It was basically a shopping day for me. From Shibuya to Harajuku. My legs almost broke, and I didn't even manage to cover most of it. I skipped most malls, and randomly walked into bookstores, handicraft shops like Tokyu Hands, cool boutiques selling bohemian stuff. Those kept me in for hours... I didn't even walk into fashion stores, maybe I did but nothing caught my eyes. I looked at food more than clothes to be honest! LOL.
Anyway, the New Year Sale was still going strong. Many were selling lucky bags with items at a fraction of the original prices. I had no idea what to buy and I didn't want to get one just because it was at a deal. I looked at a lot of them but eventually decided I didn't need one. Haha.
I really enjoyed Shibuya. I thought Harajuku seemed to be more for the younger hippy kids. I particularly didn't like Takeshita street, it was almost an ideal place for pickpockets because it was so packed and everyone seemed to be pushing. Unlike the usual polite Japanese. I left quickly after entering, it was an eye-opener but definitely not my kind of hangout.
I headed back to Shinjuku to meet Stephanie whom I had invited her back for a cake (got it from the hotel bakery!) and happy hours at the bar. She met Adam and Sebastian whom also had some guests over. We had a quick drink before we left again for Shinjuku for more shopping (for Stephanie!).
It was a really long day, especially one for my legs. Poor legs.
I didn't come across any Monchhichi so far and definitely I had to get them the following day as it was my last full day in Tokyo. I purchased my return coach ticket to Narita together with a subway pass (good deal), and so I could use the pass the next day!
I told Adam I would be abandoning him in the room early the next morning (4th day) as I wanted to get out early (after 4 hours of sleep!!). He was more than happy to stay in as it was the night he got us upgraded to a suite! Staying in a suite in Park Hyatt Tokyo, an expensive dream came true!
I headed for Senso-ji at Asakusa, and this place is practically the home for Monchhichis! Like the birth town, I sighted so many of them but overwhelmed with so many choices, I couldn't make up my mind and only bought one. I later regretted not getting my Kumamon Monchhichi. Oh well! By Senso-ji, there was also a food market and I managed to grab some grilled sweet potato sticks and an eggplant pancake thingy. I then headed towards the Tokyo Skytree in search of places for dango, but unfortunately it was a fruitless trip. Many things were not opened, but I stumbled upon the Asahi Brewery and a very nice river.
I ended off shopping at Uniqlo in Ginza and got some winter clothes which I couldn't wear in Singapore!! LOL. But I am sure I will utilise them somehow for future trips. Before I headed back to the hotel, I stopped by at Daimaru food hall to grab some dinner for me and Adam (who never headed out). I didn't know why Daimaru as they were thousands of departmental stores there but I remember Daimaru from my last Japan trip and the food market was heaven. Indeed, it never failed me, 2 levels of Japanese goodies. I just kept on piling and piling food on top of my shopping bags, bought 2 cakes, 2 dangos, 1 bento set and sandwich but I had to eat most of them as Adam was so health conscious I think he avoided all the sugars! Man!
The following morning (last day), I headed out again for a quick walk in Shinjuku to get any last hope of spotting any more Monchhichi (never did again) but found other things I needed! Then it was time to head back and stuff all the things I bought (together with a complimentary bottle of wine and baumkuchen from the hotel!) into my luggages. I swore they were almost bursting. It was an afternoon flight (but I needed 2 hours to get to Narita!), and my flight back to Singapore was via Seoul. So it was a long way back but I figured I could do with some "Korean skincare" shopping at the airport or maybe a shower too!
But Incheon airport is one of the lousiest I ever seen, most of the shops are closed by 9pm with one or two exceptions and you are not allowed to go in. You can make your order telling them what you want. CRAP. Whoever shops like this??? But I knew what I wanted so I just bought it. The shower room which was said to operate till 10pm was closed as well. So what a lousy transit airport, just utterly wasting time in a boring airport! Even Narita was more interesting! Now I do appreciate how good Changi Airport is!
I finally got back home after a long day of travelling, commuting and flying! And the best thing was a nice taxi driver whom was not grumpy about my destination! I rounded up the dollar and gifted him a mochi before saying bye! Japan, till we meet again! *muacks*
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