Japan Report: Akasaka Mitsuke, Shibuya and Meiji Shrine

Oh my!!! I am back in Manila!  Let me tell you exactly how I'm feeling right now ---  I am missing Japan so much!  I now understand why people who went to Japan have always been telling me how much they would want to go back!  There is something about the country, the people, the place itself that made me left a piece of my heart in just a week's vacation!  I am missing the random Japanese people who helped us with directions even though they have limited to almost no English, I missed the Hotel Staffs at Dormy Inn Hotel, Asakusa branch who even asked me to take out some coffee or milk on my way to the airport, I missed the super friendly staffs of convenience stores who helped us pick the right coins when we were still confused with all the coins we have on our hands! 

Japan --- Thank you!  You don't know how much this means to us! :)

Before I tear up, let me continue my Japan Report, I hope you guys enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing about it!

After DisneySea, I met up with a colleague for quick "sushi" lunch at Akasaka Mitsuke area (more details about this soon on Weekend Food Tripping Report).  Akasaka Mitsuke is no stranger to me because we originally planned to book our hotel in this area specifically at Hotel Sunroute Akasaka which was recommended by Mr. AMW's Colleague and I've read good reviews at the Agoda website as well.  Check it out, we walked pass the hotel just to have a look and report to whoever plans to stay in this hotel that the location is very convenient as well!

 Right beside the hotel, you'll see a nice convenience store that sells a lot of "bundled items" in lesser amount!  This is the area where I find prices to be (surprisingly) cheaper considering its location!

The usual suspects --- Kose, Kanebo, Kate, Kiss Me, Shiseido etc...

I nearly died when I saw Shiseido's Tsubaki Shampoo and Conditioner huge pump sized bottle each priced around JPY500.00-JPY700.00  (approx Php250.00-Php350.00) VERY INEXPENSIVE indeed!

Now we hopped on to the Metro Line once again and went to the busy Shibuya!  "Shibuya" is a shopping district surrounding the Shibuya Station.  I tried booking a hotel at the Shibuya area but once I read the area hailed as "Tokyo's Busiest Railway Station", I gave it a pass as I dislike crowds! *hehehe*

Here's the famous five-way crossing and trust me when I say it never looked bare!  It's either this, or even more crowded!!!

Before I move further to shopping and other places to visit, when you get off the Shibuya Station, YOU HAVE to look for Hachiko, I told myself I have to take a photo of a statue of this loyal dog.

Hachikō waited on his late master at Shibuya Station every day from 1923 to 1935.  I researched about the story and I was in tears!  For a quick summary ---

Professor Ueno took Hachiko, a golden brown Akita dog during 1924. Hachiko greeted him at the end of each day at the nearby Shibuya Station, this was continued for a year until one day, Professor Ueno suffered from cerebral hemorrhage and died.  Loyal Hachiko, everyday for the next 9 years (or until the day he died) waited at the Shibuya Station.

Here's the mural to show Hachiko as a celebrity and a great example of loyalty.

A statue of Hachiko were people are taking photos of him even until this very day!

 You can see his "cartoon" version even on public buses!

Now let's get back to Shibuya, you can see the famous drugstore chain Matsumoto KiYoshi almost everywhere across Tokyo.

Aside from the famous chain, you see random, tiny-looking stores on the outside but once you get in, you would be surprise on how big they could get!  Some stores have several floors just like this.

 False Lashes, western drugstore cosmetic brands like Revlon, Max Factor, Maybelline (prices are almost the same as in Manila.)

 Bundled cosmetics from Esprique

We also passed by the famous Shibuya 109.  We did get in but didn't really go through all the floors as our feet and legs feels like....ahmm...NOTHING! :P

 Huge Forever 21 Store

 We talked to approximately 3-4 strangers before we found the Tower Records Building!

Just when we thought we're looking for Harajuko Street, it was a pleasant surprise to find Meiji Shrine.  This area is where Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken had been known to visit.  Meiji Shrine covers an area of around 700,000 square-meters covered with evergreen forest!  We arrived in this area almost closing time so the sun was almost down and it's getting even colder! :)

Base on reading and research, the original shrine was destroyed during World War II and the present one was re-established by people from all parts of Japan.  A joint effort I believe!

You can immediately see the view of Torii  at the entrance.  A Torii is a traditional Japanese gate used to identify Shinto Shrine.  Bow once before you enter and bow another time before you leave.

 The Centennial Anniversary of the demise of Emperor Meiji on July 30, 2012

 A map to show you how big the place is

 Mr. AMW getting cold  

(it's a very unusual sight! hahaha)

 The Life of Emperor Meiji

Barrels of Sake donated to the Meiji Shrine

Another Torii closer to the shrine itself

 Since the area was too big, it took us until closing time to reach the shrine and we were told the area was closed.  But just in case, here are some tips you may have to remember when you visit the Meiji Shrine.

Before getting near the shrine, at Temizuya ---

• Rinse your left hand
• Rinse your right hand
• Pour water into your left hand
• Rinse your mouth
• Rinse your left hand again
• Rinse the dipper by allowing the remaining water to run down the handle of the dipper.

At the main shrine building ---

• You may put some coins into the offertory box.
• Bow Twice
• Clap your hands twice
• You may make a wish if you like.
• Bow once again.
• No taking of photos or videos close to the main shrine buildings.

So much to see at Shibuya area and I haven't talked about Harajuko yet!  I guess it's meant for another post!  Before I end this, I'll share to you the first Takoyaki Balls I've tried.  It was at The Gindaco, which is quite famous as lines were quite long and they have another branch near our hotel at Asakusa!

Thank goodness we had a place to seat plus the view was nice!  This was the best Takoyaki balls I've tried in my entire Takoyaki-eating life!  The exterior is crunchy and you get to bite big sized Octopus!

 They came in different toppings of choice!  We went for the regular version and loved it to bits!

How to get to Shibuya

Shibuya Station is on the Ginza Subway line, the Hanzomon Subway line, the JR Yamanote Line, the JR Saikyo line and the Keio Inokashira line.

Have you visited Shibuya?  What's another must visit, must eat, must do here?
I'd love to hear more about it and who knows?  We get to return someday! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Japan Report: Akihabara

Akihabara Day is the day for Mr. AMW!  Who would have thought the "a couple of hours" visit turned into a half day adventure?  

Akihabara is known as the "Electric Town", when they say Electric Town, they mean every single word!  The place was filled with computers, anime and Otaku goods (Otaku refers to someone who has a devlotion to a subject or hobby.)  In simpler terms, it'll be makeup for us girls! :P

Once we got out of the station, my eyes scanned on the streets right away (as I'm a trained dog! *laughs) I immediately exclaimed "Yodobashi, Akiba!" and Mr. AMW told me it's quite a famous building and he's actually including it as part of his itinerary!

The building is closer to the JR Line but since we're coming from the Metro Hibiya Line, you have to walk a bit to arrive in this building!  Various vending machines are available for you to stop and have a drink!

Now that we're refreshed and ready, we got in to the Yodobashi, Akiba building and scanned on the floor guide!  We do not plan to go for building to buildings and floor per floor but we like taking the elevator ride to the top most floor and scan all the way down!  Trust me, everything is faster that way! :)

My attention was caught from the "battery" area!  I saw a cute display of ENELOOP rechargeable batteries with Mickey and Minnie Mouse designs!

Then there's a Panasonic version with One Piece characters Luffy and Chopper!  We actually went for this! :)  Mr. AMW won big time! :D  

It actually wasn't even a competition at all, I told Mr. AMW that One Piece characters in a rechargeable battery is more unique! 

I've seen a whole lot more gadgets but I guess, my eyes were trained to look into stuff that are interesting  to me and Mr. AMW, just like the Asus super slim laptop in metal pink and black color. 

I also tried the Graphics Tablet which was a bit too difficult to navigate but I'm sure whoever's gifted with drawing skills can use this easily!

Arcade games played by both young and old and the SUPER young! :P

Did you know that I went straight to the Information counter and asked for Sergeant Keroro stuff?  I was told there were NONE at the whole 6-storey building!   I wasn't disappointed though, look at how many other characters that suits your "Kawaii" taste.

Some of the cashiers can speak a bit of English and some, even Mandarin!

One Piece New Merchandise

You get to purchase them in boxes but wouldn't know what's inside!  Mr. AMW and I gave it a try and purchased 2!  Each one of us picked one and I'll tell you what we got at the latter part of the post! :)

More characters

Going Merry and Thousand Sunny

Mr. AMW trying out the PSP Vita

Random PSP casing

Kiddie AND Adult games! *hehehe*

Manga

Casts of Doraemon

Chibi Anime Characters

Sexy anime girls 

Various gunpla

Gundam

Close-up

Very cute display of Doraemon with different expressions

It took us almost 3 full hours inside the building!  Mr. AMW and I separated for an hour because I planned to check out some cosmetics!  Yes girls, the building's 4th floor has personal care and cosmetics!

Ninja shots taken by my iPhone as photography I think isn't allowed? (not sure)

Random flat and curling iron

Shiseido's Integrate Cosmetics

K-Palette

 Esprique Cosmetics

 Random Japanese Made Cosmetics 

some I haven't seen or heard of! :)

As soon as we planned to get out of the building to walk around the street, a strong gust of wind greeted us and it was extremely cold and windy!  We've decided to put our feet to rest and visit the famous Gundam Cafe!  

And it wasn't easy to line up outside the cafe if your legs are extremely tired, you can't feel your ears and face from the cold, and you're hungry!  *laughs*  But of course, the last girl on the lineup was still able to "pose" and give a peace sign for the camera!  *winks* :P

After around 30 minutes of waiting, we finally got in!  You can request for English menu as they have one available.  We went for Matcha Latte.

Frau's Concern - Garlic toast and soup

Granada Lunar Pizza - a crispy-crust pizza created in the image of Granada's Lunar surface. Served with spicy salsa.

This is what you will see at the cashier area!

A flat screen television was there to show the various Gundam History

After our quick snack, we went to the next door "Gundam Store" and purchased freshly made Gundam character custard pie.

I'm not a custard fan but I actually LOVE it!  Mr. AMW *obviously* loved it too!

As our tummy were filled with a bit of "this and that"  *lol* we walked around the streets of Akihabara and see just how many people crosses the street in every 5 minutes?

So  many things to see but so little time!

We reached night time at Akihabara

Overall, we've found a lot of stuff but One Piece items definitely ruled the city!

Speaking about One Piece, we were quite excited with the box we each picked, to our glee, check out how lucky we were!  

We've got Luffy and Boa Hancock!

See?  Even in anime characters, LOVE rules! :P

Random photo of what Mr. AMW does when he visits another country, hoard on unique Coca-Cola bottles!  

For a beauty lover, would you go to Akihabara?
I am surprised I squealed with delight with all the cute anime characters I've seen!  
For me, yes it's definitely a must visit!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!