Photos from Tokyo (and Apple too)

[gauchogolfer]

I just got back from Tokyo (planning described in this thread), and thought I'd post some pictures. I took a bunch (with the new Lumix FX-01 camera that I bought in Shinjuku), so I'll try and just post ones that might be interesting to the MR crowd.

I'll start off in Shinjuku, at the Odakyu department store. There was quite a section of Mac stuff, as you can see.

Entrance on 5th level.

Anyone know what this says?

There seemed to be pretty good software availability here as well.

Here they're called 'Air Mac Express'.

Looking inside a new Mac Pro.

Mac Mini, stacked up with some other media.

There was a whole iPod section (much larger than the Walkman section) on the level below.

A taste of pictures to come, this is the Ginza store (no photos allowed inside, sadly).

 

[asxtb]

Nice pics. I didn't realize Odakyu had such a large Apple section. I'll have to check it out.

The screen says 'Finally making an appearance.' (Sorry to anyone that is fluent if my translation is a little off.)

 

[DooM]

The screen says 'Finally making an appearance.' (Sorry to anyone that is fluent if my translation is a little off.)

Your translation is correct.

The continually moving lift (elevator) is kind of annoying in the Ginza Apple store. I live nearer Shibuya so usually go to the Apple store there

 

[Bibulous]

Thanks for posting, I would love to travel to Japan. Looking forward to some more Apple and non-Apple pics!

 

[iAlan]

Was at Bic Camera (Odaku pics) today...

Was actually at Bic Camera today -- the picts above are from Bic Camera which occupies 6 floors of the 'old' Odaku Department store.

I usually buy all my electronic stuff (Apple related, non-Apple related, DVD's, etc) from Bic Camera as they offer 10% points that you can redeme on anything at Bic Camera -- new Apple stuff usually only gets you 5% as Apple have set pricing for all outlets and Bic Camera can't negotiate 'discounts' with Apple to off-set the points system, unlike other electronics makers (computer and other) who offer a variety of discounts to Bic Camera based on bulk purchasing, etc -- so if i were to buy the 319,800 yen ($2,736 -- thanks Conversion Widget!) Mac Pro in your picture I would receive 15,990 yen ($137 -- thanks again Conversion Widget) I could use against future purchases -- say the new iPod comming Tuesday..

I have taken heaps of photos in the Ginza Apple Store -- not sure why they wouldn't let you???

 

[bousozoku]

Bic Camera? That makes more sense. The only department store I remember having computers was Daimaru and I bet they're not doing it now. I bought my Sony HB-201 there.

Does Odakyu still have that huge pastry area?

There is so much going on in Shinjuku, it's a wonder I went anywhere else.

GauchoGolfer: I hope you had a great time.

 

[Doctor Q]

Great shots, gauchogolferp!

I think the policy on taking photos in Apple Stores depends entirely on who's on duty at the time, and just how conspicuous you are. I was able to take photos in the Ginza store (posted here) and in the Shibuya store the security guard even stepped out of the way after he saw that I was taking photos. (My photos from Shibuya are here.)

Did you do any shopping for electronics in the stores you visited?

 

[CrackedButter]

These photos bring back memories.

I asked as well when I went to Apple Ginza and was told no photography, seems the only time you can is when a store opens or like somebody else said who is on staff.

When I first got to Tokyo it took me ages to find the Apple store, it was so hard to find, what with its metal sheeting blending in not giving any clues to its whereabouts.

Not as big as one would think either.

 

[gauchogolfer]

Great shots, gauchogolferp!


Did you do any shopping for electronics in the stores you visited?

I bought a Panasonic Lumix FX-01 camera, which I used for all the pictures I took on the trip. And, I got one picture inside the Ginza store before being asked to stop:

 

[bousozoku]

These photos bring back memories.

I asked as well when I went to Apple Ginza and was told no photography, seems the only time you can is when a store opens or like somebody else said who is on staff.

When I first got to Tokyo it took me ages to find the Apple store, it was so hard to find, what with its metal sheeting blending in not giving any clues to its whereabouts.

Not as big as one would think either.

Perhaps, they just don't trust foreigners.

 

[iJawn108]

wow that store gave me ahead ache. lol sooo many banners and ads it's so different than here.

 

[bousozoku]

wow that store gave me ahead ache. lol sooo many banners and ads it's so different than here.

It beats going into a store here and not finding what you want. I wish the Apple stores were so well stocked.

 

[DeSnousa]

Are the AirPort Express called AirMac Express now, or is this just the name in Japan???

 

[Doctor Q]

Are the AirPort Express called AirMac Express now, or is this just the name in Japan???

That's just the name in Japan.

 

[MattDell]

Is there a particular reason you couldn't take photos in the Ginza store? Is it a cultural thing?


-Matt

 

[hofnar]

I got a picture in the elevator in the Ginza store. Then i was asked...


I havent been to tons of Apple stores, but the Ginza store often has a table with floor models/refurbished and what not marked real cheap. I got my iSight there for about 5,000 yen (around 50 bucks).

Is this common in other apple stores?

 

[apfhex]

Nice pics! That Odakyu store looks awesome. I wish there were stores in the US that carried a selection of stuff that big. Although maybe it just looks that way because Japanese stores are always so jam-packed wall-to-wall with merchandise.

 

[Doctor Q]

I havent been to tons of Apple stores, but the Ginza store often has a table with floor models/refurbished and what not marked real cheap. I got my iSight there for about 5,000 yen (around 50 bucks).

Is this common in other apple stores?

No, that's uncommon, judging by the dozen stores I've been to (3 in Japan, the rest in the U.S.).

 

[iAlan]

Are the AirPort Express called AirMac Express now, or is this just the name in Japan???

Only in Japan.

The Narita Airport Express is the train from Tokyo to teh airport -- as if that would confuse anyone -- a train vs a box with computer equipment

 

[Doctor Q]

Only in Japan.

The Narita Airport Express is the train from Tokyo to teh airport -- as if that would confuse anyone -- a train vs a box with computer equipment

People who accidentally got in an Apple Airport Express box thinking it was a subway train wouldn't even know it was a mistake from the lack of elbow room. At rush hour, those Tokyo loop line trains get pretty packed!

 

[bousozoku]

People who accidentally got in an Apple Airport Express box thinking it was a subway train wouldn't even know it was a mistake from the lack of elbow room. At rush hour, those Tokyo loop line trains get pretty packed!

You lean a lot but you can't fall down. You shouldn't get sick in there, either.

 

[asxtb]

You lean a lot but you can't fall down. You shouldn't get sick in there, either.

Until the doors open...