We arrive... then check bags at the train station (they still have lockers over there).

First order of business: cheap, tasty sushi.

Then, toys.

We see lots of great stuff, including a huge Nyanko Burger plush.

After some nagging, Doug buys the giant plush. Go Doug!

Punkers like Toy Story, too!

Then: a turn through the stalls, after which we head to the hotel.

There is a pachinko parlor right near us... people in it, day and night. Er... person?

Lots going in and around the Shibyua Station

Even the alleyways make me smile!

Justin prepares his feet for TGS, while AM commuters rush to work.

Breakfast at the Cerulean is delicious and calming after the hustle of the street.

Post show, at the Prince hotel bar, Justin says he feels like a chicken salesman.

We all feel a bit exhausted.

After a quick stop at the IGDA gathering, we hop on the train!

Dinner is delicious and the conversation is great. We laugh (and drink) a lot.

Shop windows and signs in the neighborhood where we ate post show, day 2. Interesting!

So was the nouveau cafe we bailed on after (yet more) skewers. $15 for an espresso!!

The next day: fashion deathmarch. After two days of TGS, it really hurt!

People offer dog adoptions - just outside another toy store! Good marketing plan!

The gutters remind me of Mushroom Kingdom characters.

Doesn't the K guy look like he's got a boner?

Weather was hot and rainy - slippery (fell and hit my tailbone - ouch!!)

Anti-smoking messaging - very very grim.

Street art was inspiring... tagging, creative.

A sock-component store. I bought some "ankles" to wear as bracelets.

Buy LV at the drug store, clean your own public toilet, rock out on the corner - your choice.

Shibyua kidz, hanging out late.

... still hangin.

Tiny tie-dye showcase at Tokyu Hands!

Children's programming: interesting, kinda scary.  No matter what the country of origin.

Bathroom technology at our hotel.

The giant tub included faucet that turned flush to the wall (so you don't bump into it!) creating a nice handle in the process. Other amenities included a full stand-up shower with traditional shower stoop and bucket located just next to the bath, with a mirror so you can shave (or examine your ramen-filled pot belly!). The room's ventilation grates whispered softly as the trains passed through the station. It was a great sound to fall asleep to.

Sabine was peeved when I got home - but new friends seemed to make up for my absence.