Akihabara Guide Video

Here is my short video guide to the anime heaven of Akihabara! 

Direct link in case the embedding fails to work because anxiety and nerdiness go hand in hand. 💜

Tokyo Sky Tree

In this writer's opinion, no trip to Tokyo would be complete without a visit to the Sky Tree. Coming in at a little over two thousand feet tall, the Sky Tree is the tallest tower in the world according to Guinness Records. A trip to the top of the tower offers visitors a beautiful look out over the city of Tokyo. 

Combo tickets for the Tembo Deck, and slightly higher Tembo Galleria, are available for 3,100 yen (20 USD). Tickets are only required for adults 18+, children are free. Tickets must be booked for specific entry time slots, though there is no limit for how long you are allowed to stay once inside. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for peak entrance times, such as sunset. While a daytime visit may offer you a view of Mount Fuji, I personally think the coolest time to visit is at night so you can see all the twinkling lights of Tokyo! The Sky Tree is also lovely from the ground at night and its colors change depending on the season. Below are two photos of when my family visited the Sky Tree. These are from a few years ago which is probably obvious from the fact I am still covered by a mask. 😉

But wait! I have neglected to mention anything about anime in this post so far. Well, one of the best things about Japan for an anime fan is the constant collaborations. At any given time of the year, you can easily find cafes, retail stores, or tourist attractions doing anime themes. There are many websites out there that keep up with these various collaborations such as Collab Cafe and Anime Maps. Social media is also a great resource for keeping up with these ever-changing pop-up events and locations. 

(credit: Tokyo Sky Tree)

From now until December 22nd, the Tokyo Sky Tree is featuring a collaboration with the anime Jujutsu Kaisen. Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular new-generation animes, holding its own Guinness World Record for the world's most in-demand anime series. Art from the anime will be projected nightly in a 360 display around the interior of the tower and a pop-up cafe will feature themed drinks and snacks. In addition, the exterior of the tower will be lit up in colors that reflect the colors of the various powers used by the characters in the show. 

I cannot publish this post without also mentioning that Jujutsu Kaisen is my favorite anime!! Above is a photo of my merch collection, though I have more in different areas of my house this is the most concentrated spot haha. As mentioned earlier, it is pretty popular so if you are unfamiliar with the anime/manga world this is essentially comparable to the "basicness" of liking pumpkin spice coffee. I am more of a peppermint mocha girl myself but anyway.

Mitaka's Studio Ghibli Museum

(credit: Studio Ghibli)

In the heart of Mitaka's Inokashira Park lies the Ghibli Museum, a must-visit for most fans of Japanese animation. Located about thirty minutes away from central Tokyo, the museum exhibits original Ghibli art as well as a look into the process of how these famous animated films are created. The museum offers an exclusive behind the scenes look into these films, and therefore filming and photography is not allowed inside the museum. There are also outdoor displays featuring beloved characters and a themed cafe.  

(Credit: Maria Danuco via TokyoCheapo)

The most difficult thing about the Studio Ghibli museum is getting a ticket! Tickets for the month go on sale on the 10th of the month before. For example, tickets for December 1st to December 31st will open up on November 10th. Would be visitors must act fast to acquire these tickets, so international travelers should plan accordingly. However, despite being hard to obtain, tickets are very affordable at only 1,000 yen (~$7) for adults. If your ticket was purchased outside Japan, it must be picked up at a Lawson's convenience store. If you have not been to Japan yet don't be intimidated by this! Lawson's are easy to find on almost every block. Their digital ticketing machines are straightforward to use and should feature an option to change the language. Don't forget to pick up some yummy Japanese snacks to enjoy while you're there! 😋

Inokashira Park offers more than just a glimpse into the creative mind of Ghibli founder Miyazaki. Visitors to the Mitaka area park can also find an aquarium, petting zoo, and paddle boats inside. From Japan's fall scenery to springtime cherry blossoms, the park is beautiful all year round. You might just think you've been transported to a Ghibli movie yourself! 😊

Slam Dunk in Kamakura & Enoshima

 

(credit: Phillipine Star)

A short distance from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Japan travelers can find a change of scenery in the coastal areas of Enoshima and Kamakura. Using the Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station, visitors can arrive at Kamakura Kokomae Station in a little under an hour and a half, making it a perfect day trip. Kamakura Kokomae Station is a popular tourist photo opportunity for anime fans. The view outside this station is a destination spot for fans of the 1990's sports anime Slam Dunk. Slam Dunk follows the story of protagonist Sakuragi and his journey from delinquent bad boy to star basketball player. In 2022, The First Slam Dunk was released, a new movie based on the original anime. The film renewed interest in the 90's anime and went on to win the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year and became the 5th highest-grossing anime film (Wikipedia).

The view outside Kamakura Kokomae station of the beach and the electric railway are featured in the Slam Dunk anime's opening title sequence. Many fans of the sports anime can be found waiting outside the small train station to catch the perfect shot of the green train passing in front of the shimmering sea. Despite the area garnering so much popularity guards are frequently monitoring for safety, there is little else to do in the mostly residential area. However, there are many attractions and beautiful scenic spots located nearby.

After achieving that Instragrammable photo, fans can take a ten-minute train on the Enoden line from Kamakura Kokomae Station to the more popular tourist attractions around Enoshima Station. Enoshima Island features a variety of things to do from peaceful shrines to "dragon-guarded" caves. The island is dominated by the Enoshima Sea Candle. For 700 yen visitors can take the elevator to the top of the observatory and enjoy the beautiful views of the Japanese coast. On a clear day, Mount Fuji is clearly visible from Enoshima. For an extra 300 yen, admission to the surrounding gardens can be added to the Sea Candle ticket.

On the mainland, visitors can explore the Enoshima Aquarium, a large two-story aquarium. In addition, the aquarium features outdoor dolphin shows. Of course, spending the day soaking up the sun on the long stretch of beach is also a great and free option if you're looking for low budget fun.

Further away from the beach, visitors in this area can also see the Kamakura Daibutsu, or Great Buddha. From Kamakura Kokomae Station, travelers can use the Enoden line to take a 16-minute train ride to Hase Station. From Hase Station, the Great Buddha is about a seven-minute walk. Kamakura Daibutsu is the second tallest Buddha statue in Japan, and dates back to the 13th century. The statue is out in the open, unlike many Buddha statues which are often contained within temples. Due to its location on the coast, over the years the temple was subjected to the forces of many tsunamis and storms too many times to justify its continuous restoration (Japan Travel).

(credit: GetYourGuide)

Meme

 

"Plague Doctor" by ewen and donabel is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Alt Text: Meme of Plague Doctor saying "How am I supposed to live, laugh, love under these conditions?"

This is my meme. Honestly, I created it because I am down with covid right now and it is the first thing that popped into my sick brain. Not firing on all cylinders over here! I always enjoy the memes that make fun of the "live, laugh, love" signs, though I am pretty sure I had one in my house several years ago. It was a picture frame that said it on the border. That's forgivable, right? I thought the Creative Commons photo of this plague doctor costume was funny in itself. He looks a bit startled! Anyways, I hope I can live, laugh, and love fever-free again soon. 😣

Photo Remix

I chose to make a collage about my interests. I used a template on Canva to create a heart shape with the photos. I mostly focused on the type of books I like to read and chose photos with fantasy genre elements to them, like dragons and castles. I was not finding exactly what I had envisioned in my head, so I decided to include some other things I enjoy like autumn, coffee, and Japanese culture/travel. I chose photos that had similar dark color tones so they could match. 

Alt Tag Idea: heart-shaped collage with fantasy book-related images 

Credits:

"Elf" by Toffee Maky is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

"Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto" by Dimitry B is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Coffee feathering" by vivevans is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

"Autumn park." by MIKI Yoshihito. (#mikiyoshihito) is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Where the Dragons Cry" by Jan Tik is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Reading" by Book Catalog is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Lined with Japan Cedar" by Hyougushi is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

"Ghibli Museum" by Dick Thomas Johnson is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Castillo Medieval" by papelbit is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Stack of Books" by Sam Howzit is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Sunflowers at the Packer Farm Place, Hood River, Oregon" by Bonnie Moreland (free images) is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

"Book" by Sam Howzit is licensed under CC BY 2.0.