Day 6 - 2014/10/05 (Sunday)

Rainy Akihabara

A very late blog of day 6 of my trip so some photos such as those of items are outdated. Omatase Shimashita.

A very rainy day due to approaching typhoon.

Went to the nearby Don Quijote to get a 200yen umbrella. This Asakusa store opened in 2013 is open 24 hours. You can see illuminated it at night from Skytree observatory. Follow that car about 100 meters to get to donki.

The inclement weather made me alter my plans so decided to just go to Akihabara. Some people think it is too touristy here which it is but heading out every morning and returning at night the ambiance of the area changes dramatically after the crowds disappear. There are no tourists in the morning only workers making their way to work. After 7pm the area shows only a few remnants of tourist activity and replaced with a relaxing area with the shrine and lanterns illuminated. Skytree looks great at night as well. The lights rotating around the 2 observatories at Skytree look like cylons from Battlestar.

I would have liked to walk to Akihabara but the heavy rain and winds forced gave me no option but to take the train. Asakusa to Ueno via Ginza line

The number one tip when visiting Tokyo is to get yourself a SUICA (or PASMO) card. You can get yourself a day or multi day discounted tickets but these will only allow you on JR lines. You will save yourself time and headaches by getting one of these IC cards as they allow you to board any of the various companies trains (not just JR). The little saving in the discounted tickets is not worth the trouble.

Took the Hibiya Line from Ueno to Akihabara Station

Electric town exit (north-west side) of Akihabara station. Steins;Gate and Love Live fans should recognise these steps and UDX building.

There were a couple of events in Akiba with one at UDX. The photo below does not show it but despite the miserable weather people were waiting patiently in long lines that stretched around the buildings in the rain.
Tip: Visit the Anime Center website to see the schedule of upcoming events before your arrival.

Looking for a specific gachapon to complete a series collection? Have a look here. The sales clerk is inside the store so make your selection and take them inside to pay for your items. Honesty is a way of life here.

Some software available for preorder at Sofmap. Sorry for the terrible shots but the rain and wind also made taking photos more difficult. On top of that I am a crappy photographer. Argh.

Decided to check out this store.
























They had some figures I didn't have. The item that interested me the most was the Ichiban Kuji prize in the top left.

Another shop specialising in figures. It's like a kid in a candy store or an otaku in Akihabara (LOL). Had a look and moved on.

Checked out Don Quijote. It is very different to your usual Donki store because it specialises in anime merchandise. Lots of interesting items.

No photos allowed but took a few blurry ones. You seriously need a week in Akiba as there is so many stores and so much merchandise. I selected only a few stores and took my time for the 1.5 days I decided to explore here. Lots of cosplay clothing and accessories.

Phone, key chain charms and so on.

Lots of emoji merchandise.

Many patient people waiting in the rain to enter this building for some event.

Walked passed Mandarake (black building on the left)and headed for Akiba Cultural Zone. The GSCxAnimate cafe is in there. Because I was traveling alone I did not want to go to the cafe on my own. I really wanted to.

If time is limited then my suggestion is to visit a couple of these stores. Kotobukiya, Akiba Cultural Zone, Volks, Mandarake and a few of the electronics stores.
Anyway below are a couple of sneaky photos of items from one of the stores showcases at Akiba Zone
Wish I could have taken photos of the more interesting items such as books, art boards, tapestries, etc I have never seen before but you guessed it 'no photos' allowed.

Next was Kotobukiya. If you love Yotsuba and Danbo, Star Wars and anime figures in general you must visit this store. The most difficult decision is what not to buy.

You can't deny Yotsuba and Danbo are so cute.

My favourite game at the moment is KanColle so I am surprised I did not buy any Kancolle stuff. I was quite restrained.

Just a few of the more interesting merch/displays at Koto. I took lots of photos so these are a few. Yikes.
 GUP one of my fav anime.

btw after this trip I stopped doing these terrible angled shots. The 3D poster behind these Tony Taka figures was really cool.

I like Ars Nova anime over Kantai.

Love Live display. I only started liking medichu's after this trip. Damn it. They are so cute.

Steins;Gate display. Again surprised I did not pick up any future gadget lab merch.

I have resisted getting any IM@S items because once you get one you have to get them all, right?

 

Lots of Star Wars stuff. This is one of many displays. Nothing says japanese and star wars like a light saber chopstick that illuminates. The perfect souvenir.

 It is very difficult to get any DC/Marvel bishoujo at retail online but they no shortage here at retail prices.

 Freddy and Jason was days away from release.

Love these monogatari merch because of the art. Only bought one IC card sticker with Hitagi and Kanbaru on it.

Japanese really know how to package things and protect them from the rain. My purchases didn't get wet but my trousers, shoes and socks sure got thoroughly drenched.

FamilyMart and Lawson are my favourite Combini because they have the most collaborations. Convenience stores in Japan are awesome. You actually want to try most things they sell. Their items are not overpriced but surprisingly inexpensive. I would always get an onigiri or two every day. They way they are package is brilliant. You will know what I mean if you have opened an onigiri from a convenience store before. Because Halloween was a couple of weeks away FamilyMart had some Halloween inspired Miku stuff like this sando.

Loot of the day. A couple of omiyage Danbo's for my niece and nephew. Iron Patriot for nephew and Mario for sister.

Got 2 of these Cheero Danbo battery packs. Keep your phone or tablet charged on the road.

 IC stickers for your Pasmo or Suica.

 

Found Makise at a store in Akiba Zone for 10000yen. Got the art board for free. Had 2 to choose from so just selected this one because I thought it was cuter.