May 27, 2016

Things to do in Tokyo, Japan (Part 2)

It’s time to update my second part here after the Things to do in Tokyo, Japan (Part 1)

For full itinerary, check out the Japan Trip 2015: 9D8N Tokyo, Kawaguchiko & Kamakura

1. Taking a photo or 2 with the special JR Harajuku 原宿駅
A Tokyo train station on the JR Yamanote Line and stationed in Harajuku right next to Meiji Shrine. Yes its appearance captured my heart!

2. Explore into Takeshita Dori
Takeshita Dori, or also known as Takeshita Street, taking place in front of Harajuku Station Takeshita Exit is a very fashionable 400 meters long street lined with trendy shops, fashion boutiques, knick-knack shops, crepe kiosk, fast food chain… and etc. here too, you will get to see a lot of cutesy Lolita dress up, a very happening area for youngsters.

How I wish I have more time to explore in depth over here.

Getting here:
Direct access from JR Harajuku Station Takeshita Exit

3. Walk around Meiji Jingu 明治神宮
The shrine that was built and completed in 1920, to honour Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Spare a short time walking into the shrine as the shrine building is located about 10 minute walk from southern entrance near Harajuku Station and northern entrance near Yoyogi Station.

Was lucky to witness the wedding ceremony.

It was the Kiku (chrysanthemum) season and we managed to capture the exhibition of various types of chrysanthemum.

Meiji Jingu 明治神宮
1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Admission Fee: Free in the shrine precincts

4. Meet up Hachi at the Statue of Hachiko
And right in front the Hachiko Statue, there is this retro streetcar called “Tamaden” that once ran through Shibuya. It is a tourist information centre now.

5. Experience the Shibuya Crossing
The forever busy spider web cross road that full with human from all walks of life crossing the road.

6. All you can eat in Shabu Shabu Tajimaya しゃぶしゃぶ但馬屋
We had to do a lot of walking, so I arranged a protein-fuel up session here in Shibuya. Taking up one of the floors in the building that housed Franc Franc in Shibuya, it serves both Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki. Here they serve in buffet style which includes not only meat but also rice, vegetables, soft drinks and ice cream in a limited time ie: 90 minutes (Lunch hour: priced at ¥1,730 for beef belly and pork loin & ¥1,550 for pork belly and loin). It is something like the Sukiya which is what we have over here.

We wouldn’t be able to chomp down huge amount of meat in the limited time. Hence we went for the other category where we decide the amount of meat we wanna eat, but this was limited to 60 mins only. Each pax will have to order the amount of meat in order to enjoy the free flow of side dishes. Price shown as above photo.

7. Shop in the chio Shibuya and Shibuya 109
109 is a department store caters for young ladies. This building is located just across the street from Shibuya Station. Murua, Liz Lisa, Moussy… all the fashionable stuff are gathered in this multi-storey building.

And there is a 109 men’s department store for men.

8. Take away the Pablo Cheese Tart
Huge baked cheese tart, with buttery flaky pastry layer encasing the cheese filling. You may choose between rare or medium. The rare cheese tart is their signature with the gooey madness cheese fillings that comes just right in terms of taste and amount; never made you feel satiated (jelak) even eating the whole of it! Love it!!!

9. Get your postcard posted in KITTE
KITTE carries the meaning of postage stamps in Japanese. KITTE is developed by Japan Post, quite a new mall located in front of JR Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi South Gate. It occupies 7 floors of JP Tower which combines preserved and renovated portion of former Tokyo Central Post Office with a new structure. With about 100 tenants, offers shopping and dining experience to the patrons. There is The Intermediatheque which serves as a museum of academic culture and venue for workshop and seminars open to public. JP Tower Museum on the 3rd floor is free entrance, if not mistaken.

One of my favourite past time when I was young is stamp collection and I love sending and collecting post card. One of the reasons I came here was for the special collection of postcard.

KITTE
2-7-2 JP Tower B1F–6F,
Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Getting here:
1-min. walk from JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Gate;
Direct access from Tokyo Metro Tokyo Station underground passage;
2-min. walk from Tokyo Metro Nijubashimae Station; 3-min. walk from JR Keiyo Line Tokyo Station

10. Mesmerize the night view of Tokyo from KITTE Garden
I believe not many people know about this place and it’s not very touristy yet. This spectacular roof garden is located on the 6th floor of KITTE. It is the ideal spot to take a panoramic view of Tokyo Station and its trains working from there. And the beautiful green lawn on the roof that gives the life to the concrete structure.

11. The red brick JR Tokyo Station
Built in 1914, this is the station with the largest number of platforms in Japan.

12. Feel the romantic Tokyo Tower
Why do I categorize Tokyo Tower as romantic???! Because it appeared in most of the romantic love story in Japanese drama. We didn’t climb up to Tokyo Tower as we have visited the Skytree. Of course, someday when I revisit Tokyo, I will definitely pay my visit up.

13. Be part of the One Peace
This is definitely the heaven for One Peace’s fan! Located at the base of Tokyo Tower – Tokyo Tower Foot Town, it composes of attractions, live action stage show, café and restaurant that feature everything about One Piece. Ticket is priced at ¥ 3,200 per adult or get a better deal here.

14. Slurp up the bowl of Ichiran Ramen 一蘭拉面
Ichiran Ramen, known as one of the best ramen in Japan. Just check out that queue!

People from all over the world came for the legendary bowl of tonkotsu ramen. This ramen chain is opened 24 hourly. You can still skip the queue during peak hours and have it as late night supper.

Founded in Hakata, Fukuoka; this is the bowl of ramen filled with thin and firm noodles in a bowl of tonkotsu soup, and topped with Ichiran’s original red pepper sauce mixed with 3 types of spices. Silky smooth springy noodles with milky rich pork broth. The perfect tummy warmer on the chilling night.

Before getting down the bowl of ramen, you have to purchase the ramen ticket from vending machine. Top up some sides if you loved to. I went for the basic one with tamago that cost

Customize your ramen according to your preference in flavour strength, richness, garlic, green onion, red sauce and the noodles texture. It is advisable to pick medium / regular for the first timers.

Wait for the vacant seats, with lighted up panel as vacant.

Just pass the order sheet and ramen ticket to the staff. After a short while, just concentrate and slurp up your bowl of ramen without any distraction in the individual booth seating.

15. Shop till you drop in the 24 hours Don Quijote(s) ドン・キホーテ
Who doesn’t love shopping in Japan?! Especially the make ups, skin care, health supplements and all sort of kawaii stuff. *Scream*

Don Quijote ドン・キホーテor also known as Donki is the huge discount chain store that has EVERYTHING under one roof, at a great deal. Yes, everything which include food, snack, alcohol, cosmetic, skin care, souvenirs, electronic goods, travel goods and etc…

Best thing for tourist … TAX FREE! Don Quijote provides 8% Tax Free for tourist with a minimum spending of ¥5,001 before tax for consumable items and ¥10,001 for non-consumable items such as electronics, watches, jewellery, designer goods.

Extra Stuff You Can Do in Tokyo

If you would like to polish up your skill on cooking Japanese cuisine, feel free to join one of the cooking classes held in Tokyo . There are numerous classes for you to try on, such as Sushi making , Ramen and Gyoza Class , Tempura Class and etc. I am now eyeing on the Wagashi Class and also Bento Class to power up my bento skill. They are all conveniently located in Tokyo.

TIPS

Running through the busy spiderweb-maze-liked metro or subway route in Tokyo isn’t easy by just screening through the manual map. It is pretty easy and convenient using the app available, just download the Tokyo Subway app, and search the destination you would like to go, and just follow the colour of the sign and number to the respective station.

There is an estimate price per trip to pay for too which makes your life easy.