Back to Tokyo, here are more attractions.
Tsukiji Fish Market
築地市場
I hear their Tuna Auction is a spectacle worth waking up early for, but I opted out.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
皇居
Tokyo International Forum
Ginza
銀座
Ginza is an upscale shopping and business area. There is a noticeable difference in their storefronts.
Shiseido Parlour
Omotesando
表参道
In Omotesando, famous for shopping and international brands, I visit the LV store. It’s uncommon to see me in an LV store, but I read that they have an art gallery on Level 7, so I decide to check it out.
I feel out-of-place in my casual clothes and backpack. It’s extra uncomfortable with the surplus of customer service representatives looking for customers to help out. The small gallery exhibits two feature motion pictures at the time of my visit. Nicely done.
Sensoji Temple
浅草寺
Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple is Sensoji.
It is hustling and bustling of tourists, shops, and life. I don’t spend too much time here, but I’m sure if you like this type of culture, you can spend loads of time here.
Note: nearby, about 15 mins walk, is Kappabashi street, filled with stores of kitchenware – pots, pans, knives, and sample food displays for sale.
Rainbow Pancake
Joyce is in town for a few days. I meet up with her at Rainbow Pancake, near Harajuku. The fluffy pancake is delicious. The choices on the menu all look so good. I could easily come back for more.
We also visit Meiji Jingu nearby.
Meiji Jingu
明治神宮
8 Layers of Ice Cream
I knew I had to have one when my sister commented on my cousin’s Facebook post about this 8 layer ice cream cone. It is meant for sharing between couples, but this doesn’t sway me.
All for myself!
Many of you wonder how I finish this before it all melted. It’s easy: I train for it, daily.
Eat breakfast fast.
Eat lunch fast.
Eat snacks fast.
Eat dinner fast.
8 scoops of ice cream? Easy peasy.
For the record, it takes me 12 mins, including a few selfies in between, to enjoy this.
Note: not really near the central attractions, see directions from this blog post.
Other
Wandering the streets of Tokyo is quite fun.
Rapid-fire comments (in no particular order):
– Tsukiji Fish Market – I slept on the floor, in true G-hobo-style, while waiting in line for this at an insanely hour. I’m sure if someone looked through the security tapes, they’ll see a puddle of my drool on the floor (#nojoke).
– Your picture captioned “Beautifully maintained gardens” reminds me of Australia.
– Your friend Joyce resembles my friend, who coincidentally, is also named Joyce. Fancy that.
– 8 layers of ice-cream – 12 mins is impressive, but I think I can beat you. Just sayin’.
Rapid-fire replies:
– Do you have photos of your luxurious stay at Tsukiji Fish Market hotel to share?
– Australia? interesting. The garden seemed almost like I was in a forest of bonsai trees.
– My Joyce IS your friend Joyce!
– You think you can. There’s only one way to find out.