It was the last day of the group tour and we had to leave early to catch the NEX train to Shinjuku.
Ami, Michelle and Ma were nice enough to wake up early to eat breakfast with us at 8am.
We were to take the 905am shuttle to the airport.
We had a couple of really great tour mates who were well travelled in Tokyo.
Ling Ling who was the eldest sister was heading to airport to meet her Japanese friend so she offered to bring us to the train station and even lent us her electronic translator.
NEX to Shinjuku!
Waiting for them to clean the interior of the carriage.
Yong playing with the electronic translator.
We were afraid to spoil it so we didn't really use it either.
I was bored so I took a photo of my trusty Marc Jacobs bag which almost every other lady in Japan was carrying since it was free with a Jap magazine..hahahaha...
I slept the rest of the way to Shinjuku which was about an hour and a half.
This train ride reminded me of the Gao Tie I took in Taiwan to Tainan.
After dropping the rest of the bags off at the hotel, we headed on a walking path to Meiji Shrine.
Was quite a long walk but it was enjoyable to see stuff I don't get to see much in Singapore.
Crossed a train track and I wanted to take a photo in the middle of it.
The barriers started to come down so we dashed across..hahaah...
How often do we get to do that in Singapore?
One of the alleys enroute to Meiji Shrine.
The walk took us about 30-40 minutes or so.
Meiji Shrine is a Shinto Shrine which is Japan's ancient original religion and it is deeply rooted in the way of Japanese life. They believe in harmony with nature and various virtues.
They also believe that divinity is found as Kami (divine spirit) and there are unlimited number of these Kamis.
They could exist in humans or nature etc. Shrines are thus built to show their gratitude.
The Shinto shrines are easy to recognise through the torii (shrine gate) distinctive features like the one in this photo.
Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken,
After they passed away, people wished to commerate their virtues so these trees were donated from all over Japan and overseas.
Meiji Jingu Forest was created in honour of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken for their sould to dwell in and every tree was sincerely planted by hand.
This forest was carefully planned as an eternal forest that recreates itself.
Walking through it was so surreal and it was like a totally different part we saw of Japan.
Writing your wish on a paper and a small token before dropping it into the box where the priests will do the prayers in the following session.
Many people come to pray for passing exams!
I just want my family to be in good health with a smooth sailing path in everything to do.
Most importantly to remain happy.
The main torii of the Shrine.
We saw some Jap people bowing before entering so we were wondering if we were supposed to do that.
Then some other Jap simply strolled straight in - so I guess it's up to individuals..
Walking past the grounds of Meiji forest, we arrived at Harajuku area.
We walked Omotesando which is a one kilometer long, tree lined avenue, serving as the main approach to Meiji Shrine. Numerous stores, boutiques, cafes and restaurants, including several leading fashion brand shops, stand along the avenue.
There's H&M, F21, Muji along this road and so happens that they were having sales!
Arriving at Takeshita Dori, the symbol of Harajuku with my H&M buys in tow.
F21 was mad crowded so I didn't squeeze in further.
That day was peculiar as we seem to be entering all the streets or shrines through their back or side entrance.
Maybe coz we were walking down from Shinjuku..
Had to eat lunch first as it was already close to 2pm.
Chose the first fast food joint we saw - Lotteria.
Saw this crepe stores with long queue..can't miss it lor..eat again...
Now we reach the entrance..hahahaha...
It wasn't that crowded as it was a Tuesday I guess.
Relatively easy to walk.
Continued to walk towards Shibuya.
First we had to walk past Yoyogi Stadium which was built for the 1964 Olympics (I wasn't born yet) and the NHK Studiopark.
Than we saw Starbucks!
Only sold in Japan - Sakura Steamer!
I think its steamed milk with sakura powder.
It tasted really good.
Came back to Singapore and we can't find this.
Think they are serving some Caramel Orange Flavored drink.
Shibuya!
Shopped in Shibuya 109 so not much photos since I was shopping..
One of the station exits was named after a loyal dog named Hachiko.
According to a famous story, the dog waited for his master every day in front of Shibuya Station, and continued to do so for years even after his master had passed away.
This story has been made into a movie recently ' Hachiko: A Dog's Story' staring Richard Gere.
Yes, this story happened in Japan.
A statue stands outside Shibuya station and it is one of Tokyo's most popular meeting points.
We had a pretty tough time looking for it since we didn't come out from the station.
Literally walked 1 big round to find it standing proudly here.
Many people were standing around smoking or waiting for friends.
Some Japanese and other tourists were also taking photos with the statue.
Took the Yamanote line back to Shinjuku to check in to our hotel.
It was about 4 stops away.
After checking in, it was time to look for dinner.
Went into this quaint little shop that serves local food.
Basically, there's a vending machine in the shop with numbers or photos on them.
You select what you want and drop in the money.
A ticket will pop out and you pass this to the guy in the kitchen.
Once the food is ready, they'll call for you to pick it up.
Shopping centers in Japan such as Mitsukoshi, Daimaru, Takashimaya closes at 8pm daily.
So there's only the huge drugstores, stand alone shops, pachinko slots and food outlets that remain open.
We walked around Shinjuku and than headed back to the hotel.
Yong looks kinda blur here but the Japanese pancake in the shape of a fish was delicious!!
It's green tea crust with red bean filling.
Unlike those in Singapore, they warm it up before serving it to us and its soft but the sides are crispy!!!
Drooling already...haiz..I miss it...
While we were sleeping in the hotel, Ami, Michelle and Ma reached home.
Thanks to them for bringing most of our food stuff home!!!
That gave me more space to shop for stuff in Japan on the last 4 days!
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