Mad Tokyo, Day 2

10 Dec 07, Mon

According to my 'well-planned' itineary, there were 3 places we intended to visit. But... but... shopping would always be a main factor and cause to disruption... So instead of 3, we visited Shibuya and Tokyo Tower, and dropped Roppongi. I would be interested to visit the latter if there were more time, to visit the exciting night life. Not just that, Roppongi Hills comprised of >200 shops for shopping and dining purposes!

Our 1st stop of the day was Shibuya.

As you should know by now that our hotel is located at Hatagaya station, there's so much convenience to travel down 4 stops towards Shinjuku station that is on the Yamanote JR line. It connects all major stations, such as Shibuya station.

It was early morning when we set out, and what worse time to bump into the working class?

Luckily, the train was not that crowded to the extent of needing the workers to push us into. But I envy how Japanese are so systematic and rules abiding citizens. You definitely won't see this in SG!

A video shop in the station's platform.

Yes, take the orange Ginza line to Shibuya station.

A smoking corner shelter.

I found him finally! Hachiko statue.

An old train sitting opposite of the statue. I don't what it is inside but I did see people going in. A glance inside showed pictures mounted on the walls.

Shibuya is also another shopping paradise for the ladies! And I emphathise the guys as they could not find a single shop dedicated to them?!

Shibuya 109: A fashion complex, dedicated to 10 floors of > 100 shops. Daily 11am-8pm. We're clever to discover the surrounding area 1st, before heading back to concur the shops.

Hotel Capsule & Sauna. I did consider this as one of the choices for our accomodation. But I doubt it'll be comfortable, especially for someone who is so tall (Orange of course)!

As we wondered off further, we spotted a shop that may arouse the guys' interests?!

A close-up pic. Well, I would love to get the guys to open their eyes there, but they didn't. Maybe the 'guard' who was standing at entrance looked too fiercesome for them to tackle?

Love Hotel Hill

It's so common to catch vending machines everwhere - drinks, cigarettes, sweets and etc.

Back to Shibuya 109. There are too many shops that see to ALL the needs and wants of our ladies here. Cosmetics, stockings, shoes, casual & formal clothes, food (basement), stationeries (for cute note books), jewellery and etc.

Our dear Ms (right-most) spent quite a bomb in this retail shop. And gosh do the sales assistants look great or what? There are bevy of beauties in Tokyo and all of them are in their top-notch; dressing, hair & make-up.

Time to hunt for our lunch/dinner. Yes, our 'official' meal of the day!

Spain Slope: A narrow street with food & fashion.

I didn't know we were so hungry! I think all of us ordered similar sets. This should set each of us back at least Yen 1000.

Shibuya @ night. See the great army of 'ants'???

We're heading next to Tokyo Tower. Orange taking a short nap, even for a 5min ride.

Wearing the boots that we'd bought at Harajuku. My! Those legs of ours must be complaining to each other.

We probably alighted @ Hamamatsucho station, which is on the JR Yamanote line. And a 10min walk from Tokyo Tower.

There's a temple that you will pass by along this path towards Tokyo Tower. We saw a sight whereby there were small statues all lined up on benches and they were actually there in memory of those babies/childern whom had passed away. Each had names and DOB written on a small tablet and set infront of the respective statues. So scary!

A traditional wagon selling hot sweet potatoes, using wood in place of fuel. A unique taste, I would say.

X'mas greetings under the tower.

While on top, I took a pic of the Rainbow Bridge and a giant ferris wheel nearby.

Shinjuku @ night

We were hungry again. Dropped by AM PM store (similar to our 7/11), which was just around our hotel, for some food. This is not a vending machine. It has cards assigned to each food being displayed. You take the card and pay at the cashier. The staff will then warm up your food in the microwave and calls for you once it's ready. How amazing?! You can also find bentos, hot drinks, cold drinks, pastries, breads, toiletries, and lotsa tidbits!!