17th May 2009 – Headed off to Harakuju for our last day of sightseeing and shopping in Japan. JR Harajuku station in the photo above.
First Stop – Meiji Shrine which is just a short distance away from JR Harajuku station. Majestic torii at the entrance to the Meiji-Jingu. Admission is free.
Taking a short and lovely stroll towards Meiji Jingu. The morning air is especially fresh here.
Barrels of wine offered by Bourgogne wineries in France to be consecrate at Meiji Jingu.
Barrels of sake. I wonder whether these are donated as well.
The Chōzuya (stone wash basin) at the entrance of Meiji Shrine. The procedure for cleansing can found here where I blog about Hokkaido Shrine.
A team of student baseball players coming for prayers too? 
A traditional wedding being held at Meiji Shrine. This is the second time I have the privilege of seeing it.
Another couple going through the traditional wedding. Third time of seeing it then. Ha Ha!
Folks heading towards the shrine to perform their prayers. Procedure for prayers can be found at the blog post on Hokkaido Shrine.
Wishes written by worshipers and visitors.
The crowd coming here consists of both local and foreigners.
At Harajuku bridge, as it was still early, the majority of the cosplayers are still not out yet.
View from the top of the bridge. Many young people gather here to socialize.
Shops near Harajuku bridge. There seems to be a long queue when we were walking by.
Kyushu Jangara Ramen (with all the add-on toppings) ¥1000. The tonkotsu (pork bone stock) broth is thick and tasty! Yummy!!!
Extra Spicy Set ¥750.
Entrance of Kyushu Jangara Ramen at Harajuku.
Takeshita Street – a popular shopping area for the young and it’s also lined up with a wide selection of food.
Crowded street with many young shoppers.
Marion Crepes – one of the popular crepes shops in Harajuku. We didn’t try any of them as was full from eating Kyushu Jangara. He he!
Daiso (100 Yen shop) Harajuku in Takeshita Dori (street) is one of the largest in Tokyo.
Banana milk drink from Daiso at ¥105.
Nail clippers from Daiso at ¥105. This nail clipper have a compartment that trap cut nails so that it won’t scatter around. To remove the cut nails, just need to slide the nail clipper out and pour away the nails from the compartment.
Harajuku costume shop with various different styles for selection.
Cafe Crepe Blueberry House – another crepe shop in Harajuku and queue seems to be long too! Is the lady smiling at the camera? Ha Ha!
This is one long queue. Out of curiousity, we walk towards the start of it to find out.
The long queue is actually for the grand opening of “Forever 21” in Harajuku.
Cafe Crepe Strawberry House. 
Harajuku Zenmall – I love the “King Kong” display on the roof.
From Harajuku, we took a short to Omotesando Hills to stroll around.
Omotesando Hills Entrance.
Louis Vuitton boutique at Omotesando Hills area.
Next stop is Akihabara – a shopping district for electronics, computers, anime, games, etc.
Well, we have to explore Kanda Shrine first. Had some difficulty in locating the shrine as my wife forgot to print the map. 
Mikoshi – A portable Shinto shrine.
Photos of past Kanda festival (Kanda matsuri).
Kanda Matsuri is one of the three major Shinto festivals in Tokyo.
Kanda Shrine honden.
Chōzuya Pavilion – the water is coming out from the mouth of a dragon sculpture.
Entrance to Kanda Shrine – the gate is two storey high.
Torii gate leading to Kanda Shrine.
Back to Akihabara for Otaku shopping time!
Nissan 180SX (a popular car used for drifting) – I used to drive one in Singapore. Brings back the memories…….
Akihabara is a really big shopping paradise for electronics, computers, anime, games, etc. So much larger and more selection than Singapore!
Akiba Usagi – torii gate design in front of entrance.
MOS Burger – Teriyaki Chicken Burger Set.
MOS Burger – Fish Burger Set. Total ¥1280 for the 2 set.
Club Sega – an arcade in heart of Akihabara.
Many signboards on with games or anime design.
Animate – the largest retailer of anime, games, and manga in Japan.
Yodobashi Camera – a 9 storey building that sell from toys, watches, anime, games, laptops, cameras, etc. Large enough to spend many hours here! Wanted to get a few Gundam and Macross figures but didn’t have enough time. Also, it’s really difficult to shop for guys stuff with wifey clinging around. LOL!
Back at Ameya Yokocho (Ueno) to grab last minutes food stuffs to bring back to Singapore.
Bought Tokyo Banana (8 qty) from JR Ueno Station at ¥1050.
Our breakfast for tomorrow from Bagel & Bagel.
Bagel & Bagel. ¥300 for 2.
Cheers to Nihon (Japan)! I will be back again very soon!
Last check on our Keisei Skyliner ticket to Narita Airport – 7.57am. Each ticket is ¥1920 for reserved sitting.
18th May 2009 – Reached Keisei Ueno Station around 7.30am as we did not want to miss our skyliner train.
Entry through the gates will take you to the platform area for the Skyliner.
Interior of the Keisei Skyliner. Comfortable and plenty of leg room.
At Narita Airport Terminal 1, walking towards our boarding gate area.
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380. This is the flight that we are taking back to Singapore.
Flight number SQ637 departing at 11:30am (GMT+9).
Our seats are on the upper deck of Airbus A380.
The screen that I will be hooked on for the next 6 hours and 40 minutes.
Leg room is still fine for me.
Leg rest – step on it to bring it down. We had an enjoyable and unforgettable trip. We will be back soon! Bye Japan!
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