It's a brand new day in Tokyo, full day of packed itinerary and good food! Wen Min and I would be travelling alone while Charissa will join us later in the evening upon her flight arrival and Sherri will join us the next day.
Since we have limited time in Tokyo, we wanted to maximize any time we have to squeeze more meals in Tokyo since Japan is all about divine food! After last night's awesome first meal of ramen in Japan, we're totally looking forward to our meals despite feeling really bloated.
First up, we searched for the best tonkatsu and had to trust Ladyironchef. We started our day early since the night scene in Japan is non-existent during Autumn.
Maisen Tonkatsu
4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Nearest train station: Omotesando, Exit A2
We arrived at 11.20am (they opened at 11am I think) so yay to no queue, and we were led all the way in, ordered the basic tonkatsu set for 990Y (S$12) and here we get this tray of goodness.
You probably can't imagine the awesomeness of the tonkatsu but it taste pretty different to any tonkatsu I've tried. It's more powdery-crispy texture on the outside and when you sink your teeth, the pork immediately melts. MELTS. IT MELTS. I don't even know how the Japanese do it? I guess it's fats that makes it melt but it's not even oily, I really don't know how it's possible.
If you happen to travel to Omotesando for Maisen, you shouldn't miss this shop called Flying Tiger. It's apparently a shop with similar concept to TYPO, except way way wayyyyyy better. They sell anything under the sun, cheap notebooks/accessories/home decor/crafts blah blah. Wenmin and I spent more than an hour in this shop just going crazy over everything cos everything is so affordable and pretty! I was soooo close to bringing a huge ass accessories organizer box home, thank goodness didn't since I'm pretty sure I'll have a hard time bringing it back to Singapore.
We planned our itinerary strategically since all the tourist spots are easily within walking distance. You can easily walk to Harujuku, Harajuku railway station, Meiji shrine, Shibuya (20min walk). You'd really prefer traveling on foot wherever possible since train fares in Japan are mad expensive, like ~S$3 per ride, but gonna credit the country for its extensive network of trains albeit a little confusing.
We strolled from Omotesando to Harajuku where Takeshita Dori is. This is one of my favourite places in Tokyoooooo! The street is filled with boutiques (you can find some affordable shopping here) and crepe stores and lively with hipster vibes. You can easily see students in the prettiest uniform (I wouldn't mind going school everyday if we have such uniforms in sg), and cosplayers/lolita fashion occasionally.
There're quite alot of crepe stalls all around the corners so we randomly picked one since they should taste about the same. It's a little pricey, about 550Y (S$7) for a crepe of whipped cream.
Our strawberry cheesecake crepe, nothing that make you go WOW but pretty soft and fluffy :p
And I adore crepes! The last time I went bkk, I had the cheap crepes from Platinum foodcourt everydayyyyy~
At the end of the Takeshita Dori is the busiest railway station in Tokyo, Harajuku station! Gotta love all the vintage architectures in Japan, it feels so... Japan.
Facing the Harajuku railway station, walk to your left and you'll find the Meiji Shrine, pretty sure I've seen it appear in lots of travel programs.
Walk all the way in and there we are, at the Meiji Shrine. You can wash your hands and rinse your mouth before going in as a way to cleanse yourself for prayers. We didn't follow suit since we aren't gonna pray but most of the people do it anyway.
There were charms selling outside the shrine for about 800Y (S$10) for most of them and are believed to be blessed. It's really pricey for an amulet, I guess it's a way to earn from tourists eh hahaha.
We were lucky to spot a couple (caucasian + japanese) wedding at the shrine!
Honestly speaking, the shrine is not as pretty as I envisioned it to be. Any palace in gyeongbukgong in Seoul easily trumps the architecture here haha but I guess it's the heritage that gives the place its meaning.
Afterwards, our itinerary was to go to Yoyogi Park just opposite Meiji Shrine but only to realised they were closed due to dengue attacks. It's a real pity since the trees in the park were turning red and it'd be nice to take photos inside. We just settled with pictures outside the park anyway.
I got my witchy hat from Takeshita Dori for 1080Y (S$13), it's 1000Y but all Japan prices are normally exclusive of taxes ._.
We continued our stroll to Shibuya afterwards and took more photos. Did I say how much I enjoy the streets in Japan? It's just so chill and pretty and cleannnnn
We finally reached the famous Shibuya crossing (which looks so much smaller than I expected, actually the cross junction crossing at Anam where I live in Korea is also similar lor hahah). But it calls again for a mandatory shot!
We arranged to meet Charissa at the Hachiko statue and were quite worried since all of us had no data access/wifi (it's a bitch to tap wifi anywhere in Tokyo except departmental stores!). Thank goodness she found us right on time and there we go for dinner~
Another recommendation for the best Chirashi Don by Ladyironchef, just right beside the Hachiko Statue.
Uoriki Kaisen
Sushi
B1 Tokyu Departmental Store
2-24-1 Shibuya
Nearest Station: Shibuya, Hachiko Exit
It's one awesome places for fresh sashimi and sushi. There was this sashimi that was so good and I wanted to ask the chef what fish is that, possibly a whale? Unable to communicate in a common language, I resorted charades i.e. using my hands to show the water splashing out of the back lolol I guess it's not whale and I still can't figure out what it's, may tuna belly? No idea but the chef threw us 3 more tamago complimentary probably because I made his day entertaining him which my weird antics heheh
Good glorious food before we continued our shopping at Shibuya and then back home, calling it a night!
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