JAPAN–Tokyo Shopping District

On my last day in Tokyo, I visited a few must-visit hot spot in Tokyo: Harajuku, Omotesando Hills, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Akihabara.


Once I stepped out from the Harajuku Station, there were lots of promoters passing out flyers and coupons to passer by.



One of Japan’s most famous food got to be ramen. It is a must try in Japan. And judging from the queue in front of this ramen shop, it must be good.


Although the restaurant is busy, the staff are very efficient from taking orders to serving the food. It wasn’t long before it’s my turn and I got a seat.


Mine is spicy pork ramen.


My beau ordered a normal pork ramen. Both were delicious. The soup was rich in flavour, the ramen itself was cook to perfection and the pork was surprisingly tender and juicy. Two thumbs up.


I followed the crowd and continued to walk to the famous shopping district - Omotesando Hills.


I’m now in Harajuku. Harajuku is the area from Harajuku staiton to Omotesando. It is famous for its Japanese youth culture and fashion.


Gothic cats.


I did buy some souvenirs at the Oriental Bazaar. It sells everything from furniture, antiques, kimono, T-shirts to ceramics.


Omotesando Hills. Many international clothing brand can be found here.



What attract me the most is not the shopping but people watching here. Every fashion style under the sun can be found here.


From young to…


… to traditionally dressed obasang.


A Ganguro girl with dark tanned skin and contrasting make up.


Lolita dressed girl.


Girls wearing fur coat who were filling up a questionnaire, I presume.


This is actually a life size cardboard cut out which they project the face of the promoter on. Very innovative.


Hmm, looks appetising.


It is very rare to see a lady wearing glasses in Japan. Most of them prefer contact lenses. But I did spot a lady in glasses who is quite pretty too at the crepe stall.


Had my dessert by the street.


Next I headed to Shibuya, another famous shopping district.


The famous Hachiko dog statue near Shibuya station. Hachiko is the name of the Akita dog that had awaited for his owner’s return without fail every day for about ten years at the Shibuya Station after his owner had passed away.


Right in front of Hachiko Exit, is this large five-way intersection. Look at the pedestrians passing through the “scramble crossing”! It’s just unbelievable.


This is also a popular movie filming spot for films like “Lost in Transition”, “The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift” and “Resident Evil: Afterlife” and “Retribution”.




The famous 109 building which is a fashion complex for young women with more than 100 boutiques on 10 floors.


But my personal favourite is Tokyu Hands. If you love to DIY or make handicrafts, this is the place to be. It also sells lots of cute stationary.


My next stop is Shinjuku. Shinjuku Station is the world’s busiest railway station.


Christmas illuminations can be seen here at Shinjuku Terrace City as early as November.


Samantha Vega is a very popular brand for handbags in Japan. Really feminine and cute bags but the price tags are not cheap.


Local street eateries.


One of the complex selling electronic items.


And you can find pachinko outlets here.




Nightlife in Shinjuku.


Taking a break before heading to my next stop – Akihabara.


Akihabara is famous for its electronics shop and stores catering to otaku group specializing in manga and anime.


Girl group performing on stage for otakus in Akihabara.


A girl in cosplay costume.


Maid cafe is a popular cosplay themed restaurant where waitresses are typically dressed as French maids.



Girls in French maid costume promoting their maid cafe on the street.



You can also find many adult shops here selling lingerie and sex toy. Certain level of the adult shop are reserved for male only.


Another unique culture in Japan is sumo wrestling. And Ryogoku is the place where sumo stadium, sumo museum and other sumo related attraction can be found.


The ticket counter of sumo stadium.



Sumo wrestlers figurines.


Edo-Tokyo Museum is a museum that illustrate the past of Tokyo from the Edo period vividly.


Too bad it was closed when I was there. It is closed on Mondays and opens daily from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. except for Saturday until 7.30 p.m.

 
Having fun posing outside a sumo themed restaurant. These restaurants usually serve Chanko Nabe, a staple food for sumo wrestlers.






It was my last night in Tokyo. What better way to celebrate than to drink some sake? So I visisted a local sake bar and restaurant.



Had some skewered chicken as snack to go with the sake.


I usually don’t drink but the sake I tasted in Japan impressed me so much that I actually asked for second serving. Must try if you’re in Japan.


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