Starting the 2nd day of our journey
Continuing our journey on day 2, we head to Yoyogi Park for another sakura viewing session. It was about 15 minutes walk from our lodging. It was a clear day and the weather is nice, though quite chilly. We noticed that the Japanese would bow in front of the shrine gate once the passed it. The park is very nice for a stroll and picnics.
Shrine gate of Yoyogi Park
Sakura is still in blossom in Yoyogi Park
It is Tokyo's grand Shinto shrine dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It was rebuilt in 1958 after it was destriyed in the World War II air raids. Towering torii (gates) marked the entrance to the shrine and sacred space. The largest gate stands 12m high, made of 1500-year-old Taiwanese Cypress.
In front of the main shrine
The largest shrine gate is still very sturdy
Takeshita-dori
It is a shopping alley in Harajuku where aspiring goths, lolitas, and punks come to shop. We went there for some window shopping and a quick bite of crepe. Apparently the street was lined with a number of crepe shops. My favourite pick is the simplest chocolate and almond crepe. The crepe is really warm and delicious, especially in the chilly weather. What a pity, I should have bought another one. We also tried the Purikura, the Japanese style photobooth which produces cutely edited sticker pictures. Anyone can look like an anime character!
Dozens of selections of crepe
Harajuku station can be reached by foot from the Meiji jingu
Shibuya
Our next destination is Shibuya, which is very popular with the Shibuya crossing. It often starred in the Japanese drama and anime. We crossed the crossing for several times for some photographs. It is quite fun to note that people who came for pictures are very prominent as they would usually have their cameras in the air to capture the moment.
Malaysians spotted in Shibuya crossing
Tower Records is the largest record store with an extensive collection of everything. It was 5 storeys high with divided sections, and you can always have some snacks at the cafe in the 3rd floor. Apparently Tower Records Japan became independent just before the American chain went bankrupt.
A very prominent signboard even from afar
Anime? Just name it. They have it all
That day, we had lunch at Genki Sushi. It's a self service sushi house with an english menu. It is ironic though that the trademark is of a grumpy face when genki actually means good mood. haha.
Entrance of Genki Sushi. See the grumpy face?
*saliva drooling
