Day 4: Harajuku & Shibuya

Dear diary,

After all the Disney fun in Tokyo, we checked in to our 3rd and last hotel of the trip – Shinjuku City N.U.T.S. Hotel.

For our last 3 days of the trip, we just bunked in here. *I booked through this site.

There’re lots of of young Western backpackers staying in this hotel. The rooms, restaurants, toilets in Japan are generally small, but this hotel room is extremely small, like literally no space to open up our luggage. Maybe because we added an extra bed in a room that’s not meant for that.

Other than that, I’ve nothing else to complain about. Good thing they have free wi-fi in hotel room.

And powerful Bose speakers too. Every morning first thing I do after I wake up is to on the music (got a lot of channels to pick from), just to utilize the speakers.

And out of nowhere, there’s this retro red chandelier in the room! Nice!

Just in case you’re curious about the room rate, it’s RM500+ for a night (for 3 people, without breakfast). This is consider budget hotel in Japan. For that price I probably can stay in 5-stars hotel in KL. But oh well, welcome to Tokyo, ranked one of the most expensive city in the world.

The bathroom is surprisingly luxurious, equipped with jacuzzi and 6 bottles of bath foam, aroma gel etc.
But we didn’t really utilize that part of the room, since we were most of the time out of the hotel.
Just realized that I didn’t take any photos of it. I must be too busy using the wi-fi.

After settling down, we took subway to Meiji Shrine.

Quote wiki travel: “large in scale, simple in structure”
Yes that’s true, the architecture is simple, but gives you a sense of ancient Japan.
To see the historical and most original side of the country (usually religion-related), is what I’m looking for, in each and every destination I travel to.

Traditional Japanese Bride, getting ready for her big night.
Quote wiki travel: “On summer weekends you have a very good chance of catching a Japanese wedding in progress here”

Under a huge tree, there’s this space for you to write & hang your wishes, need to pay a small fee, but not so small after the currency conversion.
Most of the messages are in Japanese, I can’t read them, but these little planks just made up a great scene, especially when coupled with the tender rays of evening sun. I just can’t help but to snap away.

By the time we were there, it’s about 4pm and they’re making announcements that the shrine is closing and urging guests to head out of the shrine.

We didn’t really bother and continue exploring. The path through the torii gate in to the Shrine is like a forrest – pebbles surface, gigantic trees, minimal sunlight. Around 4:30pm, the sun begun to set. There’s only one way out by foot, which is to walk under the thick shades of tall scary trees, there’s nobody except us, I could hear black crows howling and the creepy sound of tree leafs rubbing against each other. It was getting dark, feels like an adventure scene from storybook Hansel & Gretel.

Seriously, when they announced for us to get out, we should just get out. The short 20 minutes walk out of the shrine is really ‘an experience’!

After Meiji Shrine, we walked over to Harajuku. The Christmas lights combined with lights of the bustling traffic, it made up a fantastic sight!

I think one of the reasons why Japan is successful is that, they’re very detailed and meticulous in everything they do.
Just like these little golden bells i found hanging on the trees by the roadside.

Can you find cute little stuff like that on the streets of M’sia? The answer is “No”.

The crowd is insane. It was 23 Dec that’s why, a public holiday in Japan (their Emperor’s Birthday).

The wishing game ala marketing gimmick, along the streets of Harajuku.

Lots of high fashion stores in sight. Ginza probably got more, but that’s among my lowest priority to go, since I’m not a big fan of overpriced designer labels.

Monochrome

Sexy Red Dior

I only went into Kiddyland – a 5 stories store that sell cartoon cute stuff. that’s very me.

The pink factor.
Here I bought my pink hello kitty planner.

Cute billboards.

Poor daddy can’t find anything he like in there, or no, he liked Totoro the cat, but anyway at last, he just waited outside the store, in the cold.

Then from Harajuku, we walked over to Shibuya.

Got lost a little on the way there, but Japanese are very friendly and helpful, despite the language barrier. They can tell you “I’m not sure” and the next minute after you turned away, they will go learn the directions from another person on the street  and try to tell you again after that. *praise* When I was in London, i just don’t feel this kind of hospitality or maybe they don’t like short Asian girls like me that don’t speak their accent. Hmm!

Anyway, all these places are quite close to each other, if you’re an adventourous person and don’t mind walking in the cold, then you could save a bit by not taking the train.

Night in tokyo is fabulous! A lot of lights, especially their colourful signboards, cluttered in a sense, but make the city very vibrant and happening!

Under a lampost.

The city is so crowded, last minute Christmas shopping I supposed.

Roadsigns, flashes of lights

Bokeh of city lights.

Sparkly Mercs

Japanese guy. Cropped off the hot babe beside him. *cunning smile*

Awesome them! <3

And then we arrived here:

Shibuya 109, the building in the middle of this picture – a complex which sells clothes, shoes, accesories etc.

Liz Lisa.

Highly targeted at girls, can hardly find male toilets as they’re only available in certain floors.

It’s like Sg Wang but of course, their selection is much better than Sg Wang. Hardly can find any lala stuff.

Mostly are winter fashion, so I didn’t buy much stuff. Just shopped for small small stuff…

…like ribbony girly stuff.

Spent about 2 hours in here and then start hunting for dinner.

We simply go into this Japanese Cuisine in Shibuya. It was the most expensive dinner we had here (RM300+)and also the worst dinner throughout the trip.

It was so overpriced – didn’t know about the table charge (500 yen per pax, that’s RM20) and one green tea is freaking RM16 plus it’s not refillable. *mad*

This’s like our Jake’s Charboiled Steak or Victoria Station for Japanese people, you know when you feel like splurging on a good treat?

Except the food wasn’t that good or I don’t know how to appreciate.

This is not Chawanmushi. It’s cold. I don’t know what’s it called. It’s served as appetizer. The pathetic few biji of cod roe is damm good though.

This fish that I’ve forgot its name, was so-so to a so-so level.

After dinner, we took the subway back to Shinjuku.

Is it amusing (or mean?) to capture this picture – the random musings/activities of strangers in the train.

The typical sight in the train is always – people either holding their book/gadget or dozing off. They hardly talk to each other. And when I talk to my parents, I feel like an alien.

The duper useful subway map!

That night, we arrived in Shinjuku quite late, but still managed to get some good rest, as we’ll have to continue our journey the next morning to Hakone, to see Mt. Fuji.

Stay tuned! Will you?

Meanwhile, you may read about:
Day 1 – Akihabara, Asakusa & Ueno
Day 2- Tokyo Disneyland
Day 3 – Tokyo Disney Sea

Dear diary,

I just finish watching “美丽高解像”…

It’s a Hong Kong drama that centers around celebrities, entertainment industry and all that.

I always like to watch one episode before bed time.

Conflict, love etc. typical drama! but i feel it’s quite nice!

Hmm..what to watch next? Hope i’ve got more hk series.

Dear diary,

Just placed a plant with pink blossoms on my desk this morning.

It brightens up a Tuesday morning!

As you can see, desktop wallpaper already converted into pink.

Next is to pinkify every other thing on my desk. I’m just kidding.

Dear diary,

So it’s our third day in Tokyo, we woke up in Sunroute Plaza Hotel, had buffet breakfast and set to go….to Disney Sea.

Japanese & Western Breakfast, cheese potatoes, salmon, bacon, long beans etc.

Before going out of the hotel , saw this couple getting married at the wedding hall of the lobby.

There’s a string quartet playing Canon in D, my fav music.

Here’s a close-up of the newly-wed.

Then, we took the Disney free shuttle bus to Bayside Station and get into the Disney LRT to Disney Sea.

Basically this whole place is like a Disney Town, everything is so Disney here!

The buses

The trains.

The people.

Around two stations it costs us 250 Yen per person (approx. RM10). Kinda exp!

So here we are in Disney Sea….

…the more mature version of Disneyland.

Once entered, this’s the first thing you’ll see, a super big globe.

Planning the routes

Some japanese girls cam-whoring! It’s a very common thing to do there.

Then there’s this beautiful town of Venice.

So surreal! I really don’t know how can the sky be so blue!

Boatman

Victorian Street Lamps

Flower blossoms during winter

Venetian Architecture

… with a touch of Christmas!

Mom wanted to watch this Big Band Beat, it’s like Broadway Musical, but this one got appearance of Mickey Minnie Goofy and friends.

This is the theatre…

So we drew our tickets like drawing lottery, and got quite a good seat!

Very nice and big hall!

Nice lightings! But not allowed to take photos during the performance.

After the performance, we just go on exploring the park.

Saw this Tower of Terror.

I dare not go on this ride! Can hear people screaming from outside, maybe it’s just audio effect but it just looks very scary.

I heard it’s a ride that will drop you up and down….something like the free-fall kind of thing. Ahh, not my type of ‘excitement’!

Then we came to the American Waterfront…

It’s so classic!

the port

What a beautiful scenery …

The props, the buildings, the everything is very real and beautiful inside Disney Sea…just like in the movies!

Popcorn treat..it says “freshly popped”. hehe.

Saw some really lovely flowers by the streets of the American town.

Mickey saying hello to the people!

Next is Port Discovery…

Here I took photo with Goofy (and a lot of Kelefeh)…

Spot Me!

I went on this ride too…

Quite an interesting ride! The boats are controlled by some radar.

Saw these 2 girls sharing one blanket, so sweet!

I wonder what this means?!

Again, it’s nearly 4pm, the sun is gonna set again…

By this time, we’re already at Lost River Delta, a bit like the Indiana Jones Town.

A lot of wooden stuff here.

Mickey looks like a ‘babarian’ here. ha ha.

Then there’s Mermaid Lagoon!!

A realm of fantasy!

Took a picture of the people on the roller coaster, they look like they’re really cold. haha.

I never go on this ride because of the long queue. Basically every ride has long queue. so ya, only went on a few rides.

Mermaid Lagoon is an indoor theme park inside Disney Sea.

So colourful!

Posing with some sea creature…

They really made it look like an underwater world!

I went on this ugly fish ride.

I left one side of my gloves on the ride, they’re so efficient when i went back 5 minutes later, they already sent it to the lost-and-found counter.
Thumbs up! Fortunately I didn’t lose my favourite red gloves!

Then last but not least, we went to the Arabian Coast…

Went on the Carven Carousel with daddy!

It’s Merry-go-round but got 2 floors going round simultaneously.

We choose the ground floor one so mom could take picture of us since she don’t want to get on the ride.

Feels good to be a child again!

Managed to watch the Disney Lights Show at night.

I do not have a lot of photos of it… was too amazed by the show!

It was magnificent! I think most of the people in the park all gathered by the lake to watch. They played a very nice Japanese song too, I wish I have that song now.

So what’s for dinner? It’s 8pm+, all the restaurants have very long queue! After walking round and round, we finally decided on this one called the Sakura Restaurant.

The queue is about 1 hour. So while queuing I have nothing better to do but taking pictures.

Posters outside the restaurant.

Christmasy Town!

A little girl addicted to her Nintendo game. love her hot pink coat!

Seafood Skewers, cost about 1800 Yen (approx. RM72)

I really can’t tell what’s so great about it. But food in Disney Sea is generally that price.

Before leaving, we went into MiraCosta hotel. It’s the DisneySea official hotel, think all their guestrooms have the view of the theme park.

The ceiling of the lobby is superb!

Very grand!

After all the adventures, we went back to the hotel …

… to enjoy chilled Asahi…

…while watching Sumo on TV…

So basically that’s the end of my day three, Disney Sea was really a great experience!

I’m really missing it so much while recalling my memories now…

Stay tuned for day four, my adventures of Harajuku & Shibuya.

Read about Day 1 & Day 2.

Dear diary,

As per title, this is my v-gift!

Set of BB cream from KBS Skin79, just nice for work! As my work requires me to be well-dressed & well-groomed. Actually not really, but I’d like to think of it that way.

This set consists of one skin79 hot pink triple function BB cream, 2 mobile BB cream & 1 green tea mist toner. If it’s BB cream only, it’s RM85 (during the promo fair). But looks like it’s cheaper if you buy online here.

Cute little tubes, I’m gonna hang it on my bag!

Fun fact#1 It’s a Korean brand with jolin tsai as their spokesperson.

fun fact#2 Their tagline is “selling one in every 7 seconds”

Hmm, i wonder how accurate is this statement. *cynical*

Anyways, I’ve been using it for 3 days now, it’s really nice!

I’ve been using Laura Mercier liquid foundation before this, it was quite a good product (does not worsen acne) but always gives me that greasy feeling and glossy face towards the end of the day. Maybe I didn’t use their oil-free collection (the sales guy asked me not to) and also cos my skin is really sensitive that’s why.

But this Skin79 bb cream, no greasy feeling after a day at work! It feels like I’ve nothing on my skin. Looks very natural! And because there’s pearl extract, it makes my always sleepy skin looks more vibrant now.  Oh and I feel there’s healing power for acne or at least it doesn’t worsen acne at all.

But of course not to be too bias, I actually paired it with  Skinfood Peach Serum (superb at controlling oil!), esp if you gonna use make-up for long hours, to avoid that greasy feeling, this is really really the answer to it!

Just realized why am I so anti greasy feeling.

Thank you my Valentine for this very lovely gift!

(Note: This is not an ad.)

Read about Skin79 reviews here. (Chinese)

More about its function here. (Eng)

Day 2 Tokyo Disneyland, Maihama.

Dear diary,

It’s our 2nd day in Tokyo, woke up quite early, packed our luggage and went to Tokyo Disneyland!!

Bought the 2-day passport which is 10,000 Yen per pax (approx. RM400+)

I was quite excited about Disneyland because I’ve never been there before.
However, from our hotel in Ueno to Disneyland, it was quite a tedious journey!

We took the subway. Fastest way is to get on JR line to Maihama station.

Sometimes while walking underground from one line to another, it’s so much longer than you expected it to be.
Plus, dragging these along is just …a lil’ bit of nightmare.

Especially at certain parts, there’re no escalators  or lift and so we just have to lift these luggages up the stairs.
Before we reached disneyland, we are already quite drained.
We only go into Disneyland about 2pm. My initial kiasu plan was to go into the park on 9am once they opened so that I can utilize the park full day.
But our motto for this trip is Free & Easy, first thing not to do is to RUSH. So just took our own sweet time. la la la.

Disneyland is like a fantasy-land. Everything is so colourful, cartoon characters everywhere, cheerful music are playing, everybody seems very happy…and you’ll feel happy.

Precious Memories

I wonder how they do it!

This’s the first place you’ll pass by right after the entrance. The shopping place!!

I like this medallion maker!! Just put a 100 Yen coin into it and it’ll give you a medallion that looks like this:

Mickey’s head on it! Can choose other designs too.

Sweetheart Cafe. What a lovely name!

People-watching.

I love all the buildings in there! it’s like a different world.

There’re many different themes in disneyland like Toon Town, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland etc…

… and the famous Cinderella Castle that you couldn’t miss!!

From a different angle, it looks like this.

Underneath the castle, there’re nice wall art like this:

My only regret is that I didn’t manage to goto Critter Country and Westernland… I feel incomplete!

Only managed to go on few rides. Long queue, as expected!

Space Mountain……was the most exhilarating one in terms of speed. Scare the hell out of my dad (and myself)! haha.

Overall, the rides are quite nice! Gives you different surprises! Nothing like the ones in Sunway Lagoon. *shakes head*

Fantasyland!! Queen of Hearts.

This was taken outside “it’s a small world” ride.

It’s a slow river cruise, good for the elderly.

The sky getting dark and lights coming up around 4:30pm. Nice!

Before dark, we managed to catch the Disney Christmas Parade!

Frosty the Snowman!

Very christmasy parade!

This’s my favourite! Very colourful Alice up there. hehe.

They seem like they love their job very much! So full with energy!

This fairy kept dancing in front of me, trying to cheer up a little kid standing next to me.

Santa came out to wave at the people too!

Later that night we managed to catch a glimpse of the Electric Lights Parade!

Disneyland parades are just awesome!

♥ sparkling lights!

At night, the illuminating buildings are really nice, like a scene from the fairytale!

We have our dinner in one of the food chains.

Japanese curry rice. This costs about 700 Yen (approx. RM28)

Here’re some fun pictures I took in Toon Town!

Jailed!

I think one of Disneyland secrets is they made everything look very colourful!

It was a really cold day, I would say the coldest day throughout my trip. Especially at night, I’m just shivering all the way despite having 3 +1 layers on.

Everytime we go into a shop or the toilet, 50% is because we want to keep warm for a while…

…and also to take photos. hehe.

Winnie the Pooh Window Display.

I’m sure going to disneyland during winter cut off some of the fun because 1. it gets dark 4:30pm onwards 2. the cold is very distracting, makes you wanna go indoor all the time.

But because it’s 4 days before Christmas, the Christmas atmosphere was very good!

The very grand Christmas Tree in the middle of the World Bazaar! Feel warm looking at the colour red.

The plants were lighted too!

The Cinderella Castle was lighted up in blue at night! Suddenly on 9pm, there’s musical show at the castle, where glittery stars reflected on the castle, making the castle look very magical!

View of the park at night.

The park closed on 10pm, feel sad have to leave!

Bye bye disneyland!

Towards the end of the day, we checked in to this hotel called Sunroute Plaza Hotel.

I think it’s one of the cheaper official disney hotels (22000 Yen , approx. RM800-900 per night) which is not that cheap anyway. But others are like Rm1000+ per night.

This’s a triple room, there’re 3 beds…

..and nice view of Disney Resort Hotel

…plus high-tech toilet bowl. Particularly love the heater function! Perfect for winter!

Good thing about staying in official disney hotel is, they have cute mickey free shuttle bus service to disneyland, disney sea, train station etc.
And you can purchase park tix from the hotel, don’t need to queue outside the park.

While writing this, I really miss disneyland so much…

The next tokyo post will be about my adventures in Disney Sea! Stay tuned.

Read about day 1 here.

-To be continued-

Dear diary,

The Spy Next Door!!

“Relaxed and funny!”

It made me cry somehow I don’t know why.
Although the lines are quite cliche but it’s just different when Jackie Chan says it.
Hope to see more from Jackie!

Read another review here.

Tokyo Day 1 – Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara

Dear diary,

7 days in Tokyo is not enough at all! Perhaps 10 days would be just nice.

My freaking awesome Travel Buddies

My after-thoughts:

1. I WANT TO GO BACK THERE AGAIN T__T

2. Very happening city but not an easy place to travel on your own if you have a tight budget. Like you dare not get on a cab (which we still did) because it’ll cost you a bomb, you need to think 5 times before taking a train to make sure you’re taking the most cost-efficient route as there’re so many alternatives! But it’s actually okay if you’ve done your research.

3. And oh it’s really a very well-organized city with all sparkly beautiful things that can only be found there! I’m impressed and haven’t had enough of it.

Arrived at Narita Aiport during sunrise.
Sometimes I really think airport is very important because it always gives me the first impression of the country. *judgmental*
Narita Airport is so very the clean, cannot even find a single dust or rubbish.

2. You know the last time I had bad experience with travel agency for my trip to Beijing, therefore this trip, I decided to plan everything on my own from booking air-tickets to accommodation to itinerary etc.etc. etc. *hero*

Basically the internet is super useful, I did everything through it. *worship the internet*
And cos of this, my Geography improved! haha, at least for Tokyo city.
And oh, thanks to this very useful guide book! Would be better if there’s map for all places, lighter and pocket size!

3. I stayed in 3 different hotels. Nomad style, always have to move luggage around, but me being me, I still insist to wear heels, with no regrets.

This was taken in Meiji Shrine, during dusk.

4. Managed to get a good deal from Japan Airlines (JAL), RM1550 return inclusive of tax. Quite a good flight! It’s better than what I expected it to be!

Comfortable seats!

Particularly love the in-flight entertainment.

The ‘magic-wand’. hehe
There’re a lot of movies to choose from like 500 Days of Summer, District 9 etc. etc.
A lot of japanese movies too…
I supposed to be sleeping because it’s a.m. but cos of my kiasuness I just want to watch as many movies as possible and play all the games + listen to all the music.

I didn’t like the food though. They served cold food because it’s night flight.

The drinks menu was GOOD though! *cunning smile* I tried Plum Wine (on the rocks).

5. We arrived early in the morning 7-ish and checked in to our first hotel – Hotel Edoya in Ueno.

Picked this hotel because I want to experience the traditional Japanese style of living (Ryokan).
I think this’s the best hotel that I stayed in during this trip, in terms of value for money.
Although it has been around for decades but it’s very well-maintained.
The lobby is small but very cosy.

The waiting room.

Nap.

Mom getting some caffeine.

That’s how tired we are after the 8 hours of night flight…

We got a triple room.

It was quite a lovely room maybe because it’s something different. he he.

There’s a cosy living room.

The Bathroom.

It’s 13,000 Yen  per room (approx. RM 500+) inclusive of buffet breakfast for three.

It’s considered ‘budget hotel’ in japan the expensive city.

Salmon and Miso Soup for breakfast, yums!

They have this onsen bath too that I didn’t manage to try out.*regrets*

Basically it’s a hot tub outdoor and you need to take off your clothes and soak in it. Perfect for winter!

“Experience the virtues of “naked communion” (??????, ) for breaking down barriers and getting to know people in the relaxed homey atmosphere”, says wiki.

Then shortly, we started our ‘tour’.

6. Took subway to Asakusa (??) to visit the Sensoji Temple. I just know it’s the largest Buddhist temple in tokyo so we went there. Very random.

There’re lots of people, I think a lot of them are Japanese tourists frm other parts of japan.

Worship.

Nakamise Shopping Street is the approach path to the main shrine.

Didn’t buy anything though. Still trying to get used to the Yen Conversion during that first day.

The weather is extremely good that day!

During winter, we just get hungry easily I don’t know why.

So tried out this restaurant in Asakusa. not too bad actually.

This’s about 1000 Yen (Approximately RM40). Set menu here is about this price anyway.

In m’sia I think can get a set like this for RM25+ from Ichiban Boshi, with Sashimi somemore.

It tasted OKAY.

Basically we walked a lot. Here’re interesting things I saw while walking on the streets at Asakusa area.

The chopsticks move up and down by itself! So cute …. but a little creepy.

Colourful candy houses hanging in the air.

Signs.

Tails of Autumn

7. Later on we went to Akihabara… thought of buying some cute gadgets. But didn’t get anything.

Akihabara is the famous place in Tokyo that sells electronic & tech stuff.

I just love looking at Japanese signs. It’s always so vibrant!

Simplicity. This was taken in one of the back lanes.

Streets of the Electric Town

Saw Taito Station too!

The whole 2nd floor of Taito Station specializes in sticker photos/neo-print machines!

Didn’t manage to try them though!

Basically was just quite sleepy for whole Day 1 cos didn’t get much sleep the night before.

Okays, pls stay tuned & look forward to Day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 .

Dear diary,

I’m in Bali now!!

*Vacation mode on*

Today (11.1) is just about exploring Jimbaran Bay. Had seafood dinner at the beach with beautiful scenery of sunset.

Haven’t really go into the town-center yet. Staying in Puri Bambu Hotel. It’s in Jimbaran. It’s a beautiful resort hotel, nice Balinese garden, a lot of sculptures and landscaping. But this area seems a bit dead at night. You know, I’m a city-person; a night person.

Feel like moving to another hotel in Kuta area tomorrow. But the cancellation policy is holding me back…and since we’ve chartered a driver tomorrow onwards anyway. Maybe I should just stick to this hotel and try to enjoy the peaceful and quiet surrounding.

Dear diary,

Friday night, I was invited to the Carlsberg FHM Girls Next Door Private Party.

Remember the Carslberg Christmas Tree Facebook Challenge?

Junjunriko won the challenge and this is her private Carlsberg party.

To answer my title above………..

1. Great Venue

In this case, it’s in Carlsberg Brewery. There’s this modern and cosy pub.

Here, you just feel like chilling out … and forget about your stress.

2. Free flow of booze

And it has to be Carlsberg.

Tried Carlsberg Gold that night. It’s quite good indeed!

Good things in life are shared.

3. Hot chicks!

In this case, there’re the FHM Girls Next Door Finalists! Photo credits to this blogger.

4. Great Agenda

Games!

Nice stage!

Prizes to win!

Balloons to grab!

5. Great Company

Nat, Vvens & Me

Tim ♥ , my photographer of the night

See Pin &  me

David, Mich, Karen, Erin & me

So ya, Carlsberg knows what makes a good party!

Nice one!