Tokyo Day 4
It's unbelievable that it's already day four! The time seems to be flying by. I hope everyone is well and having a good rest of the summer or now looking forward to going back to school and such.
On today's agenda was Harajuku and The Meiji Shrine (which I was so looking forward to!). And also giant Gundam!!!!!!!!!! XD This is situated right next to Diver City and it is so cool.
I can say that I am now getting used to the train system around here even if sometimes its still confusing (changeovers especially!). The out flux of people from the station was reminiscent of Oxford Street back home. There was a festival going on called the Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi where teams of dancers take to the stage to perform. It was bustling with activity, the dancers are really good and the costumes they have on are beautiful. There were stalls of food from around Japan available and it all looked delicious.
The walk through Yoyogi Park was really nice even though we were mainly on the outskirts. It was like being in a forest and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main area. And on approaching the shrine there was a sense of calmness that took over.
So before you even enter there is this water thing called the Temizuya (above picture, 2nd one) and it is something you do before entering. So this can seem a bit like wtf is you've never done it before so here are some instructions...you pick up the ladle and rinse your left hand and then proceed to rinse your right hand. You pour water into your left hand and rinse your mouth (do not swallow). Rinse your left hand again and rinse the ladle allowing any water remaining to drain away down the handle. And be sure not to put the ladle to your lips directly.
Once inside, seeming a lot smaller than I initially thought (due to seeing lots of pictures) a sense of peace came over me. There is always something about shrines and temples that evoke that feeling. There is something spiritual about these places.
We were lucky enough to see a wedding procession and it was amazing. The dress they adorn is absolutely beautiful and it is nice to see such a mix of old and new. And if your lucky enough you will get to see the rituals they perform at certain times of the day.
After the shrine it was time for some luuuuuuuuunch because food is always on the brain for me. We had a little wander around Harajuku and the gyoza place we wanted to go to was packed and there was a queue. So burgers was the alternative choice and it was so good!
After filling up the bellies it was time for some more wandering around Harajuku and taking a stroll down the main road of Omotesando. And there are so. many shops!!!! XD. There are a lot of designer shops around here like Chanel, Hugo Boss and Japanese luxury brands. Also take a visit to Kiddyland because it's cool with 8 floors of toys!
So I made a pitstop into Shu Umeura to pick up some eyelash curlers as they are a lot more inexpensive here. And I've tried them out and yaaaaaaaaaaaaas! I totally love them. Even without applying mascara they give my eyelashes such a nice curl. I might have to go and purchase me another one as a back up.
And then came the famous Takeshita Dori. I liken it to Camden but way more Kawaii and waaaaay more lights. It's a pretty cool area with a lot of clothing shops, mostly cutesy/alternative clothes and a Daiso, a 100 yen shop.
Its a small and congested street but it's good fun to look at all the shops with all the different clothes and shoes. And quite a few good places to eat. We didn't get a crepe (lunch was sooooo filling as I'm finding with most Japanese food!) but a trip back here to get one is a must because they look absolutely delicious.
Till next time xx
Also check out day 3
And if you're interested check out my vlog
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
On today's agenda was Harajuku and The Meiji Shrine (which I was so looking forward to!). And also giant Gundam!!!!!!!!!! XD This is situated right next to Diver City and it is so cool.
I can say that I am now getting used to the train system around here even if sometimes its still confusing (changeovers especially!). The out flux of people from the station was reminiscent of Oxford Street back home. There was a festival going on called the Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi where teams of dancers take to the stage to perform. It was bustling with activity, the dancers are really good and the costumes they have on are beautiful. There were stalls of food from around Japan available and it all looked delicious.
The walk through Yoyogi Park was really nice even though we were mainly on the outskirts. It was like being in a forest and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main area. And on approaching the shrine there was a sense of calmness that took over.
So before you even enter there is this water thing called the Temizuya (above picture, 2nd one) and it is something you do before entering. So this can seem a bit like wtf is you've never done it before so here are some instructions...you pick up the ladle and rinse your left hand and then proceed to rinse your right hand. You pour water into your left hand and rinse your mouth (do not swallow). Rinse your left hand again and rinse the ladle allowing any water remaining to drain away down the handle. And be sure not to put the ladle to your lips directly.
Once inside, seeming a lot smaller than I initially thought (due to seeing lots of pictures) a sense of peace came over me. There is always something about shrines and temples that evoke that feeling. There is something spiritual about these places.
We were lucky enough to see a wedding procession and it was amazing. The dress they adorn is absolutely beautiful and it is nice to see such a mix of old and new. And if your lucky enough you will get to see the rituals they perform at certain times of the day.
After the shrine it was time for some luuuuuuuuunch because food is always on the brain for me. We had a little wander around Harajuku and the gyoza place we wanted to go to was packed and there was a queue. So burgers was the alternative choice and it was so good!
And the karaage chicken which is my second favourite type of chicken was just yummy. I love karaage and can literally eat tons of it (even if I shouldn't because it is just that damn good!).
After filling up the bellies it was time for some more wandering around Harajuku and taking a stroll down the main road of Omotesando. And there are so. many shops!!!! XD. There are a lot of designer shops around here like Chanel, Hugo Boss and Japanese luxury brands. Also take a visit to Kiddyland because it's cool with 8 floors of toys!
So I made a pitstop into Shu Umeura to pick up some eyelash curlers as they are a lot more inexpensive here. And I've tried them out and yaaaaaaaaaaaaas! I totally love them. Even without applying mascara they give my eyelashes such a nice curl. I might have to go and purchase me another one as a back up.
And then came the famous Takeshita Dori. I liken it to Camden but way more Kawaii and waaaaay more lights. It's a pretty cool area with a lot of clothing shops, mostly cutesy/alternative clothes and a Daiso, a 100 yen shop.
Its a small and congested street but it's good fun to look at all the shops with all the different clothes and shoes. And quite a few good places to eat. We didn't get a crepe (lunch was sooooo filling as I'm finding with most Japanese food!) but a trip back here to get one is a must because they look absolutely delicious.
Till next time xx
Also check out day 3
And if you're interested check out my vlog
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
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