Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Takeshita Dori in Harajuku, Meiji Shrine and Tsukiji Fish Market Tokyo

Take the Ginza Line G19 Asakusa to G2 Omote-Sando. Transfer to Chiyoda Line C04 to C03, just one station away to Meiji-jingumae Harajuku station. 



 Travel time is approx 37 minutes and involves 1 train transfer


The beautiful Harujuku JR Train Station. The station itself is a tourist attraction in its own right. Just a few leisurely steps away is the famous Takeshita Dori. Here you can find the most extreme teenage culture that Japan is famous for.


It's a massive shopping street of everything trendy yet affordable! You can channel your inner cutesy lolita or adorbs cosplay or kawaii overload. There's 100 yen Daiso stores, cheap and fun jewellery, wardrobe, shoes, bags, callbee and crepe stores.. oh I can just go on and on.. shop after shop...



A tick off my bucketlist to dress up as an animei in Harujuku! Shakugan-No-Shana school girl dark green version. 


What's nice about Tokyo, in every nook and corner there is something historical and interesting. After shopping in Takeshita Street, walk towards the nearby Meiji Shrine. 


Tranquility in Tokyo. There's a certain serene and calming effect it brings to one's senses. Awed by the fact that Japanese people really respect the Shrine. I can hear a pin drop! No loud chit chats whatsoever. And it was incredibly clean (despite the fact that there are no trashcans whatsoever! ) no candy wrappers, no soiled plastic food containers, no beverage cans. Nada! 
The famous sake barrels. After the traditional bows and claps at the shrine, I wanted to see Yoyogi Park eager to catch a glimpse of the plum blossoms. I thought it was just nearby, but we just could'nt seem to find it. Decided to call it a day and headed back to Asakusa.

It was impossible to wake up as early as 0300H to catch the tuna auction at the Tsukiji Fish Market. Trains are still closed and we would probably be freezing in the cold while waiting. So we skipped the auction and visited the outer market instead.


Keep in mind that most of the stores close as early as 1pm. So do your shopping early. Shopping + breakfast rolled into one.


White strawberries! I heard they tastes like pineapples but I'm not spending my precious 4,000 yen for a bunch. Looks really plump and delicious, though. 


Mochi covered strawberries



Every imaginable seafood you can think of!


Lining up for a Tamago, rolled egg omelette



A sashimi and sushi breakfast is a MUST at Tsukiji. Can you spell F-R-E-S-H? Top notch catch. 




All fish and dried fish variety



An exhilarating experience to be here! Don't forget to include this on your itinerary!

Friday, March 3, 2017

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Japan

If you availed the 72 hrs unlimited metro train pass on my previous post, then the ride to Shibuya Station G01 on the Ginza line is free. 


Alight on the the famous Hachiko Exit number 8. Prior to the exit, the connected underground mall greets you with a large window view of the Shibuya Crossing scramble. 


A dog's tale of loyalty with Hachiko bronze statue


OOTD on a chilly 5-degree night!

Made a mad dash towards the Shibuya Crossing scramble. It makes you feel that for a moment, you are part of something big. Lots of vids and photos taken, that we had to cross the street numerous times! (Tee-hee)


The glitz and glamour of the Shibuya Shopping Street. I can stay here all night long and ogle at young Tokyoites love for fashion. Everyone is wearing sassy and trendy coats! Ladies are all clad in sky rocket high-heeled boots.

Packed with shopping, dining, gaming and nightclubs serving swarms of visitors that come to the district everyday. Notable is Shibuya 109, a trend setting fashion complex for young women with more than one hundred boutiques on ten floors. 


Was seriously considering entering a Maid Cafe for the fun of it, but we wouldn't trade the super delicious hot bowl of Ichiran ramen for anything else. Our first bowl was in Osaka and was daydreaming about it since then.