Temp: 31C
Day: Sunday
Armed with a map, we moved out at 9:45am, took train to Harajuku station. Cheapest way to travel is buy a metro pass for 980yen for 2 days use, unlimited travel.
Along the pavement, I found there a lot of sign showing this.
(Cannot smoke while walking on the street)
I was traumatize what I saw, deeply distress. Cannot smoke on the street, so where suppose I should smoke? Somebody give me a watermelon to smash. Arrrhhhh
Being in Tokyo Metro itself was an eye opener. If you think Tokyo Metro is confusing, take a look at the overall subway. It's scary. There’s no way to explore the city’s many widespread sights unless you take the plunge and board its vast rail network. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it one of the most user-friendly systems in the world.
(One of the things that makes travel in Tokyo easy is that all lines are color-coded.)
Our destination is Harajuka Station.
Just opposite, there this place known as Takeshita-dori which is a narrow street roughly 400 meter long street, lined by shops, boutiques, cafes and fast food outlets. Takeshita-dori represents the cutting edge of fashion in Tokyo.
(Mum and sister leading the way)
This is definitely the place to be seen well worth visiting as a tourist. In order to experience the teenage culture at its most extreme, visit Harajuku on a Sunday, when many young people gather around Harajuku Station and engage in cosplay ("costume play"), dressed up in crazy costumes to resemble anime characters, punk musicians, etc.
(Ha..there is one right now)
(Another one)
(It is freaking hot)
(Just as I thought I'm the only chap wear bermuda and slippers)
The costumes are very outstanding and you can't miss them. It is highly recommended walk will let you experience this place. Truly, what a sight to behold.
( I could have sit here for hours just to look at their makeup and crazy costumes)
(The 2 dynamic duo found lunch and beckoned me to follow them)
(My ramen with egg)
(Verdict on Ramen: ****)
(It is as much to do shopping here as well as see young fashionable Japanese girls.)
Japanese fashion isn't afraid to take it one step further dressing-up in costume is seen as a major element of fashions, so no-one will bat an eyelid at a pretty girl wearing a plastic fried ramen and egg round her neck as a fashion statement.
( I show them what Singapore guy style is all about. They have lolita fashion style , Singapore got BCS known as Bo Chap Style like me)
If you guys come to Japan, this is one of your must visit lists. With wide variety of interesting stores and of course young and cute teenage girls to see.
(Across the street, the row of brand shops like Polo Ralph Lauren, etc)
(Nothing to shout about here, it's time to change place)
Next we went to Kabukicho just a few blocks northeast of Shinjuku station. Kabukicho Japan's most notorious entertainment district. Kabukicho is crammed with cinemas, theaters, discos, restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops.
Should you go there by day, Kabukicho may look just like any other place in Tokyo, especially if you can't read Japanese. Only after night fall does the place start to change its character.
(Shinjuku streets and alleyways)
(Strips clubs, hostress bar, adult dvd....hey it is my kind of town)
(See those girls sitting down there?)
(Suddenly 2 of the girls fainted, guess they were on drugs.)
Being a good samaritan, before I could rushed to the scene prepare to offer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation especially if the subject was a pretty female, they were carried away by some guys. Alas, no luck in offering my help. Hahaha
I noticed people in Japan wear vibrant color with outrageous design or print. Not suitable for middle age men like me, unfortunately.
I think Alan Delon polo t-shirt is a good investment for me. Come ten years of now, I'll be wearing faded striped Polo t-shirts with a small pocket for my cigarettes and the collars stretched out of shape. Can never goes wrong with this outfit for Ah Lau.
(The colour, smell of dishes sells in foodcourt were brilliant)
(This shopping crowd was like mob level. There were an endless stream of people walking and some were forced to jostle for elbow room.)
(More smoking signs were found)
(Did you sin too much the night before? Salvation is at hand, visit Shrine)
(Visit this park, was told this is Imperial Park)
(Not worth going)
(Dinner at this place where all food cost 300 yen per plate! Cheap!)
The aroma and taste of roasted malt goes well with any meats. With beer, good food and not forgetting 2 pretty girls (mum and sister....heheh) accompany me, what more I want.
