The next day we enjoyed a late morning, giving ourselves a little bit of leeway to adjust to Japan time, and also to stockpile some energy for the full day of shopping that lay ahead of us.
The way these shopping days work is just one of the ways in which Destination Japan’s tours really shine. Together the group uses the trains to move around to different shopping areas, learning all sorts of useful info like how to buy your tickets, how to navigate your way around the city, and how to follow standard Japanese public transportation etiquette. Not only does this help everyone on the tour get used to how things work, but also helps build confidence in moving around on their own.
So when participants on the tour go to cool shopping areas like Akihabara, Harajuku, and Shibuya, we show them cool spots to check out and then set them free. Want to break off from the group and spend the rest of the day in Akihabara? Want to go off and explore at your own pace? Do it! That’s the freedom a Destination Japan tour allows.
Some of those on the tour did just that, as they were let loose on the anime and game heaven of Akihabara, Tokyo. After a quick walking tour around the area to show everyone some points of interest, they set off to wreak havoc!
Stepping out of the station...
...and into the promised land!
Showing everyone what's where.
Stoppin' by Don Quixote (AKA "Donki")
Anime ads plastered everywhere.
Some of the group's intrepid voyagers!
Comic shop Tora no Ana.
Next we headed over to Harajuku – the home of underground Tokyo fashion and the best crepes you’ve ever tasted.
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Inching down the crowded Takeshita Street.
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A nice hearty bowl of authentic ramen at Kyushu Jangara.
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After that, we stopped in Shibuya, the trend capital of the Tokyo metropolis.
The famous intersection at Shibuya
Wading through the sea of people.
When crossing the street here, you just pick a direction and go.
Dusk is the magical time for Shibuya pics - the "blue hour".
Twilight in Shibuya.
Shibuya is one of the liveliest night-time areas of Tokyo.
Once the group had its way with the city, we retired to our hotel to gather our strength for another amazing day in Japan...
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