Finally, a visit to Tokyo. Despite the fact that I really like Osaka because of the easy-going mood that engulfs the city every day, I don't mind being in the bustling city of Tokyo.
We had an appointment to meet a good friend of ours who happened to stay in Tokyo during our stay, so we got up bright and early (well, early, at least) to catch the first Shinkansen to Tokyo at 6:08.
We One thing; if you're there, don't underestimate the size of Tokyo. While the public transport system is the world's most efficient one, you have to take enough time to get at your destination.
We arrived at Shinagawa around 9, went for an ATM in the vicinity of the station, hopped on the Yamanote to Ikebukuro and the subway for the final stretch to Sunshine 60.
Including the walk to search for the Tokyu Hands entrance, it took us about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get from Shinagawa to Sunshine 60.
Anyway, our friend was waiting for us (he knew we would be a bit late; I have a mobile telephone with e-mail which works over here) and he introduced us to Tatsumi, a Japanese friend of his.
She took us to
Namja Town; a theme park built by games company
Namco.
Primarily aimed at kids, but really worth a visit for adults as well, as Namja Town has something for everyone, including a hall in a 50's Tokyo setting, with a gazillion varieties of gyouza (small dumplings which are baked and steamed, really tasty).
Another attraction there is a basement with a gazillion varieties of ice cream!
You name it, they have it, including rose petals, sea water, wasabi, sweet potato, squid, garlic, curry, charcoal (how's that for an interesting dessert) and a host of other funny and weird flavours.
I tried wasabi, sweet potato, azuki (red bean paste) and melon; funny, but tasty.
After a gyouza lunch, we went outside, made a quick tour through a branch of K-books and Animate (where I finally found a statue of Gunbuster's Noriko Takaya; been looking for ages) and headed for Nakano.
The plan for Nakano Broadway was simple; we go and shop around, and meet back at point X in one hour.
The trouble is; there is too much to see and check in Nakano Broadway, so I was a bit late.
Reason for our friend to suggest getting some ice cream was in order, and I should get the "full treatment"
Right.
When we got to the ice cream shop in Nakano Broadway's basement, it all became clear.
You see, the shop sells 8 flavours of soft ice cream, and their cones come in 3 varieties; 3, 4 or the full, which means you get all 8 flavours on one cone!
Let's just say that their ice cream is really good, and that I managed to work it all down without making a mess out of myself. ;)
after that, we went to Harajuku to have dinner at Tonkatsu Maisen. To get there, you have a walk on what's easily the most expensive shopping street in Japan; Omote-sando.
You will find all the major brands at Omote-sando, housed in major buildings. Everything has glitter and glamour, well-dressed employees and everything looks perfect.
Not someting for me though; I'll stick to the back streets. ;)
Cheers, K.