Saturday 15 February 2014

Japan: Tokyo


A good way to pass time in the liner - photo editing. 

Disneyland & Disney Sea: A truly unique experience, as every Disneyland is different, but more so because of the Japanese people. They love kawaii, so even the fathers and boyfriends get decked out in full Disney gear. No other theme parks in the worlds would have the same feeling, looking around and seeing so many people smiling and covered in Disney get up. 

Lockdown Restaurant: Wow. I dont want to spoil this, but you get your moneys worth and that is all that matters. The drinks are cheap, the food is good, and if you are anything like me you will scream at least once throughout the whole ordeal. Enjoy it. 

Robot Restaurant: This has gotten a lot of hype in Australia recently, and I can see why. Bogan heaven. A sparkle and gold decked out waiting room, then a show with beer and pole dancers riding around on robots. It is hard to explain how great this show is, the food is a let down (a lunch style bento box), but the show is so truly Japanese it makes another must see in my books.  

Maid Cafe: Another highlight for me, as this is a concept that can only remain tasteful in Japan. Anywhere else in the world it was be 'sexed-up' and not have the innocence of kawaii. The food is cute, and girls and cute, and you have to do a chant to get your food. It is an experience like no other. We went to MaiDreamin in Akihabara, but I think there are quite a feel around. 

Cat Cafe: A must see if you want to experience something truly Japanese.  They are located on almost every corner, and each try and have a unique edge. The one we went to had taken cats from shelters, so they were injured or sometimes a little unwilling to be pet, but if you purchased some food for them they literally would climb all over you and snuggle for attention. 

Akihabara: This is the electric downtown of Tokyo, where you can find anything and everything electrical. Even if you are not a computer/electronic nerd, it is a great way to see the Japanese in action. I still managed to buy a lot and I thought I would come home empty handed!

Shibuya: Scrabble crossing is probably what most people know in Shubuya, which is very impressive in itself. I must say the 'scramble' part did not really phase me. The Japanese are taught to be very respectful and remain as unnoticed a possible, there was no one elbowing each other, or people running past. Even on new years eve it seems very well managed. I think working in the city has made me unphased by crowds, but others might feel it is more thrilling than I did. What I really loved was building 109, a eleven-storey mall full of every shop under the sun. It is unlike anything I have seen in Australia, and so many of the shop assistants will want to speak English to you, in their mostly American accents. 

Harajuku: Takeshita Doir is something you have to see if you make it to Japan. It is everything your little brain could, and probably did, think Harajuku was going to be. The shops are packed in, some being as small as a public toilet, and some with multiple large levels. There are stationary shops, accessories shops, clothing shops, and many places to eat crepes. You cant really have a plan of attack here, just head though as best you can and try not spend all you money in the first shop - there is always more to buy!

Day trip to Hokkaido: There were many highlights though out Japan, but this was a big one for me. My first ever time seeing snow, and ti was beautiful. You use a LOT of transport to get around (bus, train, cable car, cable cart, tourist boat, etc)  but that also means you get to see a lot of the area. Everything is well catered for, and if you had the time there is a tour around the base of Mount Fuji. 

Nishi Fish Market: This was unbelievable. The only time I saw a rude side to Japanese people (a women almost spat as me with disgust), as they forcefully push past each other to get the items they want. This isnt a crowd of people, the is people touching each other, unable to move. You are sandwiched together, sometimes completely stationary with people pushing on you from every side - I loved it. Besides the insane atmosphere there is one thing you can go home with out trying, the delicious fresh sushi. By fresh I mean they literally cut it up in front of you. You may have to wait thirty or more minutes to get in but it is totally worth it/ 



The worlds only Honey Pot ride!

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