Quicky: another reason to not stay in certain depāto (department stores) are the hideous tunes (either related to the store or not) that are on repeat everywhere.
Quicky: densha or chikatetsu (trains and subway trains) appear to always arrive at the same platform. Ever.
Quicky: afraid of pick pocketing on a crowded densha (train)? Don’t be. Everybody is too busy either with their phone or book or is sleeping.
Quicky: I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it before, but if so, it cannot hurt to reiterate the following.
When you shop for non-perishable goods (that is, non-food, for example), you are eligible for a tax refund or deduction on those items. That is, only if you are a tourist not living in Japan.
In some stores in the more touristic places, signs (or other methods) in the stores will indicate this as well.
Elmira (my host in Nagoya) mentioned that it is also possible to get a refund at some designated location at the airport. I might check that out, if there is enough time before departure.
Quicky: Labi Shinjuku (another depāto, department store) is also loud. That is all.
Quicky: as everywhere I go in popular districts of cities in Japan, lots of folks are trying to hand out flyers and such. I have no idea for what, except when I got that one for a Maid Cafe, which was in English.
But here in Shinjuku it seems particularly prevalent. Guys are actually prowling after the girls and standing in bunches at the center of intersections of low traffic areas.
I believe to be in Kabukichō, where my hostess advised me not to go. I’ll have a quick look around and be on my way again. I have no interest in meeting Chinese maffia, who are said to roam here as well. And in fact do like to target lone tourists, as apposed to Japanese maffia. Nice going!
Quicky: presently I’m having a pizza in Papa Milano, an Italian restaurant near Shinjuku eki (station). They are playing (modern) western style ongaku (music) in the background.
- Daft Punk ft Kanye West – Harder Faster Better Stronger
- Eminem – Sing for the moment
- Jay Z & Linkin Park – Encore / What are you waiting for?
- Pink – You and your hand
So much frickin’ win!
Quicky: Tokyu Hands is another depāto (department store) but is definitely more pleasant to be in. It’s a bit more classy and not so screamy and loud as Sofmap and Bic Camera, for example. But then again, they did not have a large electronics department, if I’m not mistaken.
Wednesday 6th November – Alright, I’m in Tōkyō, birches!
This morning I said goodbye to Juan and Elmira and took a bus for Nagoya station. There I quickly found the right platform for the Shinkansen towards Tōkyō, which came pretty soon after. There are lots of these bad boys speeding across the country. Yeah!
Read more
Quicky: it’s been a long day. Tired and worn… More news will follow after the sleeping part.