Exploring Akihabara
Akihabara stands as the epicenter of Japan’s Otaku culture. It is widely regarded as a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts of computer games, anime, and Japanese pop culture. Akihabara Electric Town, the district’s vibrant core, is conveniently located just one short train stop away from Asakusa, making it easily accessible for visitors.
My sons, who are both passionate anime fans and avid computer gamers, were particularly excited to explore Akihabara and fully immerse themselves in its unique atmosphere. Upon exiting the train station, we were instantly met with a dazzling display of colorful neon signs adorning the buildings, each celebrating various aspects of anime and gaming culture.
Akihabara is home to an incredible array of stores catering to every imaginable interest within the tech and pop culture realms. Here, one can find shops selling electronic items, components, two-way radios, computer parts, both recent and retro game consoles, video games, game cards, Pokémon cards, anime and game figurines, cosplay costumes, and a vast number of gachapon (capsule toy vending machine) stores. It’s also known for maid cafes. Maid cafes are themed restaurants, where waitresses dressed as anime-style maids serve customers as “masters” or “princesses,”. I personally do not care for them so we didn’t bother to visit any.
Japan is a society that values harmony and prefers homogeneity, which is often reflected in the way people dress—favoring more muted tones over bright colors. Akihabara, however, is a striking exception to this norm. In this district, it is common to see people dressed in extravagant cosplay outfits and sporting loud, vivid colors, complete with matching hair hues, all freely wandering through the streets and contributing to Akihabara’s lively and energetic vibe.
Exploring Akihabara’s Vibrant and Quiet Corners
While my wife accompanied by sons on their hunt for more gachapon capsule toys, I took the opportunity to walk around Akihabara by myself for about half an hour. As I wandered through the district, I noticed an interesting contrast—there were pockets of quiet and calm tucked away amid the bustling, high-energy areas filled with neon lights and crowds of fellow pop culture enthusiasts. The district’s unique blend of serenity and excitement was striking, offering moments of peaceful observation even in the heart of this lively area.
After spending several hours exploring the shops and soaking in the atmosphere, we regrouped and decided it was time for a break. We found a spot to enjoy a late lunch, taking the chance to rest and refuel before moving on to our next destination: Ueno Park.
Ueno Park: A Peaceful Respite in Tokyo
Ueno Park, located in the Ueno district of Taitō, Tokyo, offers visitors a welcome escape from the city’s bustling energy. Established in 1873 on the grounds that once belonged to the temple of Kan’ei-ji, the park is just one train stop away from Akihabara. This proximity makes it an easy and convenient destination for those seeking a change of pace.
Upon exiting the station, the atmosphere instantly shifts. The vibrant and high-energy mood of Akihabara gives way to Ueno Park’s more tranquil surroundings. Here, the environment is noticeably quieter and more serene, inviting relaxation and reflection.
After a long day of walking and exploring, fatigue set in, and we chose to simply sit and observe the world around us. The park’s peaceful ambiance made it the perfect spot for people watching and unwinding. Our visit concluded at a quiet café within the park, where we enjoyed an afternoon caffeine break before continuing our Tokyo adventure.
Sunset at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
After finishing our coffee break, we made our way back to Shinjuku to reunite with my two daughters and son-in-law, who had just arrived in Tokyo to join us for our vacation. With everyone together, we decided to have dinner together. But before that, my wife, eldest daughter and sons went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building , which was right across our hotel.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, known locally as the Tochō. Conveniently located just across from our hotel, this impressive complex serves as the headquarters for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, overseeing the special wards, cities, towns, and villages that make up the Tokyo Metropolis. The building is comprised of two towers, each featuring a free observatory on the 45th floor.
We arrived at the observatory just as the sun was setting, perfectly timed to experience the golden hour. The panoramic view from the observatory was absolutely stunning; the city of Tokyo stretched out before us, and on this clear evening, we were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Fuji in the distance. The observatory was bustling with people, all eager to soak in the breathtaking scenery and capture photos of the moment.
I managed to take a few photos myself before stepping aside to let others enjoy the view and snap their own pictures. It was truly a magical and unforgettable experience—the surreal beauty of the city bathed in golden light, with Mt. Fuji standing tall on the horizon, made for a moment that I will always cherish.
Shinjuku Washington Hotel
After our visit to the observatory, we made our way down and walked across the street to our accommodation, the Shinjuku Washington Hotel. This mid-sized hotel is notable for its rooms, which are somewhat compact—a characteristic that is quite typical among mid-priced hotels in Tokyo. Despite the modest room size, its location on the quieter side of Shinjuku Center provides a convenient balance for travelers who want both the excitement of city life and a comfortable place to unwind.
The hotel’s lower floors and basement feature several convenience stores and restaurants, making it easy for guests to find dining options or pick up essentials without leaving the building. This added convenience is especially appreciated after a long day of sightseeing.
Situated approximately 10 to 15 minutes on foot from the vibrant heart of Shinjuku, the hotel offers easy access to the bustling Shinjuku Station. Guests can choose to reach the station by following an underground walkway that connects directly from the hotel’s vicinity, or by taking an above-ground route along the road. Personally, I prefer the above-ground path, as it provides a more immersive experience of the city’s sights and sounds during the walk.
Upon arriving back at the hotel, we took the opportunity to rest and recharge before heading out for dinner. The quiet atmosphere of the Shinjuku Washington Hotel served as a welcome retreat, allowing us to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures before continuing our Tokyo journey.
Thus ended Day 2 of our 7-day Tokyo vacation. Thank you for visiting. All photos in the blog were taken with the Sony A7C2 + Sony 24-50mm f/2.8G lens. I also used a K&F VND +CPL for these shots. All were shot in jpg and edited via LR Classic.
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