan how pale they are, everyone else in the world wants to be as
pale as they.

(the parasols are black, so they're not readily visible. How many do
you see? Keep in mind that this picture was taken in the shade)

Vending Machines

Someone told me that there are more vending machines in Tokyo than
people. Clearly that can't be true, or every surface space in the city
would be a vending machine, but the fact that someone believes it
enough to even say it is saying something. You can buy everything in
them--from drinks to iPods to underwear (sorry, no returns).

Department Stores

I was advised to visit Isetan. It's huge, like the department stores
in NY. Maybe not as big as Macy's but up there. This one had two full
buildings. Actually, it reminded me more of Paris than NY.

Apparently all the department stores are owned by the same people as
own the trains, so they've build big department stores on top of all
the mail train stations to increase revenues. Brilliant!

The inside looks much the same as other department stores around the
world--Armani, Gucci and Prada clothes that cost more than the annual
salary of a Thai worker.

Tokyo shopping streets

Streets full of knick-knack (sp?) vendors.

Shibuya Daze and Shibuya Nights

Essentially the Times Square of Tokyo--as seen in many pictures and
movies. Hoards of people crossing the street in every direction. It's
pretty cool.

I love cities and people, especially at night with the city lights.
Not that I'd go hang out in TS on a Friday night, but it's always fun
to walk in the city at night.