The capital of Japan, this sprawling metropolis is definitely on my list! I dreamt of a Tokyo that is full of people, full of lights and full of energy. We arrived at Narita Airport. Upon arrival, I realised, I had no plan of how to get to our hotel. I know there is an Airport Limousine bus that runs directly from the Narita airport directly to Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyo! Walking out the airport, however, I realised I haven’t checked how to board the bus. The problem didn’t stick too long, because after we got out of the customs, we saw a counter to buy tickets for the limousine bus, then they tell you where to wait for the bus. Fare costs 3,200 Yen. The bus is very clean and quiet. We arrived directly in our hotel!
After putting our things inside the hotel, we headed to walk to Omotensando hills (I don’t advice it, it was quite a walk but possible), often regarded as the Champs Elysees of Tokyo. There were many upscale shops, fancy cafes, quaint restaurants in the area. We went inside a huge apple store and bought some stuff. After that, we walked around and headed to Harajuku street.
Next we headed to the Meiji shrine, a shinto shrine in the middle of Tokyo. We went down the station of Harajuku, however we could not find the entrance to the shrine. I asked a Japanese man how to get there and he said I could just follow him, where he led me to the entrance with this Torii gate. It was about 3 minutes from the Harajuku station. It also has a nearby park called the Yoyogi park. The thought of finding a lush green garden in the middle of Tokyo high rises and buzz is refreshing.
Now, there is such a thing as temple etiquette. One, when entering the Torii gate, don’t walk in the middle (as it is reserved for the gods) and instead walk in the side part. Further ahead, you will see at a washing area, this is called a chozuya. Fill the ladle with water then pour some on your left then your right hand and pour some on your mouth. The reason behind this is that, in entering temples you have to be clean and pure. So you have to wash your hands to get rid of your evil deeds and then you wash your mouth to get rid of your evil words.
You can also find an area full of empty barrels of sake.
Once you enter the shrine, to pay your respects you have to bow, toss a coin, bow twice then clap twice. To pay your respects. There is also an area where you can write the deepest desires of your heart awwwww. There is a wooden small board (called an ema) where you write your wish on them and hang them so they could be read by the gods. Neat!
After the visit at Meiji shrine, we went back to the Harajuku station, and rode the train to Shibuya station. Did I mention how happy I am with our hotel? I chose it mainly for its location, as it is located directly above the Shibuya station, and it overlooks the Shibuya crossing! Location wise, i’d give it a 6/5!!! We lived near Shibuya crossing, which is a shopping Central. After washing up, we changed to clean clothes and walked around.
For dinner, we wanted a nice Japanese experience so we strolled around Shibuya and we were able to see this restaurant full of Japanese characters and we could not read anything from the menu! This is exactly where we want to be!
I muttered the only Japanese food I knew by heart. Katsudon! The face the Japanese guy was reassuring. In a while, he returned with:
What do you know, finally I get to eat Katsudon, made by a Japanese cook, and eat it in Japan. Life is good.
Good night People!
XXXXxxx, Gayle
When she gets lost 