BigMike's Big Japanese Vacation

[TURBO]

hey mike Merry Christmas, i just got home and wound down... glad your haveing fun...   keep it up ttyl,

                                                                                                                                    TURBO

[79coyotefrg]

hey Mike,  Fongs  has got some killer smilies,  here is one we need  http://www.cosgan.de/images/smilie/verschiedene/f040.gif

[79coyotefrg]

http://www.cosgan.de/images/smilie/verschiedene/d015.gif

[79coyotefrg]

hey Mike  i saw there was a train wreck in northern japan,  hope it wasnt you  

[LCOwner]

Well Mike, it rained here big time lastnight, and you know what that means?   SSSSSNNNNNOOOOWWWW!  Looks like you're going to miss the first of the snow wheelin' trips.  But I suppose a trip to Japan is worth it.  I'll post pics of the New Years trip.

[BigMike]

Wow, that's pretty cool, thanks, I had no idea! Yup, be sure to post up some pics


Soooooo.........  A lot has happened!

• Thursday I went deep into Akihabara, as previously posted, and that night we went into the amazing city of Ginza!
• Friday evening we went into Shinjuku, which is possibly the core of the Tokyo Metropolis. I went there back in 2001, so it was interesting going there again
• On Saturday, we went to Asakusa, which is a traditional style city that dates back to the Edo period. In fact, we visited the Sensoji Temple, which is the oldest standing temple in Japan, and is said to have been built in AD 628. We thought it would be a good idea to go there, because in Japan, Chsitamas Eve seems to be more important than Christmas Day, so we figured a more traditional city would be less crowded.
• On Sunday, Christmas Day, we went over to Odiba, which is known as the "Aqua City." It is a complete city that was built atop a man man island by landfill. It was a very impressive place, and I think we are going to go back there tonight.
• Yesterday, Monday, Misato went back to work, and I checked out some more shops in the Akihabara area.

So on the some pictures!!

Continuing with where I left off on Reply #91, later that day on my way back into Akihabara, I spotted a sweet Subaru WRX STi

I also saw the first (of many) 7 Eleven stores, which are very common back in Fresno.

Then I saw a Japanese UPS Truck. What can Brown do for you?

[BigMike]

I was looking for a RC Shop, called "Chanpu Radicon", or "Champ R/C". I posted some information and pictures of that store and another in the Calling TURBO and Blane525 thread, and while I was in there, there was what looked like some kind of European tourist who was trying to ask a question to a worker in English.

Now, since Akihabara is a large tourist city, many of the workers have about a preschool level English skill. This guy would be talking in English, and then he would use very badly broken Japanese. He was mixing 95% English with 5% Japanese, and he also was mispronouncing the few Japanese words that he could.

So, while I was looking at some parts for my RC car, I was listening into his conversation, and eventually, I walked over there to see if he needed some help. I introduced myself in English of course, and he brightened up and became instantly friendly. I asked him if he knew any other RC stores in the area, and he asked me what I was looking for, and at that same time, the store clerk asked me, in Japanese, what I was looking for.

So I turned to the clerk and proceeded to explain, in Japanese, how the clodbuster is a Tamiya model and that it is very old. I asked him if he had any used or spare parts from it, and he told me no, they only have new parts, and since that model is old, they do not stock anything for it. This is kinda what I was afraid would happen, and later I learned that these stores only stock new parts. Oh well...

So then this European guys was like "why do you want Tamiya axles? You dont want those, those are really old, why dont you get some Super Nitro Double Hawk Deluxe Carbon Axles!!" or something to that effect, and he led me to a shelf with a bunch of IFS Axle Shafts. I told him, "no no, I am looking for a complete differential assembly with axles and gears and everything" and then I told him how back at home we are building Rock Crawler buggies and he really didnt understand why anyone would want to do that He said "man, f*** Electric, why dont you run Nitro! It has so much more power!!" And then I explained to him how we can gear these axles down using planetary gear sets to over 300:1 and he still didnt get it.

Anyways, I'm sure that happens to you guys too when you try to explain why we wheel Toyotas with Crawlers and not a 2005 Turbo Diesel Full Size Dodge Quad Cab Dulley yadda yadda yadda. Some people just dont get it, and they never will.

Anyhow, it turns out that the guy was actually from Vancouver BC Canada, and I told him how I was just there back in August, and he asked me how long have I been in Japan, and I told him 3 days. He was pretty impressed with my Japanese speaking ability, and I asked him if he was visiting, and he says "Oh No, I live here. I have been here for 8 years" WHAT??  Wow. 8 years and he sounds like he picked up an Audio CD on Japanese and only got past the first track. He then told me that he doesnt need to learn Japanese, and he just has his business associates do all the translating for him.

Well, I guess thats just how some people are. I certainly would HATE to live somewhere for 8 years and not understand CRAP about where I was and what was happening around me...

Anyhow, so I step out of the store with him, and there sits this clean Suzuki GSX1300R. You know, a Hayabusa, which is a Japanese super bike, and named from a Peregrine Falcon. It turns out that it was owned by this Canadian! So we start talking about it, and he tells me how he had like a Honda 1000 or something, I really wasnt paying much attention, and that he got SMOKED by some Japanese dude on a Hayabusa, so the next day he went out and bought one. Pretty sweet! Wwaayyy to much Bike for me but very cool nonetheless It is the fastest Production bike in a straight line. I asked him about its poweroutput, and he said that stock is around 170 HP AT THE WHEEL, and that h e had his Dynoed at 204 HP AT THE WHEEL. Wow. That is 157 HP/liter. At that rate, my 3RZ would be pumping out 424 HP. hahaha And of course this bike only weighs, what, maybe 400 lbs? I dont know, but it isnt hard to see the amazing power-to-weight ratio there

Then on my way back home, of course I came across some other street machines, so I had to take some snaps

Here is a Honda CBR400. That thing would spank my 500 anyday
And here was a bunch of bikes parked on a busy small side street.

[BigMike]

Here are some more while I was exiting Akihabara.

This is a picture of Yodobashi-kamera (Camera), which is the largest Yodobashi-kamera in Japan. Yodobashi-kamera is a chain computer/electronic store in Japan, just like Best Buy or Circuit City.

But obviously, this store makes the American stores look like a street vending machine.

It is a 10 FLOOR ELECTRONIC STORE PLUS 5 BASEMENT LEVELS FOR PARKING!!! Total, it is a B6 - F9 Building, which is a 15 Floor Building just for an Electronics store. Seriously, this place has it all. I went up to the 2nd floor to get a data cable for my dad's digital camera that I am using, and every single computer circuit board they sell has its own display case. It really is a unique store I must say. Next time I am there, I will take a picture of the store guide to show just what it has inside.

Here is one of many walk-paths to get you back to the main train station, Akihabara Station.

And here are some "Maneki Neko", which is commonly known as a "Super Lucky Cat", but the Japanese translates to "Welcoming Cat". Anyways, my best friends Band, the Super Lucky Cats, wanted me to bring back some SLCs for them, so I have been looking around for some..

[BigMike]

I then spotted this SA-WEET 4WD Nissan R34 V-Spec GTR Twin Turbo Skyline

This is my #1 favorite Japanese car. Too bad Nissan never offered it in the States.

This car looked like it was pulled right from the SEMA show. It must have had over 20 different electronic devices in the interior.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[BigMike]

Then I saw a 2nd gen 4Runner, or Hilux Surf, which was Gas powered.

And then my walk home went from bad to worse.

I first found out that there exists Gay and Homosexual Japanese people in Japan, as noted by this Porsche

And then I found this store near our apartment, which proves that the Mexican influence has reached Japan

[BigMike]

Later that night we went into Ginza which was AWESOME!!!!!

Shinjuku is supposed to be larger, but Ginza seemed to be three times the size. There were countless shopping buildings and malls and specility stores. Every street we turned onto had more skyscrapers and more stores and more people all over the place.

[BigMike]

 

[BigMike]

 

[BigMike]

There I found the first KFC Chicken, of which is often advertised on TV, and I also found another Wendy's

Can you read that? It says "Windi-zu Hanba-ga-" Wendy's Handburger

And I found a Barber shop advertising their "Special Christmas Prices"

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT GARBAGE?!?!?!?! How would you like to have to dish out over $60 for a regular HAIR CUT! My Japanese friends back in Fresno are always talking about how amazingly cheap American Hair Cuts are. I knew their prices were higher than ours, BUT NOT 60 BUCKS! CRAP. Look at that option to Straighten curly hair, That's about $160 US!!!!!!!!

[BigMike]

Well, I think this is all I've got time for right now. Misato has not emailed me yet, but I think I better start getting ready for tonight. We are going to head back to Odaiba, the Aqua City, and try to ride on the largest ferris wheel in Tokyo. Christmas Night there was a 3 HOUR LINE to get on that thing!

Anyways, I have only gotten through last Thursday so far! I have more pictures to share, I'll get those posted up tomorrow morning

Well, I'll finish up with Thursday......

While we were in Ginza, we ate at a Korean style restruant which was just OK. I have eaten at American Korean resturants and the food here didnt seem much different, just about double the price.
I drank my first Sake that night and it was goooooooood

I also found this killer Ducati 1000ds Bike. Man that thing was N I C E.

See ya later
BigMike

[BLACKDOG]

Mike, Looks like an awesome trip!! Glad you're having a blast, its awesome that you are able to share your experiences over here with us folks back in the states!!  Can tell you're having a blast!

[wa4x4]

That is a very nice 02-03 STi, first year they were offered in the US. They have had STis in Japan and europe since the mid-90s

[BigMike]

I just got back from Odaiba, and it was awesome! The views of the city from the Island at night are simply breathtaking!

Misato and I rode a Ferris Wheel that was built in 1990, and at that time, was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for the tallest Ferris Wheel ever created. I am not sure, but I believe the announcement that was in Japanese said the height was 130 meters, which is approx. 425 feet, or a good 40 stories tall!

I have plenty of pictures from tonight, but of course I am still far behind with the updates, so I'll have to share them tomorrow.

Right now it is just past 11pm Tuesday night, and we are going to hit the sack. Updates to come tomorrow!!

Hey wa4x4, did you also know that the 2.5 l engine is ONLY available in the states? Crazy huh, Subaru is the only Japanese company that I know of who has a reverse philosophy about Japanese vs. American versions of their top sports car. You know, usually JDM engines have higher compression (better fuel grade in Japan), and thus, have more aggressive ignition components and ECU fuel mappings/timing curves. This was most noticeable in the early 90s.

But with the Subaru WRX STi, in America, it is offered with a 300hp 2.5l Turbo Engine, but in Japan, even with the New 2006 STi Spec C version, it is only offered with the 2.0l Turbo Engine that puts out only about 285hp. There is no such thing as a 2.5l Boxer engine in Japan.

BUT!! The funny thing is that the Japanese 2.0 puts out 311 ft-lbs of Torque while the American 2.5l only puts out 300 ft-lbs TQ. So the displacement theory is in deed backwards!!
Well, I will post up some more pics and stories tomorrow! Until then, good night from Japan

BigMike

[rEdnECkwHeE1eR]

I just got back from Odaiba, and it was awesome! The views of the city from the Island at night are simply breathtaking!

Misato and I rode a Ferris Wheel that was built in 1990, and at that time, was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for the tallest Ferris Wheel ever created. I am not sure, but I believe the announcement that was in Japanese said the height was 130 meters, which is approx. 425 feet, or a good 40 stories tall!

I have plenty of pictures from tonight, but of course I am still far behind with the updates, so I'll have to share them tomorrow.

Right now it is just past 11pm Tuesday night, and we are going to hit the sack. Updates to come tomorrow!!

Hey wa4x4, did you also know that the 2.5 l engine is ONLY available in the states? Crazy huh, Subaru is the only Japanese company that I know of who has a reverse philosophy about Japanese vs. American versions of their top sports car. You know, usually JDM engines have higher compression (better fuel grade in Japan), and thus, have more aggressive ignition components and ECU fuel mappings/timing curves. This was most noticeable in the early 90s.

But with the Subaru WRX STi, in America, it is offered with a 300hp 2.5l Turbo Engine, but in Japan, even with the New 2006 STi Spec C version, it is only offered with the 2.0l Turbo Engine that puts out only about 285hp. There is no such thing as a 2.5l Boxer engine in Japan.

BUT!! The funny thing is that the Japanese 2.0 puts out 311 ft-lbs of Torque while the American 2.5l only puts out 300 ft-lbs TQ. So the displacement theory is in deed backwards!!
Well, I will post up some more pics and stories tomorrow! Until then, good night from Japan

BigMike

Are you sure because I saw the front half of an older subaru, the body style before the one you posted, in a tuning shop anf the guy said It was a type R sti (i think??) with a 2.5, And I am sure this guy knows his stuff

[Rocksurfer]

I've always wondered what someone in Japan would say about an American tourist or if that tourist would be taking pictures of everything and anything. Well Mike I guess they are saying the exact same thing we do when you see a Japanese tourist at Disneyland taking pictures of everything and anything. "Stupid American tourist, look he's taking a picture of that lightpole just because it looks early Japanese", or "Stupid American tourist, why do they always take pictures of Mc Donald's and 7-11, I thought they had those there?"

[BigMike]

Are you sure because I saw the front half of an older subaru, the body style before the one you posted, in a tuning shop anf the guy said It was a type R sti (i think??) with a 2.5, And I am sure this guy knows his stuff

Were you in America? The 2.5 is offered in America. My Japanese friend told me that Subaru uses a larger engine for the American versions and a smaller engine for the Japanese versions. I am not sure about when they were first introduced in Japan, but my friend told me that the do not have any parts for the American engine in Japan. So I am assuming that there was never a 2.5 offered in Japan.
Anyways, check out this page: http://www.subaru.co.jp/impreza/specc/mechanism/01/index.html
That is the Japanese page for the newest version of the Impreza. So at least the more recent versions only use the 2.0l engine...

I've always wondered what someone in Japan would say about an American tourist or if that tourist would be taking pictures of everything and anything. Well Mike I guess they are saying the exact same thing we do when you see a Japanese tourist at Disneyland taking pictures of everything and anything. "Stupid American tourist, look he's taking a picture of that lightpole just because it looks early Japanese", or "Stupid American tourist, why do they always take pictures of Mc Donald's and 7-11, I thought they had those there?"

Hey RS, yup, I was thinking the same thing my first couple of days here. But you know, the Japanese are the crazy ones with cameras, not the Americans. I ALWAYS see Japanese people taking a crap load of pictures. Always showing the Peace sign right? So Misato told me that no one cares if I am taking pictures of so many things, because even here, Japanese people are still taking so many pictures, even within their own country.


Right now it is 9:30am Wednesday morning, and I suppose I'll post up some more pics

So on to Friday then! We went to Shinjuku which is the heart of the Tokyo Metropolis.
I went there back in 2001, and I could easily identify buildings and "depa-to" stores, or Department stores that I had been to in the past.

Since it was Christmas weekend, it was pretty crowded I thought, but Misato said this is just normal for a Friday night. Wow, I would hate to be there when its really crowded

Shinjuku has one large shopping "depa-to" building called "My Lord", yes, just like that in English, and it is like a 10 story shopping mall. One could spend allllllllllllllllllll day long here. Mainly its for the ladies, with countless stores offering skirts, jackets, shoes, and hand bags for the ladies. And since I am such a Ladys-Man, I was right at home

Here is a picture right after we got off the subway at Shinjuku Station. It looks pretty crowded, but apparently this is normal. That Japanese dude has now become famous

Here is a Christmas decoration just outside of My Lord.

[BigMike]

Here are some pictures from the streets of Shinjuku.

In the 2nd picture, you can see the Kabukicho, which is the main Entertainment center of Shinjuku. There are many restaurants, theaters, movie theaters, and game arcades there.
Here is a picture of it I found on google so that you can identify it in my picture below:

Despite it being such a tourist trap, we did not go there

[Rocksurfer]

Hey RS, yup, I was thinking the same thing my first couple of days here. But you know, the Japanese are the crazy ones with cameras, not the Americans. I ALWAYS see Japanese people taking a crap load of pictures. Always showing the Peace sign right? So Misato told me that no one cares if I am taking pictures of so many things, because even here, Japanese people are still taking so many pictures, even within their own country.

Ah, ok. So running around Japan with a camera pasted to your forehead and the flash going off every 30 seconds is normal.

[BigMike]

Of course, while we were walking around through My Lord, I was BOUND to find some Engrish!! (see http://www.engrish.com)

So here are two Engrish articles that I found

ahhh gotta love those crazy Japanese people

And I must say, that was one happy price!!

[BigMike]

Ah, ok. So running around Japan with a camera pasted to your forehead and the flash going off every 30 seconds is normal.

hahaha yup, I suppose so!

Then, on the top floor of My Lord, which I believe was the 10th or something like that, we came across a little taste of America. This store had all kinds of American foods. I both felt at home and also felt disgusted. The mac+cheese is great, I've never had any Spam, but there were lots of American candies and snacks there, and looking at the packages and pictures just made me sick. So much sugar and pointless frostings and such, yuck. This isnt something that has happened over night, I have slowly lost my taste for American sweets during the last 5 or 6 years of my life. Especially American cakes and pastries... No wonder we have so many dieting and work out programs back in the states.

But it was cool to see familiar brands and labeling

We scored on a bag of Avocado chips, a box of Mac+Cheese , and some Twix because I love having more acne hahaha

[BigMike]

 

[BigMike]

Then we walked across town to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which is located in Shinjuku.

I had left my camera at home that night, so all of these pics were coming from Misato's camera, and it was on the wrong setting for distant pics in the dark. The Government Skyscrapper was very beautiful at night, and have green and orange lighting all over both towers.

Unfortunately the pictures are far to dark to even recognize the buildings, so I've found these pics from google to show you what the building looks like:




We walked right past that building on the other side of the street, and we entered one of the Nishi Skycraper building and went to the 52nd floor for dinner. They had restaurants on the 48th - 52th floors. But, they were all completely full and we must have walked around for a good hour trying to find a place to eat. We finally found a nice Italian restaurant back near the Subway station, and ate there. It was pretty good

Here are some pics of the many trees that were decorated for Christmas

I even found a Sizzlers Restaurant so I took a pic of it. When I was younger, my family would always go there. Pretty good food But they have all since shut down in Fresno, I think, and I have not seen one for many years. So it was cool to see that they are still around
And I found my first MR2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And its a 1st gen Turbo! (90-93)

[BigMike]

And the final pictures from Friday night...

A Resturant on the 52nd floor with window seats that was completely full. While we were inside waiting in line, deciding if we wanted to stay there or not, multiple people had come out and paid early and left. I could not understand their Japanese as they were speaking very quickly, but Misato said that the one lady had waited 30mins for some water for her daughter, and it took over an hour just to get her salad. Many people were pretty upset and they were leaving.

So we left too. It was really busy and you could tell that the workers wanted to just get the hell outta there. It wasnt a good night for that place, but man, look at that food!! It looked soooooooooo good!!

And that was it for Friday.

[Rocksurfer]

Awww, such a cute couple.  This has been one of the best vacations I've ever been on.......... oh wait, I'm not there sure feels like it though

[BigMike]

So on to Saturday! Christmas Eve!

As mentioned earlier, we went to Asakusa, which is a traditional city, because we thought it would be slower and less crowded on Christmas Eve. It was still pretty busy, but if that place was busy, then I would hate to be anywhere else! The main cities must have been out of control crowded that day!!

Before leaving the Kanda area, I found an ad for a Shrimp Burger that I thought was      I am not much of a seafood guy, sorry

And here is The Kaminarimon Gate I dont know whats so cool about it, but there was a CRAP load of people taking pictures of it. It is a very famous Japanese landmark.

And here is a shot looking down the beginning of the "Nakamise" which literally translates to "Inside Stores" Its like a huge linear flea market. Lots of junk here, and I saw many tourists buying junk. Lots of stores are making some good money here. Everything looks like it cost 5 cents to make and was selling for more than $5.

Thanks Dad for taking me with you to so many swapmeets so that I was able to learn what things actual values are