Ah the luxuries of sleeping in. It can't be valued, although it seems somewhat counter intuitive to be sleeping in whilst being overseas. Either way (whether I deserved it or not) I really needed a good nights rest. One idiosyncrasy on our short stay is that unless you have sightseeing installed for the day there really is nothing open. Such is the nature of Japan that shops would rather stay open later and consequently also open later at 10:30. I'd much rather shop later in the evening that earlier in the morning. With that being said, we had officially checked off all there was to see and do in Tokyo and Japan (Although Fukouka still eluded us). That left us today to explore and soak in the culture of Tokyo.
First stop was Harajuku. We were told that the area of Harajuku is where would we see the trendiest and most bizarre locals. Again the rain had deterred most of the locals away. What was supposed to fill the rest of my camera memory stick was not to be. No sightings of Japanese goths or lolitas. Arriving at Harajuku the shops were still closed so we grabbed some breakfast. Mmmm French toast! Did plenty of shopping, mostly shoes and a couple of t-shirts soon we were both holding shopping bags and we had only been out of the hotel for less than 2 hours. We idled through the streets of Harajuku and managed to buy some souvenirs for family and friends. Chopstick holders, mugs, key rings the usual holiday trinkets. It was around this time we had lunch in a small winding street in a fairly westernised restaurant. Continuing on our way down the street we soon realised we had exited Harajuku and once again were lost. A local pointed us in the right direction and we were soon heading back down the very same road we came.
From Harajuku we walked to Shibuya. Our goal for the rest of the day was to find sweets, biscuits and cakes to bring back home. We entered almost every single Department store in Shibuya but to no avail. What had been an abundant supply around Kyoto was no where to be seen in Tokyo. Again irrational thoughts crept into our heads. "We could catch a Shinkansen to Kyoto, buy the sweets and be back in Tokyo just after dinner". We had had enough and soon made the trek back to Shinjuku. It was still early so we explored the other sides of Shijuku (the non dicey side) which to our amazement was quite enjoyable. A much better place to stay. It was on this side that Takashimaya had the basement level full of sweet stores, we stocked up and our shopping was complete.
For dinner we headed back to the place we had Shabu Shabu, it was time to try Sukiyaki. Same ingredients but different prep, not quite fried more simmered in a shallow pool of broth. The twist was dipping the hot food into a broken egg. This was to cool the food down for consumption. Ingenius!
7:30 pm: Shibuya, after sunset. Up until now we had been a little disappointed with Tokyo, sure Ginza was nice, Harajuku was interesting but we were still lacking the huge culture shock that would be found in Japan. Shibuya at night was that. It wasn't a flooring experience but definitely one that leaves a nice lingering flavour even after you leave. The kind of place that makes you say "Japan ain't that bad, I could live here for a while.". Exiting the station the major intersection was filled with people, hundreds, thousands of locals and tourists going about their own business. Large billboards, neon signs and large screen displays advertised, sung, captivated the people as the bright glow reflected upon people's faces.
The lights flashed green and soon the road was engulfed with an ocean of pedestrians. It had a festive feel similiar to that on New Years Eve with out the rowdy revellers. Majority of the people here were under the age of 30 with nothing better to do than hang around. People hanging out on street corners chatting, smoking, talking on the phone, waiting for people, waiting for the lights, waiting for time to pass. We walked into the usual shops, HMV, Starbucks and Kinokuniya. I didn't want to leave this place, it was amazing! Did some last minute shopping at a denim store called Right On. Got back to the hotel with a nice lingering feel. Packed our bags, last night in Japan. Gah! Cockroach in the room! Luckily for me Japanese cockroaches hadnt developed flight yet (well at least this one hadnt). Whacking it with a rolled up magazine, the cockroach came crashing to the floor, I also came crashing down on my ass. Cockroach lay stunned, I on my ass, wonder if anybody heard that ruckus I just made?
