Travel Tales: A Day in Tokyo (Kanto, Japan)

15th May 2009 – Using the 2-Day Tokyo Metro Open Ticket that we purchased earlier, we took the subway from Ueno Station to Nishi-Shinjuku station (duration about 34 mins) and walk over to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Facade of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was once the tallest building in Tokyo. The banner at both sides of the building is “Tokyo 2016 Bid Emblem” – candidate city for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad and Paralympic Games in 2016. Sincerely hope that Tokyo can clinch it!

After some security checks, we took the express elevator to the 45th floor observatory. There are 2 observatory – the north and south, both offers different view of Tokyo. Admission is free. Notice that there are a fair bit of students visiting as well.

City view from the north observatory deck. High rise buildings are everywhere.

Shinjuku Park Tower.

Is the green patch Shinjuku Gyoen or Shinjuku Central Park? Let me know if you have the answer.

On a clear day, you will be able to see the silhouette of majestic Mount Fuji. Look closely at the photo but don’t blame me if you can’t see.

A nearby location map. Next destination is Shinjuku Station.

Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower. I like the way the building is shaped like a cocoon and it’s also unique and futuristic looking.

Entrance of JR Shinjuku East. Shopping time for my wife!

Takashimaya Times Square. More loots coming from wifey and I am the carrier. Ha ha!

Shinjuku Uniqlo Megastore in that was newly open on 24 April 2009. Can be located on the west side of Shinjuku station.

5 levels of apparels for you choose until your wallet is bleed dry!

After 3 hours of following my wife around, she finally gives in to her tiredness and wants to break for lunch. Haha!

Settled for Tenya – a fast food chain that specialize in tempura.

Tenya’s Tendon Set (rice and soba).

Tenya’s Tendon Set. Total is ¥1510 for both set.

Tenya’s tempura – freshly fried yet not too oily!

Suntory C.C Lemon drink ¥150. Focus on the wrong object! LOL!

Next shopping area is Shibuya. At the metro subway platform waiting for the train from Shinjuku to Shibuya.

Folks catching a short nap after lunch?

Shibuya 109 – a shopping paradise for ladies. Well, the men can follow and enjoy the numerous sights too! ^^;

The crowd outside the Shibuya 109. We were sitting nearby to rest our tired legs.

Back to shopping again. Shop till you don’t have money!

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Japan. It was having at least 20 odd people in long queue before our turn but the service was pretty fast and we got ours in about 5-10 mins.

The free sugar-glazed doughnut that you get while queuing. Absolutely appreciate the kind gesture!

Mango flavored doughnut ¥180.

Chocolate coated doughnut ¥180.

Ootoya and Tenkaippin Ramen – both are great value food chains that are popular with locals. Please do try them when you are in Japan.

At Starbucks (above HMV) resting our legs and having a Starbucks Ice Café Mocha ¥430 while watching people goes by at the famous Shibuya hachiko junction.