Tokyo Drift at Odaiba: Part Cinematic, Part Motor Show, All Awesome!

Tokyo Drift event at Odaiba: Part Cinematic, Part Motor Show, All Awesome!

Japan, and Tokyo specifically, have always had the image of automobiles associated with the geographic location.  Also, thanks to a certain 2006 movie, "drifting" is associated with Japan as well, also in specific, Tokyo.  One doesn't necessarily need to be a fan of the entire Fast and Furious movie saga, though, to become fascinated with the art of drifting cars.

Drifting originated in Japan, so one can easily argue that taking part in the sport is as traditional as kimonos or samurai.  Or maybe not... 

There is a professional "league" that hold events for drifting: the D1 Grand Prix (D1GP for short), which has each round of its competition staged at various courses around Japan, and sometimes even outside of the drifting motherland.

The focus on this webpage will be on the round held at Odaiba, Tokyo, near DiverCity (actually, in its parking lot as it appears).  The area is easily accessible by train for tourists, or even by car for anyone who drives... though I'm sure you're not allowed to drift your way there.

Unlike the typical auto/motor show in Tokyo, the drift event at Odaiba is well spaced out and thus not too crowded/suffocating for the attendees.  Though the seating area is a bit tight, you can always get up and walk around the food/exhibit areas just outside of the track and bleachers area.

And about those exhibits...cars, and race queens.  Though on a much smaller scale, it's just like Tokyo Auto Salon, but outdoors and with less crowds!  Definitely worth a look.







But, you came here to see drifting, right?  Seeing it on the big screen or on your phone/computer screen is one thing, but seeing it in person is a whole different experience.

The sight is one thing, that you can kind of see online already.  But the sounds of roaring engines and the screech of too-strained tires... combined with the feeling of the asphalt vibrating from the mechanical stress transferred from those metal beasts, and the smell of burning rubber... all of it wrapped in a neat Tokyo package is quite an experience.

Also, in between car drift segments of the event, there are pretty extreme Motocross performers, which are pretty awesome/exciting to see and photograph as well!

The Drift event at Odaiba is definitely worth seeing in person at least once, whether you're a motorhead or not.  Cars are everywhere but drifting is not... so why not see it at its best, in its motherland of Japan?

Recommendations:

- Buy tickets online in advance.  Though not mandatory (tickets/seats seem to be available onsite even during the event), buying in advance ensures that you and your companion(s) get seated at the location/price you want, as there are different seating areas at different prices.

Specifics:

Tokyo Drift at Odaiba
Location:

Night Buses: Transporting You Comfortably From Place To Place, In Dark Space

When it comes to travelling between distant cities in Japan, the Shinkansen (and its distant "relatives" in the form of various types of express trains) immediately come to mind as the most famous means of travelling large distances in the country.  Though, for those who have tried it or even just searching out bullet train fares, it's not cheap.

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The most comfy bus ride ever! #japan #bus #willerexpressbus #asia #iphoneasia

A post shared by akiba16 (@akiba16) on May 29, 2019 at 4:56am PDT

Air travel, while generally even more expensive than rail, is also up there in popularity.  Though personally, I could live without the hefty check in, wait, and baggage claim times associated with any travel via airport.

Through the internet and word of mouth, though, I learned about the cheapest reasonable means to travel from the Kanto plain to the Kansai region: the night bus (also known as the highway bus).  For a relatively reasonable fee, one can conceivably sleep through the night and wake up at his/her destination.  And from the photos I've seen of the night bus interior, this is travelling in style!  Some buses afford passengers an enclosed room for themselves to presumably enjoy and await arrival at the destination the next morning.

So, we decided to give it a go.  I'd never been to Universal Studios Japan, so that seemed like a good destination to give this mode of travel a try.  It would preclude the need for hotel/lodging, since we could also board a night bus the evening of our arrival at Osaka to get back to the Kanto region.

Reservations were easy enough, through Hyperdia, though it takes you to Willer Bus express, which is the company that manages the route we would be taking.  They had a convenient trip scheduled both ways, which had us arriving at USJ just before opening (08:30) and departing around the time I expected we'd experienced all we wanted for the day (19:55).

On the evening of our travel, a couple of things amazed me:
- the bus terminal area was on the fourth (4th!!!) floor of a building(!!!)
- the clockwork precision of the buses, departing and arriving like a choreographed performance:

The onboard experience was wonderful!  For the nine hour journey from Shinjuku to Universal Studios, I had a comfortable seat (which reclines pretty way back, though not quite close to horizontal), and my own personal space courtesy of curtains that provided a cozy "room" on the bus.  It kind of felt like flying business class on an international flight, though without the served food and drink.

I slept probably as well as possible, considering I was in a moving wheeled vehicle, after all.  Bathroom/rest area breaks were about 2-3 hours apart during the journey, which are a welcome opportunity to use the bathroom (there was no restroom on the bus), get food/drink, or otherwise just bask, breathe in, and wander around in a part of the country I would not find myself at if not for this red-eye journey.

Coming home, I slept even better, which was predictable since that was coming off a full day of USJ walking and excitement.  For all the reasons I've stated and understated, the night bus is an experience worth having, and for me it'll be the preferred mode of travel to other major/distant cities to keep more money in my travel budget!

Recommendations:

- Book your trip in advance; though there were a few empty seats on both rides of my experience, I can't imagine what trouble it would've been had I not booked in advance and the bus was full.

- Wear comfortable clothes for the trip, something you believe can fall asleep in.

- If needed, bring snacks/drinks but not the smelly kind... to be kind to your fellow long-distance travelers.

Specifics:

Visit some of the bus companies that have night/highway buses to book online:

Willer Express

Japan Bus Online

JR Bus Kanto

Ashikaga Flower Park: Mysterious Wisterias Abound

Though I have gained a greater appreciation of nature, and all of God’s creatures over the past few years, I’m not the type to really go out of my way to see something along those lines.  After all, even in the urban Kanto plain you are never really that far from nature, right?

For my lover’s passion and interest though, on a Saturday morning in May we ventured out to Ashikaga-Shi, in Tochigi prefecture, to see what the hysteria over Wisteria was all about.

Ashikaga flower park had been recommended to me by a few friends, but those friends’ interests run a bit differently from mine... so the idea had hit a dead end until this year, about three years since I’d first heard of it.

Well, I really enjoyed it!  Not as much as other things I tend to enjoy, but still, it was a breath of fresh air to be out in a more natural setting.  The flower park is well thought out in both appearance and egress.

If you like water, there is a lot of it to see and it complements the flowers quite beautifully.

But the main attraction was the wisteria, and it didn’t disappoint.  It was my first time to see this type of flower/plant and my camera had more than its fill of image work on those wisteria.


Aside from the main attraction(s) of the park, I will also mention that the food is worth the visit as well!  The ramen is a different variety that that found in the Kanto plains, and gyoza in Tochigi prefecture (especially Utsunomiya) is wonderful.  Ashikaga will definitely not disappoint, and leave you in awe of all creations of god and man alike.

Recommendations:

- Be prepared to walk!  Even if you opt to drive or take a bus tour to get there instead of using the train system, to see/taste all that is good here you'll be walking to get to it.  Wear shoes you're comfortable with for walking a lot.

- Keep an eye out on the weather.  As the flower park is entirely outdoors, plan accordingly with regards to forecasts of rain.

Specifics:
Ashikaga Flower Park
Admission: Varies by time of year and age (see website if specifics costs are needed)
Location:

Azuki Shiba Cafe: Geeking Out on Doggies in Akihabara

Akihabara, as you may already know, has a great many things catering to many interests.  So, while the animal cafes (notably owl and cat) have been in the neighborhood for years, it is only recently that canines have entered the Akiba scene.  More specifically, those cute mame shiba dogs.

Azukishiba No Sato is in the heart of the "otaku" world in Akihabara, along Chuo Street and very close to JR Akihabara Station (about a 1-2 minute walk).  As it is a newer establishment, compared to the popular Mame Shiba café in Harajuku, it was less populated with visitors and wait times very minimal, if any, at the times I'd visited.





So, if you find yourself curious to meet the shibas, Azukishiba gets my recommendation for a first timer due to ease of entry and being less crowded.

Azukishiba offers 30 minute stays with the dogs.  It can go by quickly, but you always have the option of purchasing another stay.  They also offer point cards, the rewards for filling up are unknown to me at this time.





The dogs seemed lesser in number compared to the café in Harajuku, but there are quite a few here to fawn over.  And, they are no less cute and cool than their counterparts.  It's also a bit easier to move around from shibe to shibe here, as it's less crowded, so that is another plus.




If you're in Akihabara and your schedule (and your heart) has room for more, the mame shiba at Azukishiba café can easily fill up both with their cuteness and affection!


Recommendations:

- Wear comfortable clothing: you'll likely sit or kneel on the tatami (mat) floor to get closer to the pups

- Use restroom before going if needed: I didn't notice any public restroom in or near the café.


Specifics:

Azukishiba No Sato
Location:

TeamLab Planets: A Fun Time In The Dark and Lights (and water!)

TeamLab Planets is a relatively new attraction in town, and along with its sister attraction, TeamLab Borderless, gets a lot of attention and reviews from both locals and tourists in Tokyo.  Be warned: it is relatively on the high cost of activities (even in Tokyo), but if you can manage it, and manage it along with others, it is definitely a fun experience and worth the time and money you put into it.









I won't go too much into detail here, as I believe that the element of surprise always has its merits.  But I'll share some of the photos and videos I took at Planets, and along with the many others you'll see online (or already have seen), and perhaps it'll convince to give it a try.









As you can see, it is a fun experience which takes your eyes all over, and puts your feet into some wet places... submersing yourself into nearly knee-deep waters at times.  Don't worry too much about the moisture though, as the event gives you towels to dry off after each water-based experience.  Just watch your step(s).






According to their website, Planets is operating for a limited time, until Fall 2020.  So for those considering taking a step into the world of Planets... don't think or procrastinate too long on it.





After all, after that first step into Planets, every step, every second of the experience seems to differ from the last one.  A galaxy full of possibilities and fun awaits!

Recommendations:

- Regarding the waters, TeamLab Planets does give everyone an informational briefing before you enter, part of which addresses how to avoid getting clothes wet.  That said, for the ladies, long skirts probably give the most headache with regards to them possibly getting wet.  Jeans and pants can be rolled up relatively easily.

- Bring a photographic device of some kind!  Whether it's your phone or a DSLR camera, you have to capture some of those moments somehow.  That said...

- Video is even better than photos.  You'll discover this while you're there.

- If you fully intend to use the site's app on your phone while there, it's probably worthwhile to download and install it on your phone in advance of your visit.

- Go with someone!  Selfies, while great, won't do your experience justice by itself... having someone do the photography for you will be worth it.

- As is the case with almost all activities that occur every day, weekdays will be more pleasant and less crowded than weekends.


Specifics:

TeamLabs Planets
Admission: Various depending on day of week, as high as 3200 yen for adults.  Night admission tickets are cheaper.
Location:

Ooedo Onsen: Not Just For Bathing

Take step back in time and immerse yourself in the wonder of old Japan, at Ooedo Onsen Monogatari!

With a name like Ooedo Onsen Monogatari, the image of a hot spring public bath, Japanese style, comes to mind.  You are right, at least partially; Ooedo Onsen has those fully nude bathing areas, but I've never personally experienced it myself.  Despite that, I'll vouch that there is a lot to enjoy, and see, at Ooedo Onsen.

For starters, once you check in to the facility, you get to pick out a Yukata for your time here.  While perhaps not as glamourous or photogenic as a kimono, the yukata is still very much a signature Japanese garment, and much more comfortable to wear than the kimono by far.

You'll have to change out of your "civilian" clothes to get into the yukata, and if you're not sure about how to put it on, there are posters in the locker room illustrating the manner in which the yukuta should be put on, appropriately.

Once the Yukata is on... the experience is on at Ooedo Onsen!  Out of the locker room, you find yourself in an indoor, traditional Japanese village setting.  The setting is very, very nice...

...but also cool is that you find yourself surrounded by others, all wearing yukatas!  It's truly immersive, and perhaps one of the few places that you find this type of thing where you can imagine yourself walking, barefoot, in old Japan.  In the "village" you can enjoy food/drink, play games, and otherwise just soak in this unique atmosphere.

And once you're ready, there's a whole other part, with a similar yet different feel:  the outdoor foot baths, with waters warmed nicely by hot springs.  Again, here you'll find yourself in a traditional Japanese setting, but more relaxing, calming, and peaceful.  That, and the warm water on your feet/legs will make for a sublime experience and a "breather" from the hectic stresses of life.

Of course, there are other features, such as sleeping areas, lounges, the public "onsen", and massages.  If you're into that, I've only heard good things.  But if you just want to enjoy a unique atmosphere in a great setting, and perhaps pamper your feel and soul, sticking with the more "tame" areas of Ooedo Onsen is still a wonderful experience.  Especially for temporary residents, I'd recommend coming here to experience it at least once.

Recommendations:

- Ooedo Onsen is really good for any time of the year and any time of day/night; just be somewhat prepared if going there during the more chilly times (late fall, winter, early spring), as the outdoor air areas can get pretty chilly and cause you to want to hurry to the warm outdoor foot bath waters, where it's actually very pleasant.

- This attraction is also very kid friendly if you have little ones and are not going to the onsen.

- When you're changed into your yukata for your Ooedo Onsen experience, you don't need to bring money with you.  That wristband they gave you with the locker key?  You can charge your purchases to the wristband, from which you'll pay the charges when you check out.

- Don't forget to bring your camera and/or smartphone, though; many photo opportunities here and you don't want to miss those!  Because of this...

- Go with a friend or more: better photos!  Selfies might be okay if you're good at those, but much better to have someone else take the photos.  Also, you'd want someone with you to talk about and comment on how cool this place is!


Specifics:
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari
Location (Tokyo area, Odaiba):

Baseball, Unlike The Traditional American Experience

Baseball may have originated in the United States, but Japan just made the experience much more fun and enthralling!

Take me out to the old ballgame... images of peanuts, cracker jack, and beer, probably come to mind.  If you've been to a Major League baseball game, it can be fun, with the best players on the game's biggest stages.  Sure, but in Japan, the game is elevated... and by that I mean the entire package is of a higher pedigree.

Yokohama DeNA Baystars vs Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Meiji Jingu Stadium

As you might recall, my Japanese baseball story as a fan of the Yakult Swallows has roots in the kimono, so my experience in getting into this fandom, dare I say, is one of the most unique ones around.  So, as the story goes, I traded a shared kimono wearing experience for an introduction to baseball in Japan.  And on that first game, at Meiji Jingu Stadium featuring the Yakult Swallows against the Hiroshima Carp, I noticed several aspects that Japan has bettered the MLB experience in.  Since Japanese baseball always seem to have its "A-game" on no matter what the day, each aspect is highlighted accordingly:

The wise friend who introduced me to the Swallows

Nippon Ham Fighters vs Tokyo Giants at Tokyo Dome

- A musical experience, even if you don't understand the language.  And no, I'm not talking about batter walkup songs played on the stadium speakers.  Every player has a song which the fans song in unison when he steps up to bat.  Sometimes you can tell who the big star players are by how spirited the fans next to you sing the song.  For some teams/players, there is a choreographed action/dance that goes with the song as well; keep your eyes on those around you as well as on the action on the field!

- A Lucky Seven.  Before the top and bottom of the seventh inning, instead of the "seventh inning stretch", Lucky Seven is when fans for each team sing their team's theme song.  A moment to inspire the team to win, or a lone moment to feel good, depending on the game.

- A props to the fans.  Each team has a signature fan "prop", whether its banner-type towels, hand waving towels, or in the case of the Swallows, umbrellas.

- A beautiful girl serves you beer every time.  Beer girls in Japan... you might have heard of them.  They are everywhere at the stadium, and happy to pose for a pic if time/space allows.

- A game, nothing more, nothing less... but a great game.  Fans want their team to win, some more badly/desperately than others.  But here, they never seem to be overly high or low with the outcome of each game.  They come to have fun, sing along, cheer their team on, and otherwise have a great time at the ballpark.  Not to get trouble or curse/fight with others over a ball game.

- A pleasant experience, no matter your rooting interest.  Entire sections of the stadium are officially/unofficially designated for supporters of the visiting team, which makes it easy to find yourself among fans of your team.  And I have never witnessed any heckling/fighting of opposing fans in Japan ever, even if they are unable to find seats in their respective team section, which is quite the opposite compared to what I've seen/experienced in the US.

As I say (too often?), the best (and most overlooked) aspect of Japan are its people.  It's the people as a whole, not just the players on the field but the thousands more who pay to go to the game, that take the Japanese baseball experience to a higher level than that of its country of origin.  Take me out to the ballgame in Japan, any time!

Recommendations:
- Wear comfortable clothing; Japan's seats seem to be a bit smaller than the US standard, so be warned if you tend to be on the bigger size.

- Buy tickets well in advance: gone are the days when you could show up on game day/night on a whim and get tickets, as popularity of the game has skyrocketed in the past couple of years.  Some teams (notably Hiroshima, and Giants) are impossible to get tickets at if not done months in advance or even before the start of the season.

- Keep an eye on the weather, especially if attending a game outdoors (Swallows, Marines, Baystars home games in the Kanto area).  The Tokyo area gets more than its fair share of rainy evenings, which could literally put a damper on the game plan.  Be flexible, or better yet, be prepared with rain gear; one positive is that the stadium is less crowded when the rain occurs.

- If the language barrier/strangeness factor makes you hesistant to give baseball in Japan a try, find a local friend to take you!  It'll reduce the stress and make for a more fun (and possibly educational/insightful) experience.

Specifics:
Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)
Regular Season: April thru September/early October
Postseason: October