Stuff to Buy in Ginza

As mentioned in my previous post, Ginza is an upmarket place to shop, so you can see all the international brands sprawling all over the streets of Ginza.

I am obliged to dedicate this photo to my good friend again.

As I walked along the streets again, I could see more brands and beautiful window displays before my eyes. Ginza is really the place if you wanna see all the brands in one area.

While walking up and down the Ginza streets, I didn't realised that the hours were ticking away. I was already dark after I almost finished browsing the shops and stores around Ginza.

The two giant electronic manufacturers have to make their mark on the streets for fashion as well. Well, electronic gadgets have become part of the fashion industry nowadays.

The Splendid Ginza

Ginza is one of the most posh shopping districts in Tokyo. You can find almost all international brands in just this area. Although I'm not a shopper myself, I like to watch other people shopping and I shop with my camera.

This was the first time in my life that I have seen a pedestrian crossing that cuts across diagonally, that means the traffic from all four directions have to stop for the pedestrians.

The Sony Building is well-worth a visit if you wanna know what are the latest gadgets on offer from this giant electronics manufacturer of Japan. Photography is not allowed on the exhibits, so I can't show you the gadgets.

However, there was an art exhibition on the top floor that I could snap pictures.

It was lunch time, so I was attracted by the crowd waiting for a seat in this little food outlet.

The rule of thumb is always correct about finding good food! Just walk into the most crowded restaurant in that area. This bowl of kakiyan soba was extremely, gastronomically satisfactory.

It is a chain restaurant that you can find in other places too. Just look out for this sign.

Charged with energy from that bowl of soba, I explored further into the heart of Ginza.

Before my eyes were more shopping complexes for the real shoppers. I was only a street roamer.

The main street was closed for motorised traffic on the weekend I visited, so I could walk in the middle of the road!

There are eight shopping streets at Ginza, and I have just reached No. 3.

This is the most famous 4^th Street of Ginza, therefore it is also the busiest.

Roaming Around Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro is a poor cousin of Shinjuku as according to the Lonely Planet travel guide. However, I find that it is worth a visit for those Toyota cars on display at Amlux building. Ikebukuro has big shopping arcades too if you wanna avoid the over-crowded departmental stores at Shinjuku.

It is also a nice place to taste all the street food without having to fight for space with other tourists. You just need to queue with the local Japanese people to wait for your turn.

In just about 10 minutes, this arrived on my hand!

You can't really see what's inside as it was covered with loads of toppings. It was actually a takoyaki with corn crisps.

There are more flavours up for you to choose from.

As I walked along the streets, I spotted something crazy. They themselves called it crazy, not me.

Crazy or not, the food is more important. I'm loving those crepes with banana and ice-cream!

Alright, I had enough food to keep me going for the afternoon, so I explored further.

Then I saw something that I am obliged to put up for my good friend! She's a bit worried about me lately and I hope this will give her the relief. Thanks, Nee.

I think LV should advertise with posters of its fans and devotees rather than hiring some models to do it. I know Nee will volunteer!

I explored the streets in drizzle and occasional rain, so the sky was cloudy and groomy. The buildings were however as shining as ever despite the bad weather.

When the brightly-lit signboards were up, I knew that it was time I went home... I mean dormitory room.

Wordless Wednesday – Weather Phenomena