Graduation Trip to the Land of the Rising Sun
"A Month Long Expensive Gym Package"
10th July - 5th August
TOKYO
TOKYO
Day 1
Arrived in Narita in a groogy state, as I hardly slept on the flight! Was a walking zoombie through customs and only finally at the luggage department did it hit me that I was finally in Japan!
Some Advice on what to do in Narita Airport
1) If you are planning to use the Airport Limousine Bus to your accomodation - do buy the package which includes a Tokyo Metro one day free ticket - cost 3100 yen! It is much cheaper than buying the airport limousine bus ticket and Tokyo Metro one day pass seperately
2) Do buy the Tokyo Metro Open Ticket (valid for 2 days ) at the airport, if I am not wrong the price is a discounted price as compared to the price you pay outside the airport. It cost 980 Yen from the counter in the airport!
3)Exchange your Japan Rail Pass and Book your Japan Rail Seats in the Japan Rail Office in the Airport. * You can tell the counter staff when you want to activate the pass and it need not be activated once you have exchanged it!
We stayed in the Akasaka Weekly Mansion
direction to the apartment: [this is based on memory so it is a little messy and sketchy]
Take the Airport Limousine Bus to ANA Intercontinental Hotel Tokyo,
With the hotel behind you, look across the road you will spot a golf shop.
Cross the road using the underpass outside the Hotel
Take the small street beside the Golf Shop continue upwards
You will pass many restaurants along the way
You will also see an office building with a security post outside
continue on and you will find a convenience store [Popura]
Turn right after the store go down the small alley lane(:
If you are lost just ask around as majority of the Japanese we encountered were extremely helpful! One even showed us all the way to the Weekly Mansion, even though it was out of his way! That was my first encounter with Japanese Hospitality!
Arrived in Narita in a groogy state, as I hardly slept on the flight! Was a walking zoombie through customs and only finally at the luggage department did it hit me that I was finally in Japan!
Some Advice on what to do in Narita Airport
1) If you are planning to use the Airport Limousine Bus to your accomodation - do buy the package which includes a Tokyo Metro one day free ticket - cost 3100 yen! It is much cheaper than buying the airport limousine bus ticket and Tokyo Metro one day pass seperately
2) Do buy the Tokyo Metro Open Ticket (valid for 2 days ) at the airport, if I am not wrong the price is a discounted price as compared to the price you pay outside the airport. It cost 980 Yen from the counter in the airport!
3)Exchange your Japan Rail Pass and Book your Japan Rail Seats in the Japan Rail Office in the Airport. * You can tell the counter staff when you want to activate the pass and it need not be activated once you have exchanged it!
We stayed in the Akasaka Weekly Mansion
direction to the apartment: [this is based on memory so it is a little messy and sketchy]
Take the Airport Limousine Bus to ANA Intercontinental Hotel Tokyo,
With the hotel behind you, look across the road you will spot a golf shop.
Cross the road using the underpass outside the Hotel
Take the small street beside the Golf Shop continue upwards
You will pass many restaurants along the way
You will also see an office building with a security post outside
continue on and you will find a convenience store [Popura]
Turn right after the store go down the small alley lane(:
If you are lost just ask around as majority of the Japanese we encountered were extremely helpful! One even showed us all the way to the Weekly Mansion, even though it was out of his way! That was my first encounter with Japanese Hospitality!
The toilet reminded me of an Airplane toilet as it was so so tiny! There are no non smoking rooms in the weekly mansion, so the strong stench of lingering smoke in the room gave me a mega headache!
Headed off to the Tokyo Imperial Palace
Do remember to apply for a permit at http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/order/index_EN.html [Imperial household agency application form]
Access will be denied without a permit!
Day 2
First Stop Kagurazaka District
get out of kagurazaka station
Decided to take an early morning walk around Kagurazaka District and this was what I spotted when I walked down an alley off the main road! It was a residential stretch but I spotted 1) A clothing shop 2) A photo studio 3) A clinic. In general there is a level of trust in the Japanese Society! I experienced it first hand when the lady boss of the clothing shop left her shop unattended for at least 5 mins or more when I was browsing through the racks of clothings outside her shop! I doubt I will see this happening back home in a sleepy neighbourhood district!
Wandering down, I saw a Multi Storey Carpark - where cars were given the same privilege as human beings - the chance to take a Lift! A rare sight back home!
"Peek-A-Boo" this gate would have gone un-noticed if someone didn't open it and walk through it. It is just big enough for a human to walk through, it is not a dead end but a passage which cuts to the street behind the main street!
The smell of burning charcoal was what attracted me to this push cart. It is found along the main street of kagurazaka district ( on the left side when you head towards Iidaibashi district) I simply love grilled seafood! The scorching hot summer heat did not deter me from trying it! I tried the fish and it was grilled to perfection! I also tried a string of scallop on a stick andthey were tender! Price Ranges between 400yen to 600yen.
Crossed the road and we found ourselves in Iidaibashi District, walked straight and we found this really cool shop. Finally I could give my speckys a "bath", free self cleaning specs services for up to four people at one go! The machines were set up outside the shop and tissue was even provided for you to dry your specs! Absolutely Awesome!
Some interesting signs used to promote businesses in the district! 1) Have a weird sounding name - "Hair Cook Pit" 2) A Mascot - tooth, toothbrush and toothpaste foam! 3)If you have a clothing shop some distance away - use a mannequin and doll it up and sling a sign around its neck to show the way to your shop!
Rest Stop Veloce Coffee [one of the greatest gem I found on my trip] and it was just few doors away from the entrance of Kagurazaka Station ! *A MUST TRY - Excellent Standard of Coffee for the Price! A value for money chain! The metro subways are extremely easy to navigate - there is board within each carriage with arrows and lighted up squares to show which direction the train is heading and which is the next stop!
Off to Ogikubo District!
Bicycle Parking Attendent [ I am not joking ]
Bicycle Parking Lots [I am not joking ] enlarge the picture if you do not believe!
Dual Storey Carpark for Bicycles
If your tummy starts rumbling you might want to consider trying this Yakitori Stall beside Ogikubo station! The negative point is that seats are only available if you order alcohol to go with the yakitori! If not you have to stand and eat, but plain water is provided (f.o.c) to accompany your meal! Correct me if I am wrong but I think this store only serves yakitori!
Obviously Yakitori was not enough to satisfy my hunger! Headed to Ebisu District for Dinner! We tried Kazuki, found along the main street in Ebisu District! This restaurant specialises in Ramen! The noodles were chewy and cooked to perfection - they were not soggy and overcook! The soup base was just right - not too salty and they were generous with their beansprout! 
Last Stop before we retired to Bed. We got off at Kamiyacho Station and walked to Tokyo Tower!
We didn't queue to go to the top of the tower, as I found another building that could give me a nice view of tokyo's night sky line too but the only difference is that it is F.O.C :) will write about this in my future entries
Day 3
Headed off to Asakusa, nearest station Asakusa Station
First stop we went to view the exterior of Asahi Breweries Headquarters Building [the picture on the top right] - The structure represented a beer cup, with beer foam on the top! However when left up to imagination the Beer foam kind of reminded me of a parsnip or a chillie! What do you think? [ the picture on the bottom right ] - is a designated smoking area for the area! So listen up smokers that is the spot which you should look for, as you are not allowed to puff while walking along the street!
Next stop headed off to Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine and Nakamise Shopping Arcade. No fancy storefronts, no extra manpower, no fancy machines, just an old lady running a one woman show selling vegetables along the path of Nakamise Shopping Arcade. A huge contrast from the typical stalls found in the Arcade!
I tried Kibidango - which is small round balls on a stick from a shop in Nakamise Shopping Arcade. The balls were sweet but not overly sweet, had a sticky, chewy and elastic texture that kind of reminded me of cheese strings which connect the pizza to your mouth after bitting!
My initial plan was to head to Kappabashi Market, however we encountered a detour along the way and we stumbled upon a Summer Bazaar at Kappabashi
Anyone interested in Chilled cucumber for 100yen?
I tried the cold jelly with soya sauce and vinigrette dressing with seaweed flakes on the top. Street food it is suppose to be cheap but ironically it is not! Here is my honest view about street food in Japan- they are a rip off! When I went to the supermarket I saw the same combi for just slightly over 100 yen while I paid 350 yen there! This is a post Japan post, so trust my words about street food! Even when I visited the summer bazaars in Kyoto and Osaka, the street food there were simply overpriced! So take my advice, go to a side alley away from the main bazaar or a permanent stall somewhere else, you will find that what is offered is more value for money!
Japanese Kids are Adorable! I loved the prints on their yukatas - so bright so cheerful (: I tried on a summer kimono but it just didn't suit me! Might look better in a cheong sum! At a tiny little nook, I found a little boy playing in a blown up swimming pool and he happily grinned at the camera. I wonder how he felt? Maybe like a star as I was not the only one taking pictures of him!
It is common to find non smoking signs like the one above painted on the road, to remind smokers not to smoke while walking!
Fishing for balloons/mini crayfish or fishes! Do try it if that is your cup of tea - Do not be self-conscious despite the fact that your neighbour beside you might be 1/4 of your height! My definition of a grown up : An overgrown and oversized kid! So no worries you won't really stand out :P
We ran into A Traffic Awareness Parade at the end of the street!
Walked to Ueno Park and among the foliage I saw blue tents on high ground at various spots in the park. If you were wondering what they were, they are shelters for the homeless in Japan. Do respect the privacy of the people residing in these tent as I am sure you won't like it if an endless stream of people continuously peep into and video your house right?
Zoomed off to Ginza: a shopperholic's haven for designer goods (:
They were selling the I-Phone in the Apple Store
Day 4
We woke up early to go to the Nogi Shrine Flea Market (5.30am -3pm) and it were such a disappointment! There was only about 10-15 stalls set up along the pavement leading up to the shrine and a majority of them sold antiques! One highlight of my visit was that I spotted a couple bringing their 100 day old baby for blessing. When you step into the grounds of the shrine, there was a slight feeling like I was being trapped in time. The hands of time felt like they were at a standstill! It felt very peaceful, with the birds singing and the crickets chirping!
Next off to Design Festa Gallery! An artsy haven!
A Picture of the exterior of the structure is featured in the centre of this collage : with connecting metal rods painted in bright red and grafitti covering the whole face of the building. This Building is simply hard to miss! Super Funky!
Anyone interested in Chilled cucumber for 100yen?
I tried the cold jelly with soya sauce and vinigrette dressing with seaweed flakes on the top. Street food it is suppose to be cheap but ironically it is not! Here is my honest view about street food in Japan- they are a rip off! When I went to the supermarket I saw the same combi for just slightly over 100 yen while I paid 350 yen there! This is a post Japan post, so trust my words about street food! Even when I visited the summer bazaars in Kyoto and Osaka, the street food there were simply overpriced! So take my advice, go to a side alley away from the main bazaar or a permanent stall somewhere else, you will find that what is offered is more value for money!
Japanese Kids are Adorable! I loved the prints on their yukatas - so bright so cheerful (: I tried on a summer kimono but it just didn't suit me! Might look better in a cheong sum! At a tiny little nook, I found a little boy playing in a blown up swimming pool and he happily grinned at the camera. I wonder how he felt? Maybe like a star as I was not the only one taking pictures of him!
It is common to find non smoking signs like the one above painted on the road, to remind smokers not to smoke while walking!
What is a bazaar without the GAMES?
Fishing for balloons/mini crayfish or fishes! Try it if they are your cup of tea
Fishing for balloons/mini crayfish or fishes! Do try it if that is your cup of tea - Do not be self-conscious despite the fact that your neighbour beside you might be 1/4 of your height! My definition of a grown up : An overgrown and oversized kid! So no worries you won't really stand out :P
We ran into A Traffic Awareness Parade at the end of the street!
Walked to Ueno Park and among the foliage I saw blue tents on high ground at various spots in the park. If you were wondering what they were, they are shelters for the homeless in Japan. Do respect the privacy of the people residing in these tent as I am sure you won't like it if an endless stream of people continuously peep into and video your house right?
Headed off to Ameyoko
Near to the stores selling Fresh Seafood - especially Fish, I spotted a store selling my favourite custard fish- simply delicious - soft and fat and not overly sweet!
Zoomed off to Ginza: a shopperholic's haven for designer goods (:
To not qualify as a window shopper - you just need to bring a couple of credit cards, wear a comfy pair of shoes, be an impulse buyer and have the willingness to spend on anyting that has caught your fancy, no matter how expensive the goods can be!
They were selling the I-Phone in the Apple Store
Day 4
We woke up early to go to the Nogi Shrine Flea Market (5.30am -3pm) and it were such a disappointment! There was only about 10-15 stalls set up along the pavement leading up to the shrine and a majority of them sold antiques! One highlight of my visit was that I spotted a couple bringing their 100 day old baby for blessing. When you step into the grounds of the shrine, there was a slight feeling like I was being trapped in time. The hands of time felt like they were at a standstill! It felt very peaceful, with the birds singing and the crickets chirping!
Next off to Design Festa Gallery! An artsy haven!
Address:
<> 1st & 2nd fl., 3-20-18, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
<> 1st, 2nd & 3rd fl., 3-20-2, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00 - 20:00
<> 1st, 2nd & 3rd fl., 3-20-2, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00 - 20:00
Nearest Station: Meijijingumae Station.
A Picture of the exterior of the structure is featured in the centre of this collage : with connecting metal rods painted in bright red and grafitti covering the whole face of the building. This Building is simply hard to miss! Super Funky!Budding artists could rent a room at this place to display their wares!
Dorothy, the Tin Man, The Lion and The Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz - crafted out of clay!
Futuristic Stroller? What do you think?
Walked to Meiji Jingu Shrine and the Forested Gravel Path provided a cool relief from the swealting mid day sun! It took about 10 Mins to walk to the shrine and I caught sight of Japanese Wedding Procession walking through the grounds of the Shrine! Was caught up in a shutter clicking frenzy as I tred to capture the two love birds with their wedding entourage and admire the beautiful kimono which the bride wore.
I spotted a group of youngsters dressed up in their gothic cosplay outfits just outside the path leading to Meiji Jingu Shrine. I noticed that many of them will trolley their stuff there and will doll up on the spot. They reminded me of caged up zoo animals, as the tourist will surround them and busily snap pictures of them. Ask them nicely and most will be willing to pose for you or with you (:
Yoyogi Park - a mega happening place on a Sunday!
When I was back Home, I only heard about the dominant cosplay culture among the teenagers in Yoyogi Park, so I really didn't expect to see matured ladies dressed up in puffy skirts and many Elvis Wannabes swing dancing to Music from my Parent's Era. I love oldies and I was tempted to sway to the music! My two left feet were the only thing which was hindering me! It goes to show Many of us are still "Young at Heart" no matter what age we are (:
If you love performing and have the vocals, you should consider singing along the Road outside the NHK Centre! Who knows you might be even talent spotted (: Even if you are tone deaf and feel your singing is only confined to the bathroom, I am sure you will enjoy the countless performances by many young & talented street performers. Many tried to out-sing and out-win the other performers with CDs sales and audience support - though some only managed to with lukewarm success! Taking the first line of William Shakespeare's passage - "All the world is a stage" just with their own mikes, portable sound system, banners and musical instruments - they formed their on little stage and had their own mini concert! I noticed that having charisma helps but having the advantage in the looks department is a major selling point!
To satisfy my Sweet Tooth - I bought Pierre Hermes Macaroons - found at the basement of Isetan in Shinjuku. I tried three flavours - wasabi, chocolate & olive. Wasabi - the paste had a tinge of Spiciness. Chocolate - the paste was just right, not too overly sweet with a sugared kum guat in the centre. Olive - the paste had no olive taste!
I did not come back with a truck load of vintage finds, but I came back with tons of shots of artistically painted shop shutters.
Next we headed off to PARSONA O 2: which is an underground High-Tech Vegetable Patch located in the Otemachi Nomura Building in Tokyo District of Otemachi.
After touring the Rooms, there is a Relaxation Space - a Nature filled Therapeutic Area, where you are invited to sample the lettuce grown in the underground patch!
There are 6 different rooms with crops, herbs and flowers cultivated under different conditions. 1) Lighting( Light emitting diodes (LED), Metal Halide Lamps, Artificial Light) , 2)Methods of growing (Soil/Hydroponics) 3) Temperature ( Hot or Cold)
If you relish the experience being served by sweet young ladies with huge bambi eyes, kawaii voices and smiles. Dressed up in short pomp pomp skirts, an apron like the one above and being treated like a KING then do try out the Maid's Cafe.
Dorothy, the Tin Man, The Lion and The Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz - crafted out of clay!
Futuristic Stroller? What do you think?
Walked to Meiji Jingu Shrine and the Forested Gravel Path provided a cool relief from the swealting mid day sun! It took about 10 Mins to walk to the shrine and I caught sight of Japanese Wedding Procession walking through the grounds of the Shrine! Was caught up in a shutter clicking frenzy as I tred to capture the two love birds with their wedding entourage and admire the beautiful kimono which the bride wore.
I spotted a group of youngsters dressed up in their gothic cosplay outfits just outside the path leading to Meiji Jingu Shrine. I noticed that many of them will trolley their stuff there and will doll up on the spot. They reminded me of caged up zoo animals, as the tourist will surround them and busily snap pictures of them. Ask them nicely and most will be willing to pose for you or with you (:
Yoyogi Park - a mega happening place on a Sunday!
When I was back Home, I only heard about the dominant cosplay culture among the teenagers in Yoyogi Park, so I really didn't expect to see matured ladies dressed up in puffy skirts and many Elvis Wannabes swing dancing to Music from my Parent's Era. I love oldies and I was tempted to sway to the music! My two left feet were the only thing which was hindering me! It goes to show Many of us are still "Young at Heart" no matter what age we are (:
If you love performing and have the vocals, you should consider singing along the Road outside the NHK Centre! Who knows you might be even talent spotted (: Even if you are tone deaf and feel your singing is only confined to the bathroom, I am sure you will enjoy the countless performances by many young & talented street performers. Many tried to out-sing and out-win the other performers with CDs sales and audience support - though some only managed to with lukewarm success! Taking the first line of William Shakespeare's passage - "All the world is a stage" just with their own mikes, portable sound system, banners and musical instruments - they formed their on little stage and had their own mini concert! I noticed that having charisma helps but having the advantage in the looks department is a major selling point!
Yoyogi Park Flea Market- if you love trendy teenager's clothings at a bargain, this flea market is the place to be. I spotted some stall owners selling their used clothings for as low as 100yen/ piece (:
Headed to this cafe in Shibuya for tea. Having a pea brain memory, I can't seem to remember the exact departmental store which I found this cafe. So if you do come across this cafe, do leave a tag on my board to tell me where it is located! Your contribution is greatly appreciated!
Headed to this cafe in Shibuya for tea. Having a pea brain memory, I can't seem to remember the exact departmental store which I found this cafe. So if you do come across this cafe, do leave a tag on my board to tell me where it is located! Your contribution is greatly appreciated!
I can't stop raving about the fruit tarts in this cafe! It was a sunday so the place was very packed but trust me the tarts were well worth the wait! Being packed had its advantage which was the fruit tarts were not stale. Demand leads to Supply: so a continous stream of freshly made fruit tarts were often brought out from the kitchen to satisfy the long queue of customers.
We tried a Fruit Tart with cherries on the top - which was filled with chocolate cream and cubes of chocolate sponge cake in between. Simply Sinful! The Frozen Berries fruit tart had a vanilla custard filling - Absolutely Mouthwatering! I ordered the Blended Coffee, thinking that I would be getting something similar to the ice blended coffee in Starbucks. However Blended Coffee to them just meant Black Coffee with Ice :)
I decided to walk to Shibuya from Shinjuku to walk off the fats, I just piled onto my bulging frame! However it was a Big Mistake! It was such a long walk that my ankle and knee ached when I reached to Shinjuku. So please do not walk, just take the JR Line. It took us close to an hour to reach there, by then it was almost closing time for most shops (closing time is around 8pm) so bought a bento box for dinner! Do head to the supermarkets around 7.30pm, as nearing closing most stalls will start slashing the prices for their bento boxes and it becomes very reasonable!
I decided to walk to Shibuya from Shinjuku to walk off the fats, I just piled onto my bulging frame! However it was a Big Mistake! It was such a long walk that my ankle and knee ached when I reached to Shinjuku. So please do not walk, just take the JR Line. It took us close to an hour to reach there, by then it was almost closing time for most shops (closing time is around 8pm) so bought a bento box for dinner! Do head to the supermarkets around 7.30pm, as nearing closing most stalls will start slashing the prices for their bento boxes and it becomes very reasonable!
To satisfy my Sweet Tooth - I bought Pierre Hermes Macaroons - found at the basement of Isetan in Shinjuku. I tried three flavours - wasabi, chocolate & olive. Wasabi - the paste had a tinge of Spiciness. Chocolate - the paste was just right, not too overly sweet with a sugared kum guat in the centre. Olive - the paste had no olive taste!
Day 5
Being a lover of second hand shops, we headed to Shimo Kitazawa. It is a treasure trove for vintage lovers, a lovely place where you can spend hours wandering through the various shops searching for pieces resembling those found in your grand ma's wardrobe! If you are about to attend a Retro Party or just want to jazz up your cupboard with pieces which flatter your figure, Shimo Kitazawa is a place to go. The damage to the wallet is about 4000 yen for a decent find, however some of the dresses do go for 2000 yen so depending on your luck you might be able to find a nice dress within your price range. Or if you are bitten by the "green bug" and championing a cause on the need to recycle clothings. There are a couple of thrift shops there and I am sure you will be able to find something reasonable and within your budget.
I did not come back with a truck load of vintage finds, but I came back with tons of shots of artistically painted shop shutters.
Next we headed off to PARSONA O 2: which is an underground High-Tech Vegetable Patch located in the Otemachi Nomura Building in Tokyo District of Otemachi.
Here is the Address : B2F Otemachi-Nomura Building 2-1-1 Otemachi Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo
Opening Hours from 11am - 6pm (Monday to Saturdays)
Getting There: Alight at Otemachi Station and follow the signs to Otemachi Nomura Building
After touring the Rooms, there is a Relaxation Space - a Nature filled Therapeutic Area, where you are invited to sample the lettuce grown in the underground patch!
There are 6 different rooms with crops, herbs and flowers cultivated under different conditions. 1) Lighting( Light emitting diodes (LED), Metal Halide Lamps, Artificial Light) , 2)Methods of growing (Soil/Hydroponics) 3) Temperature ( Hot or Cold)
Next up headed to Akihabara. It is not only a die heart electronic gadget fan's paradise, but also famed for the growing number of maid's cafes in the area! Thinking of buying a Maid's Costume Akihabara is the place to go. With many shops offering a wide array of cosplay and kinky costumes, you will be simply spoilt for choice!
Beware: there is a Cover Charge upon entering the Maid's Cafe, there is a Time Limit and the cafe's have their own terms and conditions! For Example @ Home Cafe charges 500 yen for an hour, everyone must order a drink and a maid will entertain you during that period! Photography is not allowed! Mai Dreamin charges 1500yen for 90mins to play games with the maids, however they do not offer main courses! Initially I wanted to go to a Maid's Cafe, however I realised that it may not be worth it as we are LANGUAGE BOUND! So it will just be wasting our money and time!
If you relish the experience being served by sweet young ladies with huge bambi eyes, kawaii voices and smiles. Dressed up in short pomp pomp skirts, an apron like the one above and being treated like a KING then do try out the Maid's Cafe.
NEXT UP off to KYOTO
