JAPAN | Ameyayokocho II

So moving alone the busy alley, came to a point I need some direction, but finally decided not to, because, even the local are lost!


Guy 1: We are here, are we?
Guy 2: No we are not, why is this map upside down?
Guy 3: Let us ask that guy with the big camera.
Guy 1: No, real man don't ask for direction.
Me: No wonder man always lost in woman's heart!

Trying to figure out where they are, despite the modern time, with the advancement of hi-tech compass and GPS, the good ol' fashion map reading is still a favourite.


So what to do? Just move ahead, and follow the flow, go where the crowds are going.


Golf is one of the favourite hobbies in Japan, I was told that, one need to book up to 6 months in advance just to play on the green, otherwise you can just indulge yourself at the driving range, which can be found almost at every corner, even on the rooftop of the high rise building! So it is not surprising to find golf shops at every other block of shops.


Unfortunately, I'm not a great big fan of golf, despite many people have persuaded me to be on the green, thou we've managed to swing some balls on the driving range yet I've not set foot to play on the actual green. Oh, I think the guy is kinda famous, no not golfer, but a well-known sumo wrestler, I think, because, many people then to stop, and react excitedly seeing him.


Fish, one of the ingredients for sushi, fresh fish are in abundance in Japan, a good way for a healthy diet. No wonder it sounds so fishy.


Then I was caught by surprised by this handsome gentlemen, (no, stop staring at his mustache, something fishy is going on here), me staring at him, him staring at him, just as reflex as it may seems, clicking my camera seems the way to be, sumimasen, lauk masin, bau ikan masin.


Wakasaya, the real sushi eateries, just look at the huge menus. This is a common sight in Japan, even along the alley there were countless such eateries.


But even the elegantness of indoor dining cannot beat the beauty of outdoor eating style, or those gerai style, eating along the walkway is here to stay, no matter where you are, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and even in Japan!

JAPEN | Ameyayokocho I

Ameyayokocho, or Ameyoko for short, is a shopping alley in Ueno, which is quite a awalk from Ueno Park. Situated along the underside of the railway track, it is one of the popular outdoor shopping markets.


The main gate of Ameyoko, on the left is the railway track.


A local walking pass by the local shop selling variety of items.


Just a simple reflection on the glass facade.


I am not sure what they call it, but an interesting sight.


Walking along, I came across this intersection, an intriguing diversion, going left will be walking thru the colours and glory, and walking right will be a mystical experience.



Another local shop, selling the spices of life.


And at a side alley, saw this tourist, a local tourist perhaps, trying to adjust his camera, well one of his cameras in fact, nice.


After the long and winding walk, one can have their quick pit stop at the ubiquitous vending machines, where one will be spoilt for choices, just prepare with your small change.

Which reminds me of this dumb joke, ( no I don't wanna associate it with blondes), anyway, this dumb guy keeps on putting his change in the vending machine, because he thought that he his winning his jackpot!

JAPAN | Ueno Park II

Moving along within the vicinity, there are still acres and acres of greens yet to be explore, but I don't have the privilege to explore each and every bit of 'em.

Saw this bicycle, wanted to borrow them, but no one was near it, I can't just ride it off, I might be accused of stealing, it's a no no.


So moving on, saw this thingy, kinda like some sort of wishes, or greeting or something, but looking at that one on the right, it looks like a heart break because it is between a line, or even their heart is within a very thin line, oh I dunno.


The vast area, can inspire the artist in a person, just like this "artist". Just look at those painting, brilliant isn't it? Unfortunately, I don't have the patient to wait til it is completed, I would assume, even that piece alone might have taken the artist half a day to compose and such. Looking at the sketch, it looks like the Phone Booth of Dr. Who, and the green domes are of the museum near-by.


At the other corner of the park, there is this large pond, one side filled with this sort of plant, what ever they call it now. I bet that sign says, No Fishing or even No Swimming, oh well, who would ever want to have a dip at those kind of water, might have some herbal effect on you, but heck no, I don't wanna even dip my feet in it. There was even no frog to be seen, perhaps, some dumb ladies had kiss them and turned them into their prince charming.


There on the other side of the lake, I saw these blue white like creatures, floating on the water, unlively, lifeless.


But looking at the wide angle view, it represent a different thing, the blue white creatures were in fact rowing boats, yet another artist found this interesting, in fact there were a number of artist doing their stuff within the park, so if you think you are an artist yourself, you can join them there.

JAPAN | Ueno Park I

Ueno Park is one of the largest public park just near the Ueno Station, so large that there are numerous places of interest within the vicinity, such as zoo, museums, Library, temple, shrine and lake, just to name a few.


A large map is provided almost at every corner so one can know where they are. If one are to visit each and every one of the attractions, one day is not enough, but I manage to "explore" the area in less than half a day!


A large "compass" is also provided, just in case you don't wanna read the map, but only if you can read japanese, otherwise stick with your map, or GPS on your mobile, which is even better.


Entering the park, one cannot miss to encounter some old scripts, but there are mostly signs in Japanese, and I am not so sure, what it says.


But What I found interesting is this signage at one corner of the park, there is an arabic script on the signage, although I can read the individual arabic letter, but I still have no idea what it meant, so if anyone of you can tell me what it says, it would be much help.


This park is very famous during the Cherry Blossom season, people will flock here to view the beautiful splendour, unfortunately, I was a bit late, the "cherry" is no longer there, the flowers are no longer blooming nor any scent of spring can be smell.


The only thing that I saw blooming is this! Oh well, better than nothing.