TOKYO - JAPAN - ROUND 2

 

 

                

                 

More familiar with the city from our previous week's travels, we adventured through Tokyo with extra vigour... all the more aware of what a big place it was.  There was still so much we wanted to see and do and we had less than a week to do it! Pounding the pavement with extra zeal, we managed to fit in a good bout of shopping, too much eating, too much sake and a whole lot of sightseeing.  

A highlight for us as lovers of vintage attire was accidentally stumbling across 'vintage alley' in Harajuku.  Facing the Harajuku Street sign, it is to the left down an alley near the Meiji Street crossing.  Here we found a plethora of vintage from old Dr. Martens to well-preserved rock t-shirt memorabilia and everything else in between.  On the same day, we also discovered 'Cat Street' aka Nekko Dori.  This little alley offered a mix of stores from high fashion boutiques, vintage and chain stores (e.g. American Apparel). 

Other highlights of this Tokyo stint was our visit to Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills where the 10th Anniversary Love exhibition was on show.  Located on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower, this little gem is a double whammy offering amazing views of Tokyo as well as modern art that will really get you thinking and feeling.  

Food-wise, a real treat for us was dining on the 50th floor of what otherwise looked like a drab office building.  There are heaps of these around Shinjuku when you venture to the business area (Nishishinjuku).  Here we enjoyed the freshest sashimi, traditional Japanese decor and the most amazing illuminated night view of Tokyo city...
it was the perfect way to end the Japan leg of our world trip!

DISNEYLAND - TOKYO

It is hard to put into words the emotion we felt as we approached the majestic Disney castle... 

childhood memories stirred inside our heads and an almost juvenile excitement washed over us.  It was as if we were kids all over again... and who wouldn't want that!

The morning of perfect weather, fellow patrons in full costume and headgear, and general all-around high spirits made the perfect backdrop to the goofy and magical world of Disney. 

  

Despite some afternoon showers, we were not deterred from completing a full 13-hour day at Tokyo Disneyland.  We kitted up in Mickey ponchos (half the fun) and continued on, sampling as many rides as we could in one day.

Our favourite rides: Space Mountain, Winnie the Pooh and Buzz Light Year.  

Best time saver against long lines is working out the 'express pass' ticketing system and planning your day carefully.  

Comfy shoes and no hangovers are a must as it is a BIG day! 

TOKYO - JAPAN

Tokyo is one of the most unique and astonishing places with its endless city-scaped streets filled with people, bright lights and fast-paced style.  Despite being home to 13 million people,  the city seems almost unbelievably efficient and orderly.  The first thing we noticed as we weaved through the busy streets and navigated the underground metro is that the people here are really respectful, polite and methodical.  In other places around the world this type of busy and hectic environment would normally lend itself witness to road rage, angry confrontations or at the very least a little bit of exasperation.  Not the case here!  The orderliness of the Japanese people allowed us to take pleasure in the sensory overload that Tokyo provides, making the city less overwhelming and all the more enjoyable.

Like a well-oiled engine, Tokyo can be described as 'organised chaos' in the best sense of the word.  The best place to see this?  The underground metro to start with, as well as Shibuya's famous intersection where over 1 million people cross everyday!

The beauty of Tokyo city lies in a harmonious relationship between its deeply rooted, rich history and its adoption of all things new and novelty.  Within our first few days, we visited the beautiful Bhuddist temple  Sensō-ji in Asakusa,  witnessed the crazy hairstyles and fashion in Harajuku and visited the aptly named 'Electric Town' in Akihabara (showcasing more than enough electronic tech gear for the biggest geeks amongst us).

When it comes to dining experiences, the options are limitless and the same contradictions can be found.   In the same week, we bought our dinner and drinks out of a vending machine, we also ate ramen in lightning speed standing up in the metro, discovered 'Yakitori Alley' nestled between the train tracks and Shinkjuku station, as well as enjoyed one too many sakes at the Golden Gai (a small and interesting area within a network of of narrow passageways in Shinjuku).  

On a whole, Tokyo is a city which seamlessly and effortlessly draws together all its amazing elements into a contrasting yet cohesive landscape.