Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake, Tokyo
There was a manga I read a long time ago called Comic Party. It was about people going to comiket (Comic Market) and doing what they love, which is drawing manga. The place they would go to is this upside down triangle building for the Comiket. I didn’t know if it was a real place or not, but due to an event I was attending I ended up here. Its’ nickname is Tokyo Big Sight, but the official name is 東京国際展示場, which translates to Tokyo International Exhibition Center. It is one of the sights planned to be used for the Summer Olympics in 2020. Also the Comiket is a real event too.
Billiken Deity, Tsutenkaku, Osaka
There is a tower in Osaka specifically in Shinsekai (new world) Osaka that was built before World War I. When I visited this tower I was attracted by the numerous Ultimate Muscle statues, figures, souvenirs etc., but when I saw these Buddha looking things I was wondering if they were a character from the show. It turns out that they weren’t a character from the manga or anime of Ultimate Muscle, but a good luck deity called Billiken. It is known as “The God of Things as They Ought to Be.” The origins of Billiken actually come from an American teacher who created it as a charm doll in 1908. They say if you rub the soles of Billiken you will have good luck. So if you are in Osaka and you see this mischievous smiling statue then know that if you buy it you will have good luck, but if you buy it and give it to someone you will have greater luck.
Christmas Illumination, Omotesando Hills Mall, Tokyo
Being just a couple of days away from Christmas here is a little something you can do in Japan. Around December time, Omotesando in Tokyo is illuminated with Christmas lights. It is a great place to wander around for photos and scenery. My friends took me to see the illumination and I thought how cool it was, but just know that in Japan Christmas eve and Christmas are more for couples than family. After shifting through a crowd of couples we headed to the Omotesando Hills shopping mall. Inside they have a Christmas tree where the design and theme changes every year. This year was Disney themed. The line was ridiculous when we went, but I was glad to see the lights flicker to the music.
Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi
From December to February the Ashikaga Flower Park has a winter illumination where everything is covered in LED lights. There are different sections dedicated to a variety of themes. Like the place in this picture is winter themed. There are also tunnels and areas with hanging LED lights that you can just wander into. If you happen to be in the Tochigi Prefecture around those months head over to the Ashikaga Flower Park you will not be disappointed.
Artnia Square Enix Cafe, Shinjuku
For those who are Final Fantasy fans would know this crystal. It is one of the crystals you have to save in the older versions of Final Fantasy specifically 1-6. Where can you find such an awesome room in Japan? That would be in Shinjuku in the cafe called Artnia. It is the Square Enix cafe where you can buy goods and get some Square Enix themed food and beverages. If you are a fan just know that there are some awesome stuff you can get in this cafe.