Gloomy weather but not enough to dampen our giddy spirits.:)
From the Shimbashi station, it took only one stop to reach Ginza using the Ginza line. A few steps from the exit and we are inside the Mitsukoshi department store.
Mitsukoshi is mainly known to tourists as serving free food treats at their basement floors. Too bad we didn't get to try any though.
Those strawberry shortcakes looked too cute to eat!
My sister eyeing the freshly baked bread.
We went outside the department store and strolled around the area to find a quaint looking door. If you noticed, there's a sign on top of my head that says 'SALE'. When we got back home i did some research and found out that the month of July for Tokyo meant Summer Clearance Sales. Yes people, sales! It's actually the reason why we were able to buy stuff in Ginza despite the usual assumption that it's too crazy expensive to afford anything except for a cup of tea.
Along Ginza.
My favorite discovery in Ginza would have to be the Manneken Belgian Waffle store which is near the Mitsukoshi area.
Lots of waffles to choose from! But i opted for the original which happens to be their bestseller too.
Hello, crispy yummy Belgian Waffle!
One of the easiest ways to experience a country's culture is through its belly. Never deprive yourself of a good snack when you're travelling.
The closed Ginza street to accomodate the many people that visit the place.
Ginza haul! The clothes came from G.U. store and the makeup from Matsumoto Kiyoshi drugstore, all within reasonable price ranges.
We headed back to the hotel and ate lunch before heading out to Harajuku. Nothing beats a hot ramen on a cold weather!
On to Harajuku. From our hotel we used the Ginza line and went down at the Ginza station, then used the JR line and went out at the Omotesando station. Just a few meters away is the famed Takeshita-dori street. It's an alley packed with stalls from gothic dresses to coffee shops.
We didn't expect so many people in such a narrow alley! You can also see the outlandish outfits the people are wearing.:)
I especially liked this one. I'm not sure if they're mother-daughter or two sisters but they looked so cute!
My brother taking a picture with a Harajuku local.
Finally found a Boss coffee!
Me and sis taking a picture with a saleslady.
Family picture.:)
Going straight through the Takeshita-dori street would lead you to Harajuku street. My favorite store there would have to be Putomayo.:)
here were so many cute gothic and Alice In Wonderland merchandises that i had a hard time picking what to buy!o__o
The street leading to the Omotesando-dori area.
Quaint hamburger joing along the street.
The area had that distinct european feel to it.
Omotesando-dori area. The lush trees were a refreshing sight to see.
The roads of Omotesando-dori.
The overpass going to the Meiji Shrine area.
The Meiji Shrine closes at about 5pm so be sure to visit before then. We were just able to take a family picture outside the beautiful entrance of the shrine before it closed.
Harajuku haul. The last but certainly didn't looked like the least.
After walking til' our feet were sore, we went back to the hotel and had our last Tokyo meal. Me and my sister opted to go back to the Ichiran ramen joint because the food was really great. Overall our trip to Tokyo was more than what i expected it to be. The vibrant culture--the clash of the old world and the new was such a delight to see. I would definitely be going back to this place if i had the chance.:)
