Its that time of the year again where all chinese around the world gather to celebrate in unity to the start of a brand new year.
To everyone (Chinese or non-Chinese), a happy prosperous and fruitful year ahead
Backlog photos from my Harbin trip a year ago and the more recent trip to Egypt
I have managed to add link directly to my gallery to display the Panorama for my last trip.
Apologized for the inconvenience and hope you enjoy my blog.
Sorry for not updating the blog sooner, I stopped posting the last bit because of the Tsunami incident in Japan in March. One thing lead to another and I completely forgotten. My Apology.
Planned Itinerary
- Harajuku (Meji Shrine) in the morning, shopping at Harajuku
- Akihabara
For a change, we decided to have MacDonald for breakfast, I highly recommend McPork and their ebi burger.
One thing about us and Harajuku, in particularly Meji Shrine. For 2 visits in a row (2009 & 2010), it rained on us AGAIN. We have been in Japan for the last 16 days and not once did it rain. My last trip there was the same and we skip Meji Shrine. However, I was determine to visit the Shrine even under the rain ^#%@^#.
Visitors queuing up at the water hole.
Inner corridor
Remember the NTT Docomo building in one of our photo in Shinjuku on the right? Looks close to Shinjuku.
Another entrance into Meji Shrine.
Even during raining days, the shrine is packed with devotees
We even witness a wedding ceremony, but the rain was the downer.
Attendees in the inner court for the ceremony
The head priest?
Me with the Torii in the background
Jin’s turn 
After Meji shrine, we walk to Harajuku’s Takeshita Street
The famous Harajuku crepe
Moi’s favorite, chocolate and banana
Jin chose strawberry
After a short walk and exploration and with me waiting in starbucks as the gals did some shopping in HMV, we left for Akihabara for my kind of shopping and lunch. At (6th or 7th floor) in akihabara yodobashi building, you will find plenty of restaurant to fill your stomach/s. We chose to have Tokatsu.
Jin & Me pounding the sesame seeds for the sauce
Jin order the regular set with just Tonkatsu
Mine was the mixed platter, notice the round things with a bell sign at the left? That is the bell to call for service, neat huh!!. In Japan, your meal comes with free flow of cabbage.
After lunch, I did my shopping… which only took like 2 hours and with our hands full (yes, including Jin’s ) we made our way back to the hotel for our final packing.
Our total damage for the last 17 days.
After that we went to the nearby ramen shop for dinner and supper.
The next day, we rose up early to do our final check, before we left for breakfast and spend our loose change on some gashapon, we thought those toys would make nice gifts… but those machines were not as cheap as we thought, priced from 100 to 400yen (depending on the gashapon, of course)
With this, I end our last entry for our trip made in 2010 (My apology again).
To the Japanese people, we hope everything goes back to normal.
Our thoughts, compassion and sympathy are with all Japanese
It is painful to see the stuff which happened in Japan, we hope for your best and never never give up.
Sayonara!!!!!
Planned Itinerary
- Tsukiji Fish Market for Breakfast
1) Take Oedo Subway line Tsukijishijo station (20 mins)
- Ginza
- Roppongi / Tokyo tower, dinner at Hardrock Roppongi
Yet again, we made last minute changes, it was a long day yesterday at Odaiba and I thought it wouldn’t be a good idea to wake up at 4-5am to visit the Tsukiji Fish Market, the fish market would also be there the next time. I thought having fresh sushi and sashimi would be a good idea, and then walk to Ginza from there, however it would be another long walk and we would be too early. So thought everyone had a tiring trip so far, so we would just take it easy and go shopping.
Shops in Japan generally open around 11am, so we could wake up alittle later than usual. We also decided to try the Krispy kreme donut when I saw no queue while walking by the place.
Many flavors to choose from, can’t remember what they were except for the banana cream, which was quite tasty. Would recommend anyone to give it a try.
After breakfast, we took a train to Shimbashi Station and took a 5mins stroll to the start of Ginza (Chuo Dori Avenue), this is the main shopping street, similar to Orchard Road. Chuo Dori is close to traffic half day on Sat and Full day on Sunday. So everyone could enjoy walking along the road and do some people watching. First stop, Burberry. Like always, Jin would have a shopping list from a friend to pick up some stuff.
We arrived before 12pm, road wasn’t closed yet. Burberry on the left, see the signboard.
Before
After :LOL: and the road was already closed.
Shops would bring out their tables and chairs for shoppers to enjoy.
Shoppers outside a bookstore, must be either a meet the author session or a launching of a popular book, should be the former.
We popping in this interesting building to look at the watches, it was indeed interesting.
Behind me is a small display of the varies brand of watches, what even amazing was, the unit (Cubicle) was a elevator, bring customer to the main shop either to the basement or 2nd to 3rd level.
What attracted me the most was the vertical green wall. Movable shops was an interesting concept.
A group of joggers
A&F opened a branch in Ginza.
We went to a supermarket, grab some drinks and snacks while sitting on the kerb. Now, I’m wondering where to take the airship from? should do some research, maybe if I get a chance, I would love to view Tokyo from above.
Mango Juice
Some pretty snacks (Not cheap), nice presentation though.
We were also attracted to the crowd to this stall and decided to have a try. Waffle Waffle Le Fruitier, or their website for those who want to try them, there is a similar shop in Somerset 313, ground floor. Not Waffle waffle Le fruitier but called Heavenly Compote Waffle Should be cheaper than in Japan (150 to 230yen) depending on the flavors or fillings. I bought some in 313 and also yesterday at Liang Courts (temporary stall) at $3 each. I thought it was the same until I was havinf one of the waffles while blogging this article and notice a different branding (so blur of me). Go have a try if you have not tasted it before and If you know the differences, please drop me a message.
Some amusing shots, so kawaii. Think the little gal enjoy the feel of the tarmac 
Building on the left is the police post along Ginza
Talk about ice bar? they have one in Ginza, without the ice of course . Would be a great idea when Summer.
One thing I noticed in Japan, people there love to queue but they only queue if the product is good or cheap. So, next time when you are in Japan and you see a queue, why not join in and find out.
Another kawaii kid.. shall do more street shoot in Japan.
We brought Jin’s sis and Aunt to Muji for lunch, wish they would open a similar cafe here in Singapore.
Jin’s lunch for 780Yen :0
Mine was slightly more expensive since I had 4 dishes.
We then took the metro subway to Kamiyacho on the Hibiya Line to visit the Tokyo Tower.
Interesting looking building
A true green building, that is what the building is called Hasegawa Green Building
Tokyo Tower, up close and personal… too close IMO.
Some crazy ideas, using a railing.
Did we miss out anything not visiting the view gallery on top of the tower? I thought since the weather was rather hazy, it would be a waste not having a great view of the area around the tower. Perhaps, a night view from it would be better?
We proceed to Roppongi, Tokyo Midtown. By that time, some of us was already tired. We didn’t explore the place much. Hope we get another chance some day. The place is full of upmarket brands. Just realised I was not carrying my camera bag that day
My boss reminded me to take more photos of Roppongi, but we didn’t stay there long enough for that happen.
Tokyo tower in the background.
Another interesting sculpture.
Some interior shots
Our first bento dinner, Jin’s Aunt wasn’t accustom to having cold meal, therefore, we always had pipping hot meals when we are together.
This beef bento immediately remind me where we bought the bento from, Takashimaya.
Dessert, baked japanese sweet potato from a streetside stall.
End of day 16
Planned Itinerary
Jin and Simon
- Odaiba
- Take train to JR Hamatsucho station, then walk to Hinode Pier, take boat to either Odaiba Seaside park or Palette Town
- Return to Shinjuku via Saikyo/Rinkai Line from Tokyo Teleport Station
Jin’s Sis and Aunt
- Disneyland
1) Take bus at JR highway bus terminal at Shinjuku station new south exit bus terminal (2nd floor)
2) Take JR to Tokyo station, change to JR Keiyo Line to Maihama (45mins)
Another last minute decision, Jin Sis and Aunt have abandoned their plans for Disneyland because of some reasons. So instead, they are tagging along with us to Odaiba instead. Darn, no romancing…………
Another plan this time to do something different, I plan to take a boat ride to Odaiba instead of the train. At least you get to see the Tokyo Bay area. I have the route plan out way before (street view from googlemap helps). We had breakfast across the street from Sunroute, sandwiches with tea is my breakfast choice .
Direction to the pier. The difficult part in getting there was from Hamatsucho station, come out and make a left then walk parallel to the track till you reach an underpass at the end, go through and keep walking then you see the sign at a bridge.
The pier is the short white building on the left, similar to their rail system, you buy the boat ticket from the machine by selecting the route you want to go then go to the waiting area (or elsewhere if you have time to spare) click here for the price and route
A mobile cafe
Jin trying out some hip photo.. ok ok ok, she was sitting down and the camera was on her lap, so some lap shots
Sky was hazy for some reason, Odaiba and the rainbow bridge in the background.
Some of the different boats used for the different routes
some shots while waiting
Our boat
At the upper deck enjoying the view and Sun
Leaving the pier
We cruise pass some military ships, protecting the Bay?
Looks like everyone is on the upper deck.
The rainbow bridge, will tell you why it is named that later.
Inching toward Odaiba Seaside park.
Was captured in a shot, while trying to photograph the rainbow bridge.
Another view
and another
The Fuji TV Building, but we didn’t visit.
Another futurist boat docking
Our turn to dock.
Our boat
Me walking to Aqua City
Lining along the internal windows are loungers, like those you find in along swimming pools for visitors to relax and enjoy the Sun in the comfort of the air-conditioned mall.
Some of the areas in a retro theme
This isn’t a museum but a candy shop
We found the foodcourt and had an early lunch. Yakisoba
Can’t remember what this is, maybe Baked pasta rice
The food court
Many students hanging outside this shop, for some reason.
After lunch, we hitch a train to Palette Town
The main center of this mall.
Aomi station
We return to Aquacity because Jin and me eyed on some porter goodies. A Japan exclusive brand, simple and nice design.
Just replica of the Statue of Liberty
Managed to shoot a pano with Jin in it. (please click on this LINK)
Also made Jin do some funny pose
Jin wining a Statue of Liberty award
We came cross a pet shop, the puppies was “Kawaii”!!! and expensive.
A tour guide once told us, young Japanese couples are prefers pets to children. Supplies for dogs is extremely high in demand in Japan.
Setting sun from Odaiba.
A pano on the Sunset in Odaiba, probably the largest of all the pano I shot in Japan for this trip. (please click on this LINK)
At times like this, I do wish I have a tripod with me.
The rainbow bridge, with an air balloon and Tokyo tower behind. The reason why its called the rainbow bridge is simply because the lighting on the bridge changes colours every few minutes.
Bell of love??
We had the same meal as the one Jin and me had in Shibuya…. alittle too much of something can be a disaster sometimes. I also found out recently, there was a much famous restaurant on the same level as this restaurant, which we were considering while walking around.
I think this was mine.
Poor low light shot from Jin’s Panasonic LX-3
My attempt.
Anyway, we finished off and went back via train.
End of Day 15
Planned Itinerary
- check in back to Sunroute at 1pm
- Ueno (National science museum), Dinner at Ameyoko
- Reserve Bus Limo to Airport for 24th May, 1pm
We checked of the hotel at 10am, Jin went for her last onsen. I had bought tickets for our bus ride back to Shinjuku on the first day of arriving at Lake Kawaguchiko. Arrived on time, we collected our luggage and checked in Sunroute once again, leaving everything in our rooms, we pop by the nearby Yoshinoya for a quick lunch before taking a train to Ueno. On my previous trip, the National science museum was closed and I really wanted to visit the place at least once, however, Jin’s sis and Aunt had no interest and we abandoned the plan……. (I REALLY WANTED TO VISIT THE PLACE!!!!!) was feeling kind of moody after that. Anyhow, we proceed to Ameyoko, Ameyoko was once a black market after the 2nd world war, Ame means America and Yoko means candy, so the place was once a source of Amercian sweets? LOL
Last good bye to the hotel, our room is the top left corner.
The room was so much bigger than the last. Can’t remember if we told them about it.
The same-o toilet
Jin’s new hat from Ralph Lauren, a replacement for her old hat that gone missing in Tokyo.
Ameyayokocho means candy store alley. Ameyoko is easily accessible from Ueno JR station, just follow the track down a slope until you reach the junction, those who have taken the Keisei Skyliner from Narita will see Ameyoko when they exit the station.
Even on a weekday (Thursday) the place was crowded, perhaps because it is a wet market and also a tourist spot.
Some shop selling dry goods, the place reminds me of Chinatown in Singapore.
Ameyoko is split into 2 section, left side is the wet market, you find stalls selling fresh seafood, fruits, dry goods & etc. On the right, you have shops selling fashion stuff, clothings, shoes & etc.
Link to a map directory of Ameyoko and what is has in store for you.
I had to deploy stealth mode and do hip shots of the surrounding. That way people can portrait a more natural side of them, not having a camera point at them and require a respond in return. I shall do this more often, but the success hits was low.
regular shot from view finder, notice the guys staring straight back. See the bottom photo, same guy, different reaction.
The guy from above, but this time I shot from my hip level and he wasn’t aware.
Jin at the other end of Ameyoko.
So, in the end, I grabbed 2kg of smoked cuttlefish like I always have done (just not the same place), found Ameyoko a great place of it and many other dry food. Jin bought some scallop, the shop owner spoke mandarin to us.. think this place is a frequent tourist spot. Also found this place good for Strawberries, so many to choose from, all differently priced. Most popular Japan fruits were available, strawberries, cherries, honey dews & etc. They even sold them in small portion for people to try them. At first while looking at the strawberries, they came in pairs (2 boxes), so I was rather confused on the price, it is for one or both. But instead of trying to ask them in English, I picked the second most expensive one, which was 900yen (~ SGD$13+) and the guy took a pair and wrap up…. now that’s cheap.
Some snacks from Ameyoko, looking at the newspaper cutting and photos infront of the shop, it looks like it quite well known.
30 nicely cushioned mouth watering strawberries and they were BIG… watched a TV show before and they were explaining that odd shaped strawberries are sweeter than regular shaped ones, they were right. We ate half and was already full.. then we decided to skip dinner all together and go out for supper later at late.
In one of the many travel guides we picked up along the way, one feature 24 hrs shops. I picked the nearest one near to Sunroute and we were searching for it
Across the Shinjuku South exit
We found the shop after walking for 10mins, somewhere near to Isetan. Select the dish you want from the ticketing machine outside the shop. Jin chose fried sakura shrimp with udon.
I had the katsudon. Paid less than 900yen for both. Nice place to have a munch in the middle of the night, but the place is close to the vices in Shinjuku, so we were cautious as well. We ate and walked back to our hotel to retire for the night.
End of Day 14
Planned Itinerary
- Take 9.40 Bus to Mt Fuji 5th Station, return on 12.30pm bus.
- Have lunch then take 2.10pm Bus to Gotemba Premium Outlet
- Back to Hotel for Dinner
Initial plan was to take the first bus up Mt. Fuji and the second bus down, however, there wasn’t much thing to do, because Fujisan was totally covered up. We spend an hour take some photos and visited the shops around the fifth station.
Some of the wild life on the lake in the early morning. I woke up very early and decided to visit the onsen while Jin was still sleeping. Thought I could be the only one, but there were a few mainland chinese earlier than me. Spend only 30mins and decided to dress up and go out for a walk.
A fisherman going about his daily routine, see the fog behind?, that was also covering Mt. Fuji 
I could imagine the change in colours during Autumn season, would definitely be a bewildering sight.
The retro bus, remembered I mentioned we bought a 2 day retro pass for unlimited use of the bus services?. Well, it was a bad decision, we only used 2 times during our stay. Plus the day we arrived, it was considered one day.. We didn’t use the pass since the hotel picked us up and even fetch us to the station. Perhaps if there is a next time, we should get the pass only if we exploring the other areas in Lake Kawaguchi.
Entrance to the station, we bought our bus ticket to the 5th station there as well.
Waiting for the bus to leave.
On our way up.
Very cold and cloudy day.
The 5th station is 2305m above sea level.
See the clouds behind
Bought Jin this cute beanie… even the old lady who was selling it, was also giggling.
We left for the station on the first bus down, since there was no chance the clouds with uncover Fujisan any sooner. We arrived at the station and managed to get tickets in time for the next bus ride to Gotemba. There are direct stop to Gotemba Premium outlet by the same bus from Lake Kawaguchiko, but only selected time slots which we are too early, so we decide to head to Gotemba station and catch their free shuttle bus to the premium outlet instead. The bus ride there was almost 1.5hours, upon arriving to the station, there was no sign nor hint of the pickup point. We approached a ticketing counter but the lady pointed us to a police post. We waited aimlessly for a bus that we were not sure would come, till I managed to catch a glimpse of a bus with the Gotemba Premium outlet sign over at the other side of the station and knew we were waiting on the wrong side *#$@$. The shuttle bus was frequent, so the wait was short.
I have to apologise for the lack of photo, it was drizzling and we were hungry as well.
A quick ramen to give us energy for some shopping. We didn’t explore much as our sight was only in a few brands (give me another reason to revisit the place). Jin’s Aunt bought her a new samsonite luggage as her luggage was breaking apart . We checked out the local price and found out that it was 50% of the price here.. WOW. I know what I can buy the next time we are in Japan again. We shopped for about 2 hours before leaving for our hotel.
By the time we reached the Kawaguchiko station, it was past 6pm and the bus service have ended for the day. 4 of us took a taxi back to our hotel (We could call the hotel to pick us up, but I didn’t want to trouble them too much) a 5mins ride cost us 1,000 yen. (About 4X more expensive than in Singapore).
Our humble purchase from Coach and Ralph Lauren.. (I bought a sling bag from Coach, Jin got herself another handbag, I bought some polo and her got a dress at a good price)
We had our dinner and retire for the night, Jin went to the onsen again
Jin in her Yukata
I should take into consideration the traveling time from place to place, today, we took more than 4 hours bus ride from the 5th station on Mt Fuji, bus ride to Gotemba and switch to the shuttle bus. Traveling on bus is a norm in Japan and in some cases, quite a long journey to the destination.
End of Day 13
Planned Itinerary
- Check out and travel to Lake Kawaguchi on Keio Highway Bus
- Give Tominoko Hotel a call for pickup at station, +81-555-72-5080
- Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway
We checkout and left early to catch the 9am bus to Kawaguchiko, before boarding the bus, they will check your name and ticket. You are allowed 1 luggage per person in the baggage compartment. To travel light, we combine and carry only 1 luggage and left the rest at Sunroute, which we have already made reservation for our final leg. One of our great plans to move around but not having to carry every piece of our luggage wherever we went.
A 1.5hrs estimated bus ride became almost 3hrs as we would struck in a traffic jam due to road works along the highway to our destination. We reached Kawaguchiko station at around 12pm+. Luckily for us, the weather was great…
A not so good photo of the station, will post a better one if I can find it
For those travelling to Lake Kawaguchi, this building is the tourist/visitor centre, they do have information in English. What I notice is tourist/visitor centre is a common thing in tourist spots, they are a source of good information and sometime a place for discount cards and gifts.. they do hand out souvenirs too.
Can’t let the great view go to a waste
An really old locomotive
I gave a call to our hotel to arrange for them to pick us up at the station, luckily, someone at the hotel could understand English. *phew* We also bought for ourselves the 2 days Retro bus pass that will allow us unlimited bus ride to the area we choose (there is 2 bus route available). After a short wait, a white van came, the driver bow and we bowed back.. picked up all of our luggage, threw it into the van and we left for our hotel. The Tominoko hotel was a mere 5 mins drive from the station, we check in and our first impression was, “this hotel is empty”… no guest was around, except for us. They gave us rooms on the same level as the onsen, which was good.
Very spacious room, don’t expect hotel kind of standard. These onsen hotels are normally like this, with exception to those super expensive ones. We paid 8,400Yen per person per night, inclusive of breakfast and dinner.. sounds like a great deal.
However, the toilet and bath was separated… so strange layout. But who’s complaining after you check out the view.
The view from our room
Just in case you think I’m kidding you
Mr. Bear hanging out on the window sill with Fujisan behind.
After enjoying the view, we left for the ropeway.
More photo while waiting for the retro bus. I regretted not bring the gradient neutral density filter….
Should crop the bottom portion off
Jin at the ropeway, apologise for not taking photo of the outside. Sometime, I do forget to document the trip
this ropeway is managed by 2 person, one on each end.
3 ladies enjoying the ride up.
The view outside the window
At the top
Another spot to view Mt Fuji
Mr bear portrait with fujisan
Another one with the family
Pano of Mt Fuji and Lake kawaguchi. (please click on this LINK)
We left shorter because it was almost 3pm and we haven’t had our lunch. We found a restaurant not far from the ropeway that serve Houdou, a udon-like noodle, except thicker. Price of the meal, 1260Yen.
After lunch, we decided to take a stroll along the lake, the hotel was within our sight and we thought it shouldn’t take us too long to walk back, at the end, we took almost 1 hour .
Our hotel is the third building from the left
We found a super late sakura bloomer
I like this photo, interesting cloud formation, ducks in the lake and of course, Mt fuji
How about a close up of Mt Fuji
Jin’s shot of Mt Fuji
We return to our rooms, Jin went to enjoy the onsen then we had our dinner and Jin went for another round of onsen and finally, we went to bed
During the late evening, 2 other group checked into the hotel (Mainland and Vietnam), most of the time, we had the entire hotel to ourselves. We wanted to ask the concierge on the timing of the retro bus, but one thing lead to another and they offer to fetch us to the Kawaguchiko station the following morning… The staff are very friendly and helpful. Although there wasn’t many guest, which also meant that the facilities was our to enjoy.
End of Day 12
Planned Itinerary
- Koishikawa Korakuen
- Tokyo Walk
- Shibuya
The day started with Jin’s sis and Aunt heading to Nikko on their own and we did some exploring in Tokyo. We skip Nikko simply because both of us have visited the place a year ago in Spring. Jin suggested going to Koishikawa Korakuen, which is a 400 year old park in Tokyo from a travel guide we picked up also a year ago. Since our aim was to visited places we have not been to, I thought it was a great idea, I enjoy visiting parks in Japan.
After breakfast, we swing by the Keio Highway bus terminal near to our hotel to book bus tickets for the next day trip to Lake Kawaguchi. Then we travel along the Toei Oedo line to Iidabashi Station.
Waiting for the train in Shinjuku.
Notice the dark purple lines along the train? It symbolise the train line, which the train is running on. So the Japanese have another way to differentiate the many train services.
An empty carriage since it is off peak.
Mr. bear tagging along for the ride, I think next time I should use a gundam (more manly )
Somewhere near Iidabashi, can’t remember the place as I navigate around using my trusty Tokyo City Atlas. Have not been lost yet and I don’t intend to
Finally reaching the park after a 10 mins walk.
Short breather while we pay for the entrance fee. (some parks do charge a fee, this also helps upkeep and maintain the parks)
See the white thing at the to right corner? that is the Tokyo Dome.
Very impressed with the way Japanese grow this tree, they even have supports at the bottom to help maintain the shape. Huge bonsai styled tree.
Also encountered some feathered friends.
Mr. bear don’t want to feel left out as well
Jin sitting down enjoying the park
That building is a rest hut. Wonderful park if you love photography.
What we notice about Japanese, they love to have their meals in the park. Perhaps, away from the distraction of the busy city life.
Also a foreigner doing some sketches.
Jin without hands next to an ancient bridge (She was afraid to get a tan, using her jacket to cover herself)
You probably think I have taken this in Singapore Botanic garden
I believe these are Japanese pine trees
The red leaves on a maple tree adding colours to the ever green surrounding. Wonder if it is natural for the maple has red leaves or the tree is preparing for autumn in spring??
Another angle of the rest hut
Huge stone light post
Random shot of the surrounding
Another group of Japanese having their lunch.
Last shot before we hunt for lunch.
Back to Iidabashi station heading to Tokyo station.
We found a quiet restaurant at New Marunouchi Building, this is probably my most expensive lunch.
Jin had soba with bean curd skin. Looks simple, but tasted very nice. Oishii but mine tasted better :LOL:
We also had dessert as well. The meal got have fed 4 of us at Enoshima , but it was worth the extra penny.
Mr. bear also enjoying lunch with us.
After lunch, we took a slow walk to the Imperial Palace plaza, that particular day was warm.. check the forecast and it was 30 degree under the sun!!!! But it didn’t felt like you are in Singapore, heat minus the humidity = still tolerant-able
We encountered many mainland chinese. (we could hear them before we see them ) Oh, Jin lost her hat and luckily I have my gortex hat always in my photography bag.
Pano of the Tokyo skyline from the Imperial Palace plaza. Believe this was a combination of at least 40 shots. Well, I had to improvise since I don’t have a tripod. (please click on this LINK)
Correct me if I’m wrong, the bridge in the background should be the Ishibashi.
Another shot
We left the place and headed back to our hotel for a rest, also for Jin to change to a more comfort shoes.
Some snacks we bought from Odakyu at Shinjuku.
We rested abit before heading to Shibuya
The famous Shibuya crossing, probably the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. You could lose someone if you ain’t holding hands when crossing this road.
Both of us ran to the middle before the big wave of people come drowning us.
Someone else got a better idea, if it wasn’t for my bad back, I would have done the same.
Searching for a makan place
The famous meeting spot for Japanese in Shibuya, Hachiko, a faith dog who without fail, waited for his owner to return but he died from an illness. Not knowing that, Hachiko went the same spot every day for 9 years!!!! This is what you called faithful.
I spotted a good vantage point to capture the pedestrian crossing… shown below
Probably off-peak hours, during rush hours, the number of people is even more.
Finally, we chose a place to have our dinner then return to our hotel to rest for a long journey to our next destination.
IIRC, size of the dish is the number of eggs they use. we ordered medium and it was too much to handle. Rice tasted normal though.
End of Day 11
Planned Itinerary
- Check out hotel and travel to Shinjuku
- Check in Sunroute Plaza
- Spend rest of the day at Asakusa
Today we transfer back to Shinjuku, check out from Washington hotel, left our luggage there and went to explore the place before returning for our luggage.
We decided to head to Landmark Plaza for breakfast, interestingly, they have travelator (escalator on a even surface, like those you would find in Changi Airport) in their link bridges. The Photo above is the Nippon maru Meml Park and the ship is part of the park’s attraction
Flea market on a Sunday morning by the park.
Landmark Plaza up close
After a quick breakfast and a visit to Yokohama Hardrock cafe (located at the basement of Landmark Plaza), we return to the hotel for our luggage and left for Shinjuku. It merely took us 30mins, but I had my hands full, 55 gal backpack back and my flipside 400AW camera bag, didn’t have a chance to take any photos along the way.
The gals was having a hard time with their luggage, this is at Shinjuku station southern terrace exit. Not that I didn’t help, Jin told me to watch my back (as in spinal problem) and they could manage it themselves. Normally, I have drag the luggage for her, leaving her far behind . You might think it was cold in Tokyo because Jin was wearing her gloves, but nah, she worn it to protect her hands while dragging her luggage
The tall building is the NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building
I had my break and chance to do quick snap around while waiting for Jin to catch up.
Jin taking a breather, behind her is the famous Krispy Kreme at Shinjuku, like they say in singlish, you die die must try, but do prepare to queue up. Go early, there is less people in the morning.
My new companion from Yokohama
This time round, the room allocated was smaller than our previous trip. We had problems keeping our luggage. One thing we noticed, Sunroute plaza has gone eco friendly, toiletries are no longer given as a standard in all rooms but available at the lobby. So to minimise wastage, you take what you need.
Toilet
My humble purchase from Yokohama HardRock.
We left the hotel for Asakusa to attend to the Sanja Matsuri Festival, didn’t know what to expect until we reach Asakusa station. Streets were filled with people (I mean many people), we proceeded toward Sensō-ji, a bazaar was going on celebrate the festival.
See the sea of people.
Mr. bear went walky walky with me. Attracted many lookers and gals goes “kawaii”
Yakisoba
Mr. bear looks hungry. We ate our yakisoba and left the shrine.
The police was there to control the crowd. We found out from the evening news that a fight broke out. You would see many people from different walk to life, those participating in the matsuri looks like yakuza to me . Luckily, I was using the 70-200 from a safe distance.
Mr. bear on the train, heading back to our hotel for a rest before dinner.
See the queue in the evening.
Entrance of Sunroute plaza
Some night scenes of Shinjuku
Pano of Shinjuku West. (please click on this LINK)
End of Day 10
