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Upon arrival in Tokyo Haneda airport at 5am in the morning, first thing I did was changing my currencies into yen. Haneda was so much better than Narita airport although its an older airport but there were so much more to do in terms of shopping and activities inside the airport. From Haneda, we took the Keikyu line to Tokyo and transferred for the JR to Ueno, where our hotel was. Ueno is a nice neighborhood to stay at despite the fact that it is less crowded compare to Shinjuku or Shibuya.
It was a very rainy and humid morning. I couldn't stop sweating walking from JR station to the hotel. Looking for our hotel wasn't as hard since all the street signs are practically in Chinese (Japanese Katakana). It was located in 五丁目, which is the 5th block of the area. I love how the Japanese organize their community. As crowded as they are, they categorize their houses and streets very well and very easy to find.
Tokyo tower was the first stop after settling bags at the hotel. We were told to get off at 虎門 and walk. It wasn't an easy walk at all, it was at least 10 blocks away. We walkedby temples, schools and campuses. It was 15mins before 9am when we get to the Tokyo tower. We waited till they open at 9am to go up to the tower. It was a classic tourist spot but it was nothing like the Eiffel tower. It charges like the Eiffel tower by main observation deck and the higher level. Due to the hot weather, we couldn't help but stop at the cafe on the main observation deck for some ice cream. I had a 3 layer cup, it was strawberry ice cream on the very top layer, then fruit on the middle layer and then pudding on the bottom layer. Sometimes I wish they can get more creative with the desserts in America too..
Shibuya was the next spot to hit after Tokyo tower. Shibuya is a a trendsetting area with alot of fashion forward and young people. A lot of the clothes they have on can only be wore during Halloween in the USA. Every single young girl had very heavy foundation, dark eyeliner, fake eye lashes and dark frame no lens glasses on. Everyone had on handbag that looks like Chanel Classic. It was quiet a scene. Shibuya is filled with department stores and shopping malls and shops. It would be impossible to go to every single store using 1 days time. I love the restaurants they have in Shibuya. We just walk into a random corner and we found our favorite sushi on the conveyor belt! The restaurant was small and the sushi wasn't as good as the one that I had in Osaka, but a lot working class and couples go there for a quick lunch, so it must be authentic.
12am Japan time, I took the Yamanote line to Harajuku to find every single store to be closed, even Daiso was already closed. It was really a big disappointment since I have a whole shopping list of stuff to get from
Harajuku. We then took the train back to Shinjuku for dinner.. Dinner was so amazing.. It was a don with uni, salmon roe and salmon, it was a hokkaido specialty don. It was so delicious that we didn't speak to each other until towards the end of the meal.. I would love to go back just for that delicious don!
Besides the food, Shinjuku is a major commercial and entertainment district with many tall skyscraper and red light district. One can find anything they want in here. Late at night I saw pimps of different race on the street going around and asking single guys if they need company for the night. A lot of shops are open till very late, everyone were at least half drunk on the streets and laughing and crying in their business suits while others go for more 'all you can drink' sessions in pubs.
The next morning we went to Asakusa. It is a district that is close to Ueno, where our hotel is. It is within walkable distance with our hotel but it was way too hot outside to walk at all. We decided taking the train was the best option. I love the area of Asakusa, it is how I picture Japan since when I was young. From the big door of Kaminarimon on to the whole strip of food stand and souvenior shop all the way to the temple was an amazing walk and experience. Senso Ji Temple was something worth seeing for first time travelers to Japan.
One of the biggest regret of the trip is that we didn't have enough time to go to Akibahara for electronic shopping. Because that area is so famous among the Hong Kong community, I would love to just go and check out the latest electronics. However, time was limited and we had to take a 90min train to Narita Airport.
Next time, I will plan a trip just to Chiba. I will stay at a Ryokan and enjoy hot spring and local culture of the Japanese.
P.S. One very important thing to remember is that when traveling in Japan and needing to withdraw money from the ATM, only JP bank, Seven Bank and Citibank would work on American ATM cards. All other banks will say "Gomenasai" ~.~
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