tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88786486434551465422024-03-13T23:00:34.157-07:00blobbes' tokyo traipse-arounda first look at the wonders of Tokyo
(all prices converted at 100Y = S$1.50)blobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268342577307668738noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878648643455146542.post-18823254314192860742008-06-18T10:44:00.000-07:002008-11-07T03:55:56.588-08:00Day 1: A Day of FirstsIt was, by any definition, a red letter day - first time at Terminal 3, first time on an A380, first time to Tokyo. How exciting!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOertbnBv9I/AAAAAAAAC-Y/jLfbLmi7qD4/s1600-h/31+May+08+004.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOertbnBv9I/AAAAAAAAC-Y/jLfbLmi7qD4/s320/31+May+08+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">inside Terminal 3</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOer3w5w2mI/AAAAAAAAC-g/rFjJkWkn_0M/s1600-h/31+May+08+006.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOer3w5w2mI/AAAAAAAAC-g/rFjJkWkn_0M/s320/31+May+08+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a big welcome - how nice ;-)</div><br />As usual we arrived early at the airport, early enough to eat at Senso Bistro (a first too!) and to check out the shops (Angkor D'Artisans, anyone?) Then it was onto the plane.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOheD5nUjwI/AAAAAAAAC-o/5OAKo151kv4/s1600-h/31+May+08+011.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOheD5nUjwI/AAAAAAAAC-o/5OAKo151kv4/s320/31+May+08+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">inside the plane</div><br />It was huge - there was even an imposing spiral staircase leading downstairs to (presumably) the suites. In cattle class, there seemed a little more leg room, a little more space to wiggle around, but nothing so substantial that we were overwhelmed. I guess economy seats are economy seats. There was a cute compartment just under the window though that we could perch things on top of and even open up to put things away. Other than that, the flight was pretty normal, right down to computer boo-boo and bad food.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOheZ7XrNPI/AAAAAAAAC-w/TOUCowqyeGc/s1600-h/31+May+08+013.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOheZ7XrNPI/AAAAAAAAC-w/TOUCowqyeGc/s320/31+May+08+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">aha, not everything worked</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhe73rAyzI/AAAAAAAAC-4/UxCRjMgG-sc/s1600-h/31+May+08+016.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhe73rAyzI/AAAAAAAAC-4/UxCRjMgG-sc/s320/31+May+08+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">c'mon SQ, you can do better than this...</div><br />Then it was bedtime. We awoke to a lovely sunrise...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhfQC6vShI/AAAAAAAAC_A/uMW2REvOF_0/s1600-h/31+May+08+027.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhfQC6vShI/AAAAAAAAC_A/uMW2REvOF_0/s320/31+May+08+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">day break - photo by HM who was awake</div><br />... and the typical airline breakfast...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhfd4HDoKI/AAAAAAAAC_I/0JVCO24XMVU/s1600-h/31+May+08+033.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhfd4HDoKI/AAAAAAAAC_I/0JVCO24XMVU/s320/31+May+08+033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">breakfast 1 - definitely the better of the two</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhf0a3iyiI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/iFDicgTjyAM/s1600-h/31+May+08+035.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhf0a3iyiI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/iFDicgTjyAM/s320/31+May+08+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">breakfast 2 - eggs just don't travel well</div><br />... but as the plane started its descent, we learnt that it was 12 degree celsius in Tokyo, a wet and rainy day indeed. How could this be? Wasn't this supposed to be the start of summer...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhggChljlI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/GglUJmfmEOc/s1600-h/31+May+08+036.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhggChljlI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/GglUJmfmEOc/s320/31+May+08+036.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">eek, did that look cold or what?</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhhPLbLQjI/AAAAAAAAC_g/GPEvuLnp8FY/s1600-h/31+May+08+040.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhhPLbLQjI/AAAAAAAAC_g/GPEvuLnp8FY/s320/31+May+08+040.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">thanks, A380</div><br />Still, we were in Tokyo, land of the weird and wonderful, yay! Unfortunately, it was also the land of the ultra-expensive taxi, so from Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo, it would have to be the airport limousine bus or the train. The bus won by a nose; the bus stop was immediately outside Terminal 1, no need to trundle our trolley bags to the train station. For 3000Y (SGD $45) each, we could be deposited at Shinjuku Station, five minutes away from our hotel.<br /><br />The wait at the bus stop wasn't long. It was illuminating though. Clearly we weren't the only ones caught out by the weather. As we stood in the queue with the wind blustering, everyone around us looked a little underdressed, particularly the Singaporeans who had just flown in. There was a pre-teen girl in a short skirt who kept whining that so-and-so <em>jie jie</em> (older sister) had told her Tokyo would be hot. Weather's like that - deal with it, girl.<br /><br />The ride downtown was relatively long. In all, it took 1.5 hours, even though traffic was clear. We tried to stay awake, to take in as much as we could of our first look around Tokyo, but try as we might, we could not. The long ride turned into a short nap. I did spot Tokyo Tower briefly. My first impression of Tokyo? Not exactly pretty...<br /><br />From Shinjuku Station, we took a taxi, the first of only two throughout our stay. The 3-minute ride cost us 660Y (SGD $9.90), the flagdown rate, ouch. And then there we were, at Oakwood Shinjuku Apartments.<br /><br />Technically speaking, Oakwood Shinjuku wasn't even a hotel. It was an apartment complex with service apartments. In between long-term leases, the management fitted short stays like ours. Of all our options, it appeared to be the best value for money, dollar for dollar, and practically on the doorstep of a major transport interchange too. The only catch was only being able to find out three weeks before our stay if an apartment was at all available. As a backup plan, I booked us into another hotel, one that would allow us to cancel our reservation without penalty. In the end, we got ourselves an apartment at Oakwoood Shinjuku for only 11550Y (SGD $173.25) a night. Sweet.<br /><br />Now we would find out if the apartment was as nice as it looked on the website.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhhukXSP1I/AAAAAAAAC_o/X6Jeptv6jQ8/s1600-h/31+May+08+042.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhhukXSP1I/AAAAAAAAC_o/X6Jeptv6jQ8/s320/31+May+08+042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">bathroom</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhiabmJKlI/AAAAAAAAC_w/7LAsUAXeCa8/s1600-h/31+May+08+043.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhiabmJKlI/AAAAAAAAC_w/7LAsUAXeCa8/s320/31+May+08+043.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">control panel for just about everything</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhjA-II26I/AAAAAAAAC_4/3cmZ7lM-VxA/s1600-h/31+May+08+045.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhjA-II26I/AAAAAAAAC_4/3cmZ7lM-VxA/s320/31+May+08+045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">bathroom mirror</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhjW2k-zjI/AAAAAAAADAA/ncwXcBMHrLQ/s1600-h/31+May+08+048.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhjW2k-zjI/AAAAAAAADAA/ncwXcBMHrLQ/s320/31+May+08+048.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">not the biggest bed in the world but comfy</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhjxCAsEXI/AAAAAAAADAI/msLy8aansrk/s1600-h/31+May+08+049.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhjxCAsEXI/AAAAAAAADAI/msLy8aansrk/s320/31+May+08+049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">see the flatscreen tv?</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhkB4bMaRI/AAAAAAAADAQ/2aGXLmCSNmM/s1600-h/31+May+08+052.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhkB4bMaRI/AAAAAAAADAQ/2aGXLmCSNmM/s320/31+May+08+052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">bose speakers!</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhkNpo08mI/AAAAAAAADAY/pDb78_1McuA/s1600-h/31+May+08+054.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhkNpo08mI/AAAAAAAADAY/pDb78_1McuA/s320/31+May+08+054.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">pantry</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhkYoiWCuI/AAAAAAAADAg/mLDpeAjn_pk/s1600-h/31+May+08+056.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOhkYoiWCuI/AAAAAAAADAg/mLDpeAjn_pk/s320/31+May+08+056.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">kitchen aids</div><br />We were very pleased with our find. The apartment, ours for now, was compact but fitted out with every appliance we could need, including HM's favourite, the self-filling bath; my favourite was the electronically warmed toilet seat... The design was sleek, the feel comfortable, the ideal hideaway from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Tokyo.<br /><br />Of course, we didn't come to Tokyo to rest and relax <em>per se</em>. Off we went in search of brunch and our first taste of Tokyo.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOh0qAJXjzI/AAAAAAAADAo/s3RrKZnJbC0/s1600-h/31+May+08+058.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOh0qAJXjzI/AAAAAAAADAo/s3RrKZnJbC0/s320/31+May+08+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a good omen - serious food country!</div><br />The street from our apartment complex to Shinjuku Station was lined with small shops. We found a typical ramen shop that looked promising.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiCv-PyaTI/AAAAAAAADBQ/KkIV9MiiSfY/s1600-h/31+May+08+071.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiCv-PyaTI/AAAAAAAADBQ/KkIV9MiiSfY/s320/31+May+08+071.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Step 1 - decide what to eat</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiCGZCiVgI/AAAAAAAADA4/Lio1S-x4ucY/s1600-h/31+May+08+064.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiCGZCiVgI/AAAAAAAADA4/Lio1S-x4ucY/s320/31+May+08+064.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Step 2 - decide on the size of the meal</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiC7N7t5UI/AAAAAAAADBY/Gj55ZOknm2I/s1600-h/31+May+08+073.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiC7N7t5UI/AAAAAAAADBY/Gj55ZOknm2I/s320/31+May+08+073.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Step 3 - pay for our food</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiB9_uHbpI/AAAAAAAADAw/bR5ivrCg0dA/s1600-h/31+May+08+061.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiB9_uHbpI/AAAAAAAADAw/bR5ivrCg0dA/s320/31+May+08+061.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Step 4 - hand our tokens to the man behind the counter</div><br />Step 5 - eat!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiCR4lGi2I/AAAAAAAADBA/31Gqdn3GcYg/s1600-h/31+May+08+066.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiCR4lGi2I/AAAAAAAADBA/31Gqdn3GcYg/s320/31+May+08+066.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">my ramen - such sublime eggs!</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiCd-K8cBI/AAAAAAAADBI/w6BIcLMHe6Q/s1600-h/31+May+08+068.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiCd-K8cBI/AAAAAAAADBI/w6BIcLMHe6Q/s320/31+May+08+068.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">HM's ramen</div><br />That was an excellent meal, for a small no-name eatery. The quality, from the noodles to the stock to the <em>cha siu</em>, was stellar. Clearly, the Japanese took their food seriously which was a good thing for us.<br /><br />Sated, we were off to explore Tokyo on foot. We wandered around the Shinjuku Station, to get a lay of the land, popping in and out of the station itself and the surrounding department stores.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiDaBCu5NI/AAAAAAAADBg/SJZna0ayhDI/s1600-h/31+May+08+075.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiDaBCu5NI/AAAAAAAADBg/SJZna0ayhDI/s320/31+May+08+075.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">outside the station - kawaii!</div><br />The constant drizzle eventually drove us indoors for good. Fortunately hiding out at Takashimaya Times Square was no hardship. Our favourite store? The mindboggling Tokyu Hands. What couldn't we find there?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiDoKhK8DI/AAAAAAAADBo/I3YljZ6CQbU/s1600-h/31+May+08+078.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiDoKhK8DI/AAAAAAAADBo/I3YljZ6CQbU/s320/31+May+08+078.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">giant croc slipper</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiDzS19dHI/AAAAAAAADBw/5RBH30BaVq8/s1600-h/31+May+08+080.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiDzS19dHI/AAAAAAAADBw/5RBH30BaVq8/s320/31+May+08+080.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">peanut clogs</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiWsNk0U2I/AAAAAAAADB4/Z1y1aIEmsrs/s1600-h/31+May+08+084.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiWsNk0U2I/AAAAAAAADB4/Z1y1aIEmsrs/s320/31+May+08+084.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">cutesie uniforms for, uh, costume parties?</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiW4Ra0GbI/AAAAAAAADCA/v4xaFnN6mfA/s1600-h/31+May+08+086.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiW4Ra0GbI/AAAAAAAADCA/v4xaFnN6mfA/s320/31+May+08+086.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">mushroom man</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiXD8LPg0I/AAAAAAAADCI/QHcV7etA1CM/s1600-h/31+May+08+088.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiXD8LPg0I/AAAAAAAADCI/QHcV7etA1CM/s320/31+May+08+088.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">eggplant guy</div><br />After a hilarious two hours exploring Tokyu Hand's very entertaining five floors of wares, we decided we needed a break. We moseyed on downstairs in search of food and a place to sit down. We made our way to the famed Takashimaya Food Hall and admired the produce.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiXTLSum6I/AAAAAAAADCQ/gnq-6NuP52U/s1600-h/31+May+08+089.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiXTLSum6I/AAAAAAAADCQ/gnq-6NuP52U/s320/31+May+08+089.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">what does a 15750Y ($236.25) musk melon taste like?!</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiX1FC93ZI/AAAAAAAADCY/yNZXoxmmNjI/s1600-h/31+May+08+090.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiX1FC93ZI/AAAAAAAADCY/yNZXoxmmNjI/s320/31+May+08+090.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">such pretty mangoes, two for 21000Y ($315)</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiYBQCEK9I/AAAAAAAADCg/EVF645WRqtI/s1600-h/31+May+08+091.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiYBQCEK9I/AAAAAAAADCg/EVF645WRqtI/s320/31+May+08+091.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">luscious squid</div><br />Unfortunately, there was no place to sit and sup. All the seating was inside proprietary areas, all of which had long queues. It was after all tea time. We would have been happy with those benches that line public areas in Singapore shopping centres but there were none to be found in the basement of Takashimaya Food Hall. (At that point we hadn't yet realised that casual eating was a <em>faux pas</em> by Tokyo standards.) Our quest for seats had us wandering out of Takashimaya Times Square altogether.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiYJqOAlEI/AAAAAAAADCo/hlzYNCjfuUc/s1600-h/31+May+08+099.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiYJqOAlEI/AAAAAAAADCo/hlzYNCjfuUc/s320/31+May+08+099.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">well well well, what have we here?...</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiYT1QMfsI/AAAAAAAADCw/-kKfuvNbZdY/s1600-h/31+May+08+101.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiYT1QMfsI/AAAAAAAADCw/-kKfuvNbZdY/s320/31+May+08+101.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">no krispy kreme for us, sigh</div><br />We did eventually find a place where the queue was not ludicrously long.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiYbd3l62I/AAAAAAAADC4/RRU_j5mIsQk/s1600-h/31+May+08+103.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiYbd3l62I/AAAAAAAADC4/RRU_j5mIsQk/s320/31+May+08+103.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">guess what this place serves, duh</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiYk9xj3lI/AAAAAAAADDA/BB380hIBRq4/s1600-h/31+May+08+104.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiYk9xj3lI/AAAAAAAADDA/BB380hIBRq4/s320/31+May+08+104.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">now that's a good deal</div><br />For 1470Y ($22.05), one could have "an appealing pot of tea" each and a choice of three sweets. The room was filled with ladies taking a break from shopping and taking advantage of this sweet deal.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiZCu2v5lI/AAAAAAAADDI/kIPSCGOVO3A/s1600-h/31+May+08+108.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOiZCu2v5lI/AAAAAAAADDI/kIPSCGOVO3A/s320/31+May+08+108.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">ah that hit the spot</div><br />Between the two of us, we did our best to sample the entire range of pastries.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOijvmMXvLI/AAAAAAAADDQ/iK2Q2o6r4UE/s1600-h/31+May+08+111.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOijvmMXvLI/AAAAAAAADDQ/iK2Q2o6r4UE/s320/31+May+08+111.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">strawberry milk cake, ice cream, berry and crumble tart</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOir6SyuKeI/AAAAAAAADDY/loL2w2HGYRk/s1600-h/31+May+08+115.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOir6SyuKeI/AAAAAAAADDY/loL2w2HGYRk/s320/31+May+08+115.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">english scone with jam and freshly whipped cream, pumpkin cheesecake, seasonal shortcake</div><br />Was it the standard of Japanese pastries that drove the Japanese obsession with sweets or vice versa? Whichever way it was, Japanese patissiers were evidently highly skilled. The sponges in particular were oh so light and it didn't hurt either that all the ingredients were good stuff, right down to the fresh cream.<br /><br />After tea, we retreated to our apartment, tired out from dealing with the rain. A hot bath and a nap later, we were back out on Shinjuku's streets which, on a Saturday night, were heaving with life.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOisdkYvZYI/AAAAAAAADD4/9goXFHsDlrk/s1600-h/31+May+08+128.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOisdkYvZYI/AAAAAAAADD4/9goXFHsDlrk/s320/31+May+08+128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">an appreciative audience</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOislwFk2_I/AAAAAAAADEA/lweoYlzapNo/s1600-h/31+May+08+136.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOislwFk2_I/AAAAAAAADEA/lweoYlzapNo/s320/31+May+08+136.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">licensed to play</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOisyUQ-JYI/AAAAAAAADEI/U4n-oS_-h2k/s1600-h/31+May+08+140.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOisyUQ-JYI/AAAAAAAADEI/U4n-oS_-h2k/s320/31+May+08+140.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">somewhere in Shinjuku</div><br />After circling lane after lane of eateries and pubs, we found ourselves a place to have that quintessential Japanese experience, a meal at a <em>kaiten</em> (conveyor belt) sushi joint.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmDxxU1_II/AAAAAAAADEw/G8FfzRDoXY0/s1600-h/31+May+08+161.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmDxxU1_II/AAAAAAAADEw/G8FfzRDoXY0/s320/31+May+08+161.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">in the basement of an office block</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOis63AzTRI/AAAAAAAADEQ/eVdwA2RPOR0/s1600-h/31+May+08+141.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOis63AzTRI/AAAAAAAADEQ/eVdwA2RPOR0/s320/31+May+08+141.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">our fellow diners</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOitL0UHN5I/AAAAAAAADEY/F94HKVmkh4U/s1600-h/31+May+08+144.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOitL0UHN5I/AAAAAAAADEY/F94HKVmkh4U/s320/31+May+08+144.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><em>aji</em> (mackerel), I think</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOitSIfsdZI/AAAAAAAADEg/tiB4ySugBzM/s1600-h/31+May+08+152.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOitSIfsdZI/AAAAAAAADEg/tiB4ySugBzM/s320/31+May+08+152.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><em>maguro</em> (tuna) sushi<br /></div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">We had many a plate of sushi, <em>sake</em> (salmon), <em>ikura</em> (salmon roe), <em>uni</em> (sea urchin), <em>amaebi</em> (sweet prawn) to name a few. Nothing too exotic but all fresh as can be.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmDjFkOufI/AAAAAAAADEo/e39Ut3Uel0Y/s1600-h/31+May+08+156.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmDjFkOufI/AAAAAAAADEo/e39Ut3Uel0Y/s320/31+May+08+156.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">burp</div><br />At 180Y ($2.70) for a blue plate and 210Y ($3.15) for a white one, the bill came up to 2625Y ($39.40) for 15 plates. We staggered out, stuffed and in disbelief.<br /><br />The rain had stopped for good, although the air was still nippy, just nice for an after-dinner stroll. In quirky Tokyo, there was lots to see.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmFiWEQZpI/AAAAAAAADE4/YLN6aOAfY5Y/s1600-h/31+May+08+162.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmFiWEQZpI/AAAAAAAADE4/YLN6aOAfY5Y/s320/31+May+08+162.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">what looked like ragging</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmGdV8cRqI/AAAAAAAADFA/XGidBVWAAN8/s1600-h/31+May+08+165.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmGdV8cRqI/AAAAAAAADFA/XGidBVWAAN8/s320/31+May+08+165.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the Japanese deity, Tanuki aka the God of Restauranteurs</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmGlNYoAfI/AAAAAAAADFI/h_218Q7naPM/s1600-h/31+May+08+168.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmGlNYoAfI/AAAAAAAADFI/h_218Q7naPM/s320/31+May+08+168.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">one way to get attention</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmUXbhFIQI/AAAAAAAADFQ/bUON9aItkfM/s1600-h/31+May+08+170.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmUXbhFIQI/AAAAAAAADFQ/bUON9aItkfM/s320/31+May+08+170.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a whalemeat restaurant!</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmUcyk8UMI/AAAAAAAADFY/SL4Nqk93pTA/s1600-h/31+May+08+171.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SOmUcyk8UMI/AAAAAAAADFY/SL4Nqk93pTA/s320/31+May+08+171.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">an anachronism?</div><br />It was a fitting end to a fascinating day.blobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268342577307668738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878648643455146542.post-87217052064896718402008-06-17T08:56:00.000-07:002008-11-15T21:31:38.500-08:00Day 2: A Fine Day Out<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRB-wC3fviI/AAAAAAAAEY0/283gbUPynDk/s1600-h/1+June+08+001.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRB-wC3fviI/AAAAAAAAEY0/283gbUPynDk/s320/1+June+08+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the view from our balcony</div><br />The weather cleared up overnight. It was bright and sunny, great for a day out. We left our apartment early to make the most of it. Anyway we had a long agenda - a little culture, a little shopping and a whole lot of gawking was in store, so an early start was essential.<br /><br />On the way out, we saw a little more of the apartment complex.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRB_E3bbW2I/AAAAAAAAEY8/NMTH2on5CLo/s1600-h/1+June+08+006.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRB_E3bbW2I/AAAAAAAAEY8/NMTH2on5CLo/s320/1+June+08+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the lounge downstairs - not bad at all</div><br />We made a pit stop at the Tully's Coffee across the road, for breakfast. We needed the coffee. Too bad the meal was forgettable and expensive, 1410Y ($21.15) inclusive of two lattes.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRB_MgsTIqI/AAAAAAAAEZE/KBf5S4KKNio/s1600-h/1+June+08+009.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRB_MgsTIqI/AAAAAAAAEZE/KBf5S4KKNio/s320/1+June+08+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">keema focaccia, yuck, and bagel with cream cheese</div><br />After breakfast, we made our maiden foray into the bowels of Shinjuku station. It was a tad confusing at first. There were so many train lines and so many people, despite it being a Sunday. Eventually we sorted ourselves out and found the platform for the train to Harajuku, yay!<br /><br />The train ride was a short one but Harajuku (literally "meadow lodging" according to Wikipedia) was a world apart. Compared to the skyscraper madness of Shinjuku, it seemed almost rustic. The train station was certainly quaint.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRB_zNKVoRI/AAAAAAAAEZU/5VhkGANWzfc/s1600-h/1+June+08+016.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRB_zNKVoRI/AAAAAAAAEZU/5VhkGANWzfc/s320/1+June+08+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Harujuku train station</div><br />Since we were a little early - Harujuku's Sunday scene wasn't in full swing for the day yet - we made our way first to the revered Shinto shrine, the Meiji Jingu, where the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are enshrined and venerated.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCAGeT6IxI/AAAAAAAAEZc/wIQfh4q-skE/s1600-h/1+June+08+021.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCAGeT6IxI/AAAAAAAAEZc/wIQfh4q-skE/s320/1+June+08+021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the outer <em>torii</em> or gate</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCATO4IgkI/AAAAAAAAEZk/0manacyjRCA/s1600-h/1+June+08+026.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCATO4IgkI/AAAAAAAAEZk/0manacyjRCA/s320/1+June+08+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the long walk in</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCActjkcsI/AAAAAAAAEZs/XF-ZgvOKMxE/s1600-h/1+June+08+031.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCActjkcsI/AAAAAAAAEZs/XF-ZgvOKMxE/s320/1+June+08+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">HRH's favourite spot</div><br />It was a little early in the season, not much would be in bloom, but we visited the iris garden anyway. There were a few irises...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCAn7WbAmI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/v9mh1JlFM80/s1600-h/1+June+08+036.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCAn7WbAmI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/v9mh1JlFM80/s320/1+June+08+036.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">purple ones</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCA-VYdF3I/AAAAAAAAEaE/mFJXb0BRyso/s1600-h/1+June+08+044.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCA-VYdF3I/AAAAAAAAEaE/mFJXb0BRyso/s320/1+June+08+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">close up</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCAz3PLEsI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/uq98Pt1aAig/s1600-h/1+June+08+042.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCAz3PLEsI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/uq98Pt1aAig/s320/1+June+08+042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">blue ones too</div><br />The garden was beautiful, if somewhat austere, the epitome of zen.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCBOCPOXEI/AAAAAAAAEaM/lBaNHXcmJlo/s1600-h/1+June+08+050.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCBOCPOXEI/AAAAAAAAEaM/lBaNHXcmJlo/s320/1+June+08+050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCBVYULhAI/AAAAAAAAEaU/akw5SijL_gQ/s1600-h/1+June+08+051.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCBVYULhAI/AAAAAAAAEaU/akw5SijL_gQ/s320/1+June+08+051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCBjCz0utI/AAAAAAAAEac/wrL9LMkVhWI/s1600-h/1+June+08+057.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCBjCz0utI/AAAAAAAAEac/wrL9LMkVhWI/s320/1+June+08+057.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCB-YaEbEI/AAAAAAAAEak/irQSaVTZVo8/s1600-h/1+June+08+058.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCB-YaEbEI/AAAAAAAAEak/irQSaVTZVo8/s320/1+June+08+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />We eventually meandered to the shrine proper.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCCH52wZBI/AAAAAAAAEas/LH-wFVGyftE/s1600-h/1+June+08+066.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCCH52wZBI/AAAAAAAAEas/LH-wFVGyftE/s320/1+June+08+066.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the inner <em>torii</em>, like all <i>torii</i>, made of cypress wood</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCCU45V69I/AAAAAAAAEa0/Dj9nCQElTW0/s1600-h/1+June+08+076.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCCU45V69I/AAAAAAAAEa0/Dj9nCQElTW0/s320/1+June+08+076.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">cleansing ritual</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCCdZuBiII/AAAAAAAAEa8/6lqHboeiu24/s1600-h/1+June+08+086.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCCdZuBiII/AAAAAAAAEa8/6lqHboeiu24/s320/1+June+08+086.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Tradition! Tradition!</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCCr7rYOqI/AAAAAAAAEbE/hQuasufqLeI/s1600-h/1+June+08+089.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCCr7rYOqI/AAAAAAAAEbE/hQuasufqLeI/s320/1+June+08+089.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">wishful thinking</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCC166zUMI/AAAAAAAAEbM/J254_n2gPMs/s1600-h/1+June+08+105.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCC166zUMI/AAAAAAAAEbM/J254_n2gPMs/s320/1+June+08+105.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>emas</i> (wish tablets) as works of art</div><br />For locals, this may have been a place of worship and tradition. For tourists like us, the main preoccupation was spotting the brides!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCC880HfoI/AAAAAAAAEbU/FgGryZEXVoc/s1600-h/1+June+08+106.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCC880HfoI/AAAAAAAAEbU/FgGryZEXVoc/s320/1+June+08+106.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">rush rush hurry hurry</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCDJ4e-mII/AAAAAAAAEbc/cDTG6oot7fg/s1600-h/1+June+08+111.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCDJ4e-mII/AAAAAAAAEbc/cDTG6oot7fg/s320/1+June+08+111.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">cheese-z!</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCDQD9vJ3I/AAAAAAAAEbk/ggr195FSVI4/s1600-h/1+June+08+116.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCDQD9vJ3I/AAAAAAAAEbk/ggr195FSVI4/s320/1+June+08+116.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Shinto priests - the men of the hour</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCDaq07OcI/AAAAAAAAEbs/K6ZU7Ys9jmk/s1600-h/1+June+08+125.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCDaq07OcI/AAAAAAAAEbs/K6ZU7Ys9jmk/s320/1+June+08+125.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">friends and family, looking smart</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCDqWdP63I/AAAAAAAAEb0/cRvyXsin-G4/s1600-h/1+June+08+133.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCDqWdP63I/AAAAAAAAEb0/cRvyXsin-G4/s320/1+June+08+133.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">family portrait</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCD01J-E0I/AAAAAAAAEb8/59qCgj7ZY1M/s1600-h/1+June+08+150.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCD01J-E0I/AAAAAAAAEb8/59qCgj7ZY1M/s320/1+June+08+150.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">serious business</div><br />The whole spectacle was amazing. What we admired most was the effort to look spiffy for the occasion. Who knew kimonos and morning suits could look so right together?<br /><br />The sun was out, the air was cool. We were loathe to leave the leafy environs of the shrine, so we continued on to the Treasure Museum, which housed a collection of imperial artefacts and portraits, and the Shiseikan, a martial arts school.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCEDTJyGbI/AAAAAAAAEcE/JeBDhyXyjGs/s1600-h/1+June+08+153.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCEDTJyGbI/AAAAAAAAEcE/JeBDhyXyjGs/s320/1+June+08+153.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">timeless beauty</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCEk19r48I/AAAAAAAAEcc/k48YpLo-p3w/s1600-h/1+June+08+177.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCEk19r48I/AAAAAAAAEcc/k48YpLo-p3w/s320/1+June+08+177.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the old and the new</div><br />My only complaint was the lack of noteworthy birds...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCEai-IhZI/AAAAAAAAEcU/ical9JfrQUc/s1600-h/1+June+08+175.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCEai-IhZI/AAAAAAAAEcU/ical9JfrQUc/s320/1+June+08+175.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Eurasian tree sparrow</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCEwZQRbsI/AAAAAAAAEck/8BGz69sFM7M/s1600-h/1+June+08+179.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCEwZQRbsI/AAAAAAAAEck/8BGz69sFM7M/s320/1+June+08+179.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">raven or crow?</div><br />Before we left altogether, we stopped by the cafeteria for a light lunch. Surprisingly, the food was quite tasty.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCE7MNge0I/AAAAAAAAEcs/vuQhrH-MGBs/s1600-h/1+June+08+182.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCE7MNge0I/AAAAAAAAEcs/vuQhrH-MGBs/s320/1+June+08+182.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">tempura soba (550Y/$8.25) and coke light (200Y/$3.00)</div><br />Finally it was time to leave. The minute we stepped out, we were left in no doubt that we were right smack in the 21st century. Outside the Meiji Jingu was a favourite cosplay hangout and the players had arrived.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCFC5lsV6I/AAAAAAAAEc0/4PMywyOkmNg/s1600-h/1+June+08+187.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCFC5lsV6I/AAAAAAAAEc0/4PMywyOkmNg/s320/1+June+08+187.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCFSZQvtzI/AAAAAAAAEdE/im6NpLgk0K0/s1600-h/1+June+08+194.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCFSZQvtzI/AAAAAAAAEdE/im6NpLgk0K0/s320/1+June+08+194.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><br />Adding to the spectacle was the presence of chi chi frou frou dogs which even the most hardcore cosplayers could not resist.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCFLEJ8xcI/AAAAAAAAEc8/tAC0Znl0Yx4/s1600-h/1+June+08+191.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCFLEJ8xcI/AAAAAAAAEc8/tAC0Znl0Yx4/s320/1+June+08+191.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><em>one, two, three... kawaii!</em></div><br />From there, it was only a hop, skip and jump to the heart of Tokyo's trend-setting youth culture.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCFcVUOsZI/AAAAAAAAEdM/0v9W_F9S9bk/s1600-h/1+June+08+196.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCFcVUOsZI/AAAAAAAAEdM/0v9W_F9S9bk/s320/1+June+08+196.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Takeshita-dori - gateway to Harajuku</div><br />The narrow lane which was closed off to traffic was a kaleidoscope of riotous colour. Shops selling everything a fashion-conscious teenager would want - Gothic Lolita, anyone? - lined the two sides. The lane itself was filled with people of all shapes, sizes and colours, far too crowded for much photograph-taking.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGJxoxUEI/AAAAAAAAEds/JeP4I2UcUp4/s1600-h/1+June+08+212.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGJxoxUEI/AAAAAAAAEds/JeP4I2UcUp4/s320/1+June+08+212.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">cosplayers in their time?</div><br />Amidst the youth-oriented shops, there was one which was a little different.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGRfbT4MI/AAAAAAAAEd0/kIA9yDpSKYc/s1600-h/1+June+08+213.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGRfbT4MI/AAAAAAAAEd0/kIA9yDpSKYc/s320/1+June+08+213.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Takenoko</div><br />Takenoko literally means "bamboo shoot". It was what the Harajuku kids used to be called in the 1980s, but what was sold in this shop hardly seemed like youth culture.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGY_A1yJI/AAAAAAAAEd8/YzERZ1Obz10/s1600-h/1+June+08+215.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGY_A1yJI/AAAAAAAAEd8/YzERZ1Obz10/s320/1+June+08+215.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">OTT costumes</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGf86KxAI/AAAAAAAAEeE/Qwh5-wwtnhk/s1600-h/1+June+08+216.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGf86KxAI/AAAAAAAAEeE/Qwh5-wwtnhk/s320/1+June+08+216.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">even history wasn't spared</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGnDxttcI/AAAAAAAAEeM/RywX0SNnf9w/s1600-h/1+June+08+218.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGnDxttcI/AAAAAAAAEeM/RywX0SNnf9w/s320/1+June+08+218.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">aiyoyo...</div><br />It was all highly entertaining indeed, right down to the very last piercing. And to prove that Harajuku was nothing if not eclectic, look what else we came across...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCFmWYMeJI/AAAAAAAAEdU/VxKD1Xy2nW4/s1600-h/1+June+08+199.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCFmWYMeJI/AAAAAAAAEdU/VxKD1Xy2nW4/s320/1+June+08+199.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">omg a Daiso!</div><br />Of course we couldn't pass up the chance to have a Harajuku crepe. When in Rome...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCF1xv-kMI/AAAAAAAAEdc/251lEK6dPsk/s1600-h/1+June+08+203.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCF1xv-kMI/AAAAAAAAEdc/251lEK6dPsk/s320/1+June+08+203.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a mindboggling array of choices</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGAQABKZI/AAAAAAAAEdk/V1LCObsKdmo/s1600-h/1+June+08+210.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGAQABKZI/AAAAAAAAEdk/V1LCObsKdmo/s320/1+June+08+210.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">our crepe (500Y/$7.50) - berries and fresh cream, yum</div><br />Emerging from the melee, we chanced upon a shrine and a flea market.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGvSOhUXI/AAAAAAAAEeU/5_nUVVhNuCw/s1600-h/1+June+08+224.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCGvSOhUXI/AAAAAAAAEeU/5_nUVVhNuCw/s320/1+June+08+224.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the Togo Shrine, in honour of the hero of the Russo-Japanese war</div><br />By this time, it was already mid-afternoon and the flea market was on the verge of closing for the day. Still we caught sight of some interesting wares.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCG2zZ3qkI/AAAAAAAAEec/1H_gfXyFy3k/s1600-h/1+June+08+230.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCG2zZ3qkI/AAAAAAAAEec/1H_gfXyFy3k/s320/1+June+08+230.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCHEQYVisI/AAAAAAAAEek/KufU9ymn2zY/s1600-h/1+June+08+232.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCHEQYVisI/AAAAAAAAEek/KufU9ymn2zY/s320/1+June+08+232.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />From the Takeshita-dori side of Meiji Jingumae, the main street of the Harajuku area, we crossed over to the Ura-hara ("back streets of Harajuku") but not before checking out our very first Graniph store in Tokyo!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCHMT-Ij0I/AAAAAAAAEes/bYXP8rS-gDk/s1600-h/1+June+08+235.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCHMT-Ij0I/AAAAAAAAEes/bYXP8rS-gDk/s320/1+June+08+235.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">some t-shirts left this shop...</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCHWx9JPGI/AAAAAAAAEe0/ZhARbYUNbCY/s1600-h/1+June+08+237.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRCHWx9JPGI/AAAAAAAAEe0/ZhARbYUNbCY/s320/1+June+08+237.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a green building!</div><br />From this corner, we plunged into the maze of backlanes. This side of Harajuku was a little saner and a little more upmarket, but no less visually stimulating.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL7sKG8jWI/AAAAAAAAEe8/jHAM4LKMouI/s1600-h/1+June+08+242.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL7sKG8jWI/AAAAAAAAEe8/jHAM4LKMouI/s320/1+June+08+242.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL7_p8uRsI/AAAAAAAAEfE/Zk5daFCTzyQ/s1600-h/1+June+08+246.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL7_p8uRsI/AAAAAAAAEfE/Zk5daFCTzyQ/s320/1+June+08+246.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL8j0KJAlI/AAAAAAAAEfM/-t3zgRgAO3U/s1600-h/1+June+08+249.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL8j0KJAlI/AAAAAAAAEfM/-t3zgRgAO3U/s320/1+June+08+249.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL85QZ7oRI/AAAAAAAAEfU/PWTeIqvaCf4/s1600-h/1+June+08+252.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL85QZ7oRI/AAAAAAAAEfU/PWTeIqvaCf4/s320/1+June+08+252.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL9pXwWX_I/AAAAAAAAEfc/aINuqWrfNp0/s1600-h/1+June+08+253.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL9pXwWX_I/AAAAAAAAEfc/aINuqWrfNp0/s320/1+June+08+253.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL-YCM_7oI/AAAAAAAAEfs/V7q22nfOnQw/s1600-h/1+June+08+259.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL-YCM_7oI/AAAAAAAAEfs/V7q22nfOnQw/s320/1+June+08+259.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />A short while later, we popped out onto Omotesando. Now we were in the land of high-end brands, presumably where former Harajuku kids shop later in life!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL-BCJ3OtI/AAAAAAAAEfk/Bm4NkV6iOaw/s1600-h/1+June+08+256.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL-BCJ3OtI/AAAAAAAAEfk/Bm4NkV6iOaw/s320/1+June+08+256.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL-m_2yWcI/AAAAAAAAEf0/Y9tuVwV5o8s/s1600-h/1+June+08+263.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL-m_2yWcI/AAAAAAAAEf0/Y9tuVwV5o8s/s320/1+June+08+263.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />There was certainly no subtlety involved in the competition for the yen, each marque trumpteting its presence with its own imposing building. In fact, every other building was a landmark in this architects' playground.<br /><br />With cash to spare, Tokyo's women pound the pavements of Omotesando, looking for the newest, the hippest, and the flashiest!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL_YxphvQI/AAAAAAAAEf8/xTnyxq5gvEk/s1600-h/1+June+08+267.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL_YxphvQI/AAAAAAAAEf8/xTnyxq5gvEk/s320/1+June+08+267.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">queuing for the latest in skin care</div><br />Down one side of the road we went and waltzed into Omotesando's biggest shopping centre, Omotesando Hills...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMAa5wqdPI/AAAAAAAAEgM/JKkY6P83l1U/s1600-h/1+June+08+273.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMAa5wqdPI/AAAAAAAAEgM/JKkY6P83l1U/s320/1+June+08+273.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">inside Omotesando Hills</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMAsZYck0I/AAAAAAAAEgU/lGz5pxtCLDI/s1600-h/1+June+08+280.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMAsZYck0I/AAAAAAAAEgU/lGz5pxtCLDI/s320/1+June+08+280.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">even here, it's a dog-eat-dog world</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL_oWtz5xI/AAAAAAAAEgE/Qn5hKAmdHOc/s1600-h/1+June+08+272.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRL_oWtz5xI/AAAAAAAAEgE/Qn5hKAmdHOc/s320/1+June+08+272.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">is there still a place for them?</div><br />... and waltzed out the other end. It was such a lovely day we were itching to be outside where there was so much more to see.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMA5UUmhRI/AAAAAAAAEgc/Qx_EuE3QKHE/s1600-h/1+June+08+285.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMA5UUmhRI/AAAAAAAAEgc/Qx_EuE3QKHE/s320/1+June+08+285.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">wall mural (top)</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMBFl0CIjI/AAAAAAAAEgk/BKanyPRyep8/s1600-h/1+June+08+288.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMBFl0CIjI/AAAAAAAAEgk/BKanyPRyep8/s320/1+June+08+288.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">wall mural (bottom)</div><br />At the end of Omotesando, we veered right and upwards into the even more rarefied air of Aoyama.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMBXtRNBkI/AAAAAAAAEgs/aixZ8A50gsE/s1600-h/1+June+08+289.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMBXtRNBkI/AAAAAAAAEgs/aixZ8A50gsE/s320/1+June+08+289.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">world famous - guess which brand?</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMFB5bS8DI/AAAAAAAAEh0/pP5GDwToj10/s1600-h/1+June+08+353.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMFB5bS8DI/AAAAAAAAEh0/pP5GDwToj10/s320/1+June+08+353.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the answer to the question above</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMFY-wvi1I/AAAAAAAAEh8/9ncWsTA8iCU/s1600-h/1+June+08+364.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMFY-wvi1I/AAAAAAAAEh8/9ncWsTA8iCU/s320/1+June+08+364.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Prada underground</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMDmh7JcOI/AAAAAAAAEhE/TmjBQCNyLkk/s1600-h/1+June+08+309.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMDmh7JcOI/AAAAAAAAEhE/TmjBQCNyLkk/s320/1+June+08+309.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Folli Follie</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMEBlSFkbI/AAAAAAAAEhM/Cdhevb2gpq8/s1600-h/1+June+08+320.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMEBlSFkbI/AAAAAAAAEhM/Cdhevb2gpq8/s320/1+June+08+320.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Attic</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMEOtUd2II/AAAAAAAAEhU/rrm1xowe9Qk/s1600-h/1+June+08+324.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMEOtUd2II/AAAAAAAAEhU/rrm1xowe9Qk/s320/1+June+08+324.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Kate Spade</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMEeNvNalI/AAAAAAAAEhc/LPwqw9dDb88/s1600-h/1+June+08+326.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMEeNvNalI/AAAAAAAAEhc/LPwqw9dDb88/s320/1+June+08+326.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Miu Miu</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMGbS2mdOI/AAAAAAAAEiU/WH85wuNtWZg/s1600-h/1+June+08+376.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMGbS2mdOI/AAAAAAAAEiU/WH85wuNtWZg/s320/1+June+08+376.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Commes de Garcon - can you tell?</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMGpQ4WDkI/AAAAAAAAEic/-A7MEU89jTs/s1600-h/1+June+08+386.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMGpQ4WDkI/AAAAAAAAEic/-A7MEU89jTs/s320/1+June+08+386.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">no, you can't</div><br />While HM shopped, I explored the architecturally diverse neighbourhood.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMCEyOuUCI/AAAAAAAAEg0/PrYHP-iM1PM/s1600-h/1+June+08+301.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMCEyOuUCI/AAAAAAAAEg0/PrYHP-iM1PM/s320/1+June+08+301.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMCuvkCeiI/AAAAAAAAEg8/X2WueM47bew/s1600-h/1+June+08+305.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMCuvkCeiI/AAAAAAAAEg8/X2WueM47bew/s320/1+June+08+305.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />Judging from the cars, it certainly wasn't a low-income area.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMGIwAR_xI/AAAAAAAAEiM/EmlK6TVnoag/s1600-h/1+June+08+375.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMGIwAR_xI/AAAAAAAAEiM/EmlK6TVnoag/s320/1+June+08+375.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">mercedes jeep</div><br />Still, amidst the glam and the manmade edifices, there was the traditional and natural.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMElwhnKwI/AAAAAAAAEhk/y-b4f9Ipfxo/s1600-h/1+June+08+336.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMElwhnKwI/AAAAAAAAEhk/y-b4f9Ipfxo/s320/1+June+08+336.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">even here, a deity</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMG-MRnzsI/AAAAAAAAEis/skeg-AS-asg/s1600-h/1+June+08+396.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMG-MRnzsI/AAAAAAAAEis/skeg-AS-asg/s320/1+June+08+396.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>man tou</i> on sale</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMF9BW1RNI/AAAAAAAAEiE/Wo5q1_ulH6I/s1600-h/1+June+08+374.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMF9BW1RNI/AAAAAAAAEiE/Wo5q1_ulH6I/s320/1+June+08+374.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">we had some!</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRME4QCkE1I/AAAAAAAAEhs/Jm1qe3VqlY8/s1600-h/1+June+08+337.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRME4QCkE1I/AAAAAAAAEhs/Jm1qe3VqlY8/s320/1+June+08+337.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">frowers</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMG31bMHjI/AAAAAAAAEik/qqtHuSl_mBY/s1600-h/1+June+08+390.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMG31bMHjI/AAAAAAAAEik/qqtHuSl_mBY/s320/1+June+08+390.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">more pretty frowers</div><br />We checked out the other side of Omotesando.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMHGfw1A9I/AAAAAAAAEi0/9o7O1QPF0wU/s1600-h/1+June+08+397.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMHGfw1A9I/AAAAAAAAEi0/9o7O1QPF0wU/s320/1+June+08+397.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">even piano companies have to step up their game</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMHqN4-aRI/AAAAAAAAEi8/7Ntl0iYctNk/s1600-h/1+June+08+405.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMHqN4-aRI/AAAAAAAAEi8/7Ntl0iYctNk/s320/1+June+08+405.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Tod's</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMH0rhewdI/AAAAAAAAEjE/DWMQPp8tZqY/s1600-h/1+June+08+411.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMH0rhewdI/AAAAAAAAEjE/DWMQPp8tZqY/s320/1+June+08+411.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Louis Vuitton</div><br />At the other end, we popped into two Tokyo must-stops (for tourists, that is), the Oriental Bazaar and Kiddyland, THE places for that perfect souvenir or gift, depending on whether one's inclination runs towards the traditional or the modern. With all kinds of Japanese crafts under one roof, Singapore residents will recognise Oriental Bazaar as a Japanese Lim's. As for Kiddyland, "KIDDY LAND helps keep your mind, body and soul youthful, now & forever." Well said.<br /><br />Our intention was to check out possibilities and prices, particularly for Studio Ghibli merchandise. We were scheduled to visit Museum Ghibli the next day and wanted to know for sure what was available elsewhere so that we would not miss the opportunity to buy stuff that was exclusive to the museum's gift shop. We take anything and everything Ghibli most seriously.<br /><br />After that, we had just enough energy to turn round the corner, onto the other half of Meiji Jingumae where, lo and behold, a Burberry Blue came into view. HM perked up immediately and then disappeared into the confines of the boutique for half an hour. She finally emerged half an hour later later, with a bag and a big grin.<br /><br />It was time for dinner. We dragged ourselves back up Omotesando to where we had spotted this earlier:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMJXRPXURI/AAAAAAAAEjk/P_EezJy8YOE/s1600-h/1+June+08+463.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMJXRPXURI/AAAAAAAAEjk/P_EezJy8YOE/s320/1+June+08+463.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Sugino Ko</div><br />Pork shabu shabu was apparently its specialty. We couldn't be hundred percent sure, not being able to read Japanese, but one thing was certain: the menu outside said "black pork". We were sold. Anyway, we were too tired to seek out an alternative and hadn't had pork shabu shabu before, just beef.<br /><br />The set for two came with hors d'ouvres (parma ham with melon, arrowroot wrapped in pork belly, some butter thing with raisins), sashimi, a rice bowl with fish and fish roe, <i>macha</i> (green tea) ice cream for two, and of course, the raison d'etre:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMIM-el8iI/AAAAAAAAEjU/STSKugfpjB4/s1600-h/1+June+08+448.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMIM-el8iI/AAAAAAAAEjU/STSKugfpjB4/s320/1+June+08+448.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">you take the pork</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMInZYOY7I/AAAAAAAAEjc/bQtFlZ0Np28/s1600-h/1+June+08+450.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRMInZYOY7I/AAAAAAAAEjc/bQtFlZ0Np28/s320/1+June+08+450.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">put it into this stock</div><br />HM had <em>shochu</em> (Japanese vodka) and I had iced oolong. The bill came up to 9145Y ($137) which we thought was great value for money. Of course we had no idea if we had stumbled into the equivalent of Jack's Place, in which case we would have been outraged at the bill, but ignorance has its merits.<br /><br />After dinner, we strolled back up Omotesando, all the way to the Harajuku Station, convinced that we should put this area at the top of our list for a return visit. It had been a beautiful day.blobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268342577307668738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878648643455146542.post-72979415359065300372008-06-16T00:42:00.000-07:002008-11-21T07:38:14.821-08:00Day 3: Spirited AwayIt was a big day for us. So eager were we to be underway we stopped at Yoshinoya's, of all places, for breakfast, because it was enroute to Shinjuku Station. Where were we off to? The Ghibli Museum, of course. What time did we have to be there? By 10 a.m.<br /><br />We are both huge fans of Hayao Miyazaki, animator and storyteller extraordinaire, and the museum is his brainchild. Since the museum is in Mitaka, just nine stops from Shinjuku, on the Chuo line, how could we not make a pilgrimage? The only catch was getting tickets. To limit the number of people on the premises at any one time, tickets were for specific time slots and had to be pre-bought. The tickets themselves were reasonably priced (1000Y or $15); the problem was buying them. We could of course have waited till we arrived in Tokyo and bought tickets from the vending machines at Lawson convenience stores. But what if we could not get tickets for the day and time we wanted, or worse, had to miss it altogether, I reasoned. And so began the hunt for tickets. The JTB branch at Takashimaya had tickets but would only sell them to us if we booked our accommodation with them, something we preferred not to do. Online booking services offered tours for US$60, inclusive of train fares, sure, but clearly overpriced. In the end, it was our friend, ES, who saved the day. She arranged for a friend of hers, who was in Tokyo, to help us buy tickets. Yay, ES!<br /><br />So there we were, on the way to Mitaka. Oh, back to the issue of breakfast - we had two sets, both with rice, miso soup, grilled salmon, pickled veggies, one with natto and raw egg (490Y/$7.35), and one without (400Y/$6). Maybe it was standard issue <em>natto</em> (fermented soy beans) but it didn't taste of anything much. Together with the egg, it was slimy and gooey, not exactly appetising. Maybe, like <em>uni</em> (sea urchin), only premium <em>natto</em> tastes good; cheap uni sometimes tastes like plastic raincoat, according to HM.<br /><br />When we got to Mitaka Station, we boarded the community bus (shaped like a Catbus!) which for 200Y ($3) dropped us at the doorstep of the museum. Then, together with an excited crowd of mamas, papas and kiddies, we waited outside for the museum to open its doors.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRYkhrWrI/AAAAAAAAEkE/FI-hjqP03Iw/s1600-h/2+June+08+029.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRYkhrWrI/AAAAAAAAEkE/FI-hjqP03Iw/s320/2+June+08+029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Museum Ghibli</div><br />Once we were inside, we were enchanted by the sheer whimsy of the place. Too bad photography was not allowed inside. Miyazaki and his collaborators had gone to great lengths to create a magical world just waiting to be discovered. There was a surprise in every nook and corner.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRDaq9a4I/AAAAAAAAEjs/4Z3vl-S_US0/s1600-h/2+June+08+014.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRDaq9a4I/AAAAAAAAEjs/4Z3vl-S_US0/s320/2+June+08+014.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">what's that amongst the plants?</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRfOM9w6I/AAAAAAAAEkM/yrpMoNni-g4/s1600-h/2+June+08+031.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRfOM9w6I/AAAAAAAAEkM/yrpMoNni-g4/s320/2+June+08+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">inside the toilet</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRjq-sS3I/AAAAAAAAEkU/1A2iNHqy-4c/s1600-h/2+June+08+033.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRjq-sS3I/AAAAAAAAEkU/1A2iNHqy-4c/s320/2+June+08+033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">who's that peeking out</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSrStterI/AAAAAAAAEls/-ZtsdvfXAmI/s1600-h/2+June+08+061.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSrStterI/AAAAAAAAEls/-ZtsdvfXAmI/s320/2+June+08+061.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a rare glimpse of the past</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSx0Hxy5I/AAAAAAAAEl0/cblboFvuIj0/s1600-h/2+June+08+064.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSx0Hxy5I/AAAAAAAAEl0/cblboFvuIj0/s320/2+June+08+064.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">sootballs! aka susuwatari</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVS2t31tlI/AAAAAAAAEl8/ILXIWB1GETQ/s1600-h/2+June+08+068.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVS2t31tlI/AAAAAAAAEl8/ILXIWB1GETQ/s320/2+June+08+068.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">oh look you can see Europe from this window</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRK_IHMNI/AAAAAAAAEj0/nrWsBgdMmAY/s1600-h/2+June+08+020.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRK_IHMNI/AAAAAAAAEj0/nrWsBgdMmAY/s320/2+June+08+020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">robot soldier on the roof</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRSJlW4II/AAAAAAAAEj8/Xi5NtbdeNGw/s1600-h/2+June+08+026.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRSJlW4II/AAAAAAAAEj8/Xi5NtbdeNGw/s320/2+June+08+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the "Keystone", also on the roof</div><br />From the outside, the buildings looked like they were carved out of rock. Inside, we felt like we were wandering through a much loved old house. In a room downstairs, traditional animation techniques, including the use of mechanical devices such as zoetropes, were showcased, taking visitors all the way back to the beginnings of animation. The effectiveness of these seemingly archaic machines, combined with the artistry of the Ghibli animators, was breathtaking. Upstairs, an animation studio had been lovingly recreated, in great detail, to allow visitors to discover for themselves the process of animation. This was no static display - each room was bursting with sketches and artefacts simulating both the sources of inspiration and the products of that inspiration.<br /><br />The museum planners had left no stone uncovered. There was a children's book room where fans of Miyazaki, both young and old, could browse through his favourite books, a indoor playarea shaped like a Catbus, and of course a souvenir shop, where we spent much time and money, hehe.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR79kmErTVI/AAAAAAAAEnM/Mw8uUQHr5l0/s1600-h/2+June+08+132.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR79kmErTVI/AAAAAAAAEnM/Mw8uUQHr5l0/s320/2+June+08+132.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">photos not allowed? thank god for this</div><br />One of our favourite spots in the museum was the cafe which Miyazaki himself considers the"most symbolic place for this Museum". In typical Miyazaki fashion, the genesis of the cafe ran counter to commercial sense: a housewife, not a professional chef, was hired to conceptualise the cafe; the menu was planned not with cost efficiency or ease of preparation in mind but the kind of wholesome goodness that only a mother could think of; only natural, not processed, ingredients are used. In other words, the same care and attention to detail that went into the planning and running of the Museum proper was given to that of the cafe.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRquERlVI/AAAAAAAAEkc/YD9_HxomDu0/s1600-h/2+June+08+034.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRquERlVI/AAAAAAAAEkc/YD9_HxomDu0/s320/2+June+08+034.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">menu outside the Straw Hat Cafe</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRwewqGrI/AAAAAAAAEkk/e8fpdkV4r-w/s1600-h/2+June+08+035.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVRwewqGrI/AAAAAAAAEkk/e8fpdkV4r-w/s320/2+June+08+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">full house</div><br />We had to wait to be seated, time enough for us to explore the deck.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVR5qT1PWI/AAAAAAAAEks/x6hehW5hrUY/s1600-h/2+June+08+036.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVR5qT1PWI/AAAAAAAAEks/x6hehW5hrUY/s320/2+June+08+036.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">water cart</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSCKHnEQI/AAAAAAAAEk0/vM95_NRjevQ/s1600-h/2+June+08+038.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSCKHnEQI/AAAAAAAAEk0/vM95_NRjevQ/s320/2+June+08+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">washing station for little ones</div><br />There was a waiting area, with chairs under a tent, where, thoughtfully, a basket of children's books had been supplied to ease the wait. Unfortunately for me, the books were all in Japanese. HM of course was not inclined to touch them anyway, leery as always of children and attendant germs.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSJo8iZDI/AAAAAAAAEk8/kWx__093v4Y/s1600-h/2+June+08+042.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSJo8iZDI/AAAAAAAAEk8/kWx__093v4Y/s320/2+June+08+042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">gimme gimme gimme</div><br />Finally, we were let in and seated at the coffee bar. While we waited for our food, we watched the staff work.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSPfEHGtI/AAAAAAAAElE/4kNxFYXNhyo/s1600-h/2+June+08+048.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSPfEHGtI/AAAAAAAAElE/4kNxFYXNhyo/s320/2+June+08+048.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">never just a cup of coffee</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSauW34bI/AAAAAAAAElU/sQS2NCfAol8/s1600-h/2+June+08+052.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSauW34bI/AAAAAAAAElU/sQS2NCfAol8/s320/2+June+08+052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">ta-dah! - we had one just like that</div><br />The food was delicious and, unsurprisingly, very comforting.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSUiu_riI/AAAAAAAAElM/V3A49jhdkmc/s1600-h/2+June+08+051.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSUiu_riI/AAAAAAAAElM/V3A49jhdkmc/s320/2+June+08+051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">steak frites</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVShKFZqBI/AAAAAAAAElc/IXD4cTVBU1k/s1600-h/2+June+08+056.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVShKFZqBI/AAAAAAAAElc/IXD4cTVBU1k/s320/2+June+08+056.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">cassoulet style soup with tomato, beans and pork with bread</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSl9iLN7I/AAAAAAAAElk/kctM5OMDLAA/s1600-h/2+June+08+058.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVSl9iLN7I/AAAAAAAAElk/kctM5OMDLAA/s320/2+June+08+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">some of the best strawberry cake I have ever eaten</div><br />Together with hot milk tea and coffee with foamed milk, our meal cost us 4190Y ($62.85). It was not cheap but we were happy with our meal.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVTBNtCd8I/AAAAAAAAEmM/azOTM9QMP6U/s1600-h/2+June+08+088.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVTBNtCd8I/AAAAAAAAEmM/azOTM9QMP6U/s320/2+June+08+088.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVTHzSm0II/AAAAAAAAEmU/4NabwvuypAM/s1600-h/2+June+08+093.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVTHzSm0II/AAAAAAAAEmU/4NabwvuypAM/s320/2+June+08+093.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVTSDDjhnI/AAAAAAAAEmc/0Gms5dxp0IE/s1600-h/2+June+08+094.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRVTSDDjhnI/AAAAAAAAEmc/0Gms5dxp0IE/s320/2+June+08+094.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />We finally left the museum at 2 p.m. My plan was for us to walk around Inokashira Park which the museum is a part of.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRWvyRYnSbI/AAAAAAAAEmk/HycwcJKYRsY/s1600-h/2+June+08+108.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRWvyRYnSbI/AAAAAAAAEmk/HycwcJKYRsY/s320/2+June+08+108.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">don't people have to work?!</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRWwEkZnpzI/AAAAAAAAEms/0JpGS2N1ZBM/s1600-h/2+June+08+109.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRWwEkZnpzI/AAAAAAAAEms/0JpGS2N1ZBM/s320/2+June+08+109.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">hehe, the graphics say it all</div><br />The weather turned for the worse. We decided to head back before we got rained on, but by then we were somewhere in the park and the way back to Mitaka Station was not immediately obvious. Not wanting to waste time beating around the bush, literally, I opted to approach the nearest bystander who turned out to be a nice old man. While I struggled to communicate with him, HM stood by and laughed herself silly, at my attempts to mime "train" (I don't know why I didn't think of saying "JR", the name of the company that runs the trains, which everyone knows, even people who do not speak English.) Eventually though (and I'm not even sure what it was that I said which finally tipped the poor man off), he pointed us in one direction so off we went.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRWwREQ5yQI/AAAAAAAAEm0/NtazmOgt4GI/s1600-h/2+June+08+112.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRWwREQ5yQI/AAAAAAAAEm0/NtazmOgt4GI/s320/2+June+08+112.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">proud parents</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRWxDwtCWVI/AAAAAAAAEm8/jzJ_Az1sTt8/s1600-h/2+June+08+114.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRWxDwtCWVI/AAAAAAAAEm8/jzJ_Az1sTt8/s320/2+June+08+114.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">proud parent</div><br />It took us a while before we realised we had not been directed to Mitaka Station but to Kichijoji Station, one stop before Mitaka which may or may not have been nearer. Kichijoji was a nice suburb though.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRWxYvyRxiI/AAAAAAAAEnE/AE86QpxnrEA/s1600-h/2+June+08+116.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SRWxYvyRxiI/AAAAAAAAEnE/AE86QpxnrEA/s320/2+June+08+116.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">even here, a French restaurant</div><br />Never one to pass up the chance to shop, HM managed to guide us into the department stores in the vicinity of the station where we did some, uh, light shopping. We finally caved and bought some really expensive fruit: three oranges & a punnet of cherries for 1260Y ($18.90).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR79uRi_M_I/AAAAAAAAEnU/EeStP2cdC0g/s1600-h/2+June+08+137.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR79uRi_M_I/AAAAAAAAEnU/EeStP2cdC0g/s320/2+June+08+137.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />We then returned to hotel for a nap, some cup noodles and those unblemished fruit, while it rained outside.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR7944PuHJI/AAAAAAAAEnc/oQPPdY1nf5E/s1600-h/2+June+08+141.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR7944PuHJI/AAAAAAAAEnc/oQPPdY1nf5E/s320/2+June+08+141.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Shinjuku by night</div><br />That evening, we checked out Muji at Isamiya Building which was within walking distance from our apartment.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR7-E9WSNII/AAAAAAAAEnk/U6IhbXT68Qk/s1600-h/2+June+08+145.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR7-E9WSNII/AAAAAAAAEnk/U6IhbXT68Qk/s320/2+June+08+145.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />We were surprised to find that it was decidedly low-end in feel, compared to what we were used to in Singapore, where the spotlit Muji stores with the minimalist look and their black and white products have a much more upmarket feel. In retrospect, the Tokyo store was no different in design and layout from its Singapore counterparts, but with every other store there sporting the same aesthetic, it felt that much more generic.<br /><br />The other surprise was finding that it sold spectacles. For a flat fee, one could pick the frame, match it with a pair of legs, and even get prescription lenses made if one so wished. HM picked up a pair of specs but we would not be staying long enough to get the lenses.<br /><br />Dinner was at a Lonely Planet Tokyo City Guide recommendation - Tsunahachi, a long-established chain of tempura restaurants. It took us a while to locate it, the Japanese system of numbering their roads rather than naming them being of no help whatsoever.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8B2oEjZFI/AAAAAAAAEo8/EO00jWyqbqw/s1600-h/2+June+08+176.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8B2oEjZFI/AAAAAAAAEo8/EO00jWyqbqw/s320/2+June+08+176.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">finally found it</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8B9Yy2poI/AAAAAAAAEpE/uAWvItJxotM/s1600-h/2+June+08+178.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8B9Yy2poI/AAAAAAAAEpE/uAWvItJxotM/s320/2+June+08+178.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">there, in small print</div><br />It was a pretty big place. We were ushered into one of the tatami rooms where we proceeded to order up a storm.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8BfXpIbwI/AAAAAAAAEos/j6OVoKXjBks/s1600-h/2+June+08+172.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8BfXpIbwI/AAAAAAAAEos/j6OVoKXjBks/s320/2+June+08+172.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the room</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR7-nigpEvI/AAAAAAAAEn0/uIBdJsb4yHY/s1600-h/2+June+08+155.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR7-nigpEvI/AAAAAAAAEn0/uIBdJsb4yHY/s320/2+June+08+155.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">place setting</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR7-ahLtVCI/AAAAAAAAEns/nhktU4qmOJg/s1600-h/2+June+08+154.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR7-ahLtVCI/AAAAAAAAEns/nhktU4qmOJg/s320/2+June+08+154.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">plain ol' tea for me, and cold sake (white deer brand) for HM</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8ANiXBr5I/AAAAAAAAEoE/CEcWwAGPxCo/s1600-h/2+June+08+161.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8ANiXBr5I/AAAAAAAAEoE/CEcWwAGPxCo/s320/2+June+08+161.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">sashimi moriawase</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR7-1-TKSeI/AAAAAAAAEn8/gyI0qQdtT6Q/s1600-h/2+June+08+159.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR7-1-TKSeI/AAAAAAAAEn8/gyI0qQdtT6Q/s320/2+June+08+159.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Tempra (sic) Special Zen - prawns and assorted vegetables</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8Al3S-CwI/AAAAAAAAEoM/ePaLvAFLQnQ/s1600-h/2+June+08+163.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8Al3S-CwI/AAAAAAAAEoM/ePaLvAFLQnQ/s320/2+June+08+163.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">fish and hamaguri clam</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8A64AttHI/AAAAAAAAEoU/xArZfTx4QnQ/s1600-h/2+June+08+167.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8A64AttHI/AAAAAAAAEoU/xArZfTx4QnQ/s320/2+June+08+167.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">eggplant with perilla leaf</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8BKuA4TqI/AAAAAAAAEoc/WP7-u7W_zDM/s1600-h/2+June+08+169.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8BKuA4TqI/AAAAAAAAEoc/WP7-u7W_zDM/s320/2+June+08+169.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>ayu</i> fish and scallop</div><br />We enjoyed the meal. The tempura was oh so light and crispy, and the seafood so fresh. We ended with some rice and miso soup with teeny weeny clams. Again, the bill came up to a reasonable 8205Y ($123.75). We were getting real used to Tokyo prices.<br /><br />Before we left, we had to take some parting shots:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8BWl6NUAI/AAAAAAAAEok/OZy6Y2TF1KI/s1600-h/2+June+08+170.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8BWl6NUAI/AAAAAAAAEok/OZy6Y2TF1KI/s320/2+June+08+170.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">behind every good tempura is a woman</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8BnkgixSI/AAAAAAAAEo0/xrJkxzXs2aM/s1600-h/2+June+08+173.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8BnkgixSI/AAAAAAAAEo0/xrJkxzXs2aM/s320/2+June+08+173.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the detritus</div><br />Back out on the streets, it was time for a pre-bedtime walk. This was becoming a ritual of sorts.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8CJfohCDI/AAAAAAAAEpM/VZTBEvxSZ_A/s1600-h/2+June+08+182.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8CJfohCDI/AAAAAAAAEpM/VZTBEvxSZ_A/s320/2+June+08+182.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">didn't understand the words but the sentiment was clear</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8CVEGI2XI/AAAAAAAAEpU/p7RMphcQ2Qw/s1600-h/2+June+08+184.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8CVEGI2XI/AAAAAAAAEpU/p7RMphcQ2Qw/s320/2+June+08+184.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><em>lelong lelong</em>... NOT (lookit those prices!)</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8CqCf8RtI/AAAAAAAAEpk/4WitVET1AL0/s1600-h/2+June+08+187.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8CqCf8RtI/AAAAAAAAEpk/4WitVET1AL0/s320/2+June+08+187.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">woah, bodice ripper</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8CjUeXxTI/AAAAAAAAEpc/SrdcDpwOFb0/s1600-h/2+June+08+185.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8CjUeXxTI/AAAAAAAAEpc/SrdcDpwOFb0/s320/2+June+08+185.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">what a cool idea - standing room only</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8C_dmSWcI/AAAAAAAAEps/BVc_upSEbw0/s1600-h/2+June+08+189.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8C_dmSWcI/AAAAAAAAEps/BVc_upSEbw0/s320/2+June+08+189.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">dance street?</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8DQBBJOQI/AAAAAAAAEp0/0g9XR8Ha9is/s1600-h/2+June+08+192.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8DQBBJOQI/AAAAAAAAEp0/0g9XR8Ha9is/s320/2+June+08+192.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">shakespeare played pachinko?!</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8DcTaC29I/AAAAAAAAEp8/4TfIvINBS8k/s1600-h/2+June+08+204.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SR8DcTaC29I/AAAAAAAAEp8/4TfIvINBS8k/s320/2+June+08+204.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">nice ad</div>blobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268342577307668738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878648643455146542.post-56332963681704101212008-06-15T15:48:00.000-07:002008-11-22T19:21:22.545-08:00Day 4: Time WarpWe were tired so we slept in which was just as well. It was a wet dreary day outside. When we did eventually crawl out of bed, we had cup soup and instant coffee for breakfast. Then it was time to pack our bags - we were headed to the more traditional part of Tokyo, Asakusa, for a two-day stay. Fortunately, we did not have too much to pack. I had deliberately double-booked our accommodation so that we could leave our things at Oakwood Shinjuku and only bring a day bag or two with us.<br /><br />But first a visit to the Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum was on the cards. HM had seen a flyer for it and, since it was a stone's throw from Shinjuku Station, we decided to store our day bags in the lockers at the station and visit the museum before heading to Asakusa. Alas, it wasn't to be.<br /><br />When we arrived at the station, we discovered that the lockers we had been intending to use were not available that day. The sign slapped onto the lockers cited security concerns. We had no choice but to trudge on with our bags. (We would discover later that the ban only applied to lockers outside the station, not the ones inside the station...)<br /><br />Outside, the weather was slowly but surely turning for the worse. We would probably have stayed drier had we stayed underground, but we weren't sure if we could find our way to the museum that way. It would have been all too easy to lose one's sense of direction in that massive underground complex without the area's landmarks to navigate by. We finally stumbled into the museum and not a moment too soon. We were drenched and our poor umbrellas were just about to give in, in the battle against the wind.<br /><br />The museum was excellent. It was small but well-curated and we had the place to ourselves. The current exhibition was western-style fashion in Japan from the 1800s to the 1970s, and included the work of haute couture designers. As we wandered around, admiring the perfect preserved articles of clothing, accessories and hats, we marvelled at how small women's waists had been.<br /><br />Before leaving the museum, HM detoured to the toilet and I prepared myself to confront the elements again. The auntie who was both ticket seller and hat check "girl" looked worriedly out, through the glass doors, at the scene outside, and, I swear, muttered something about typhoons under her breath. Right, just what we needed - a typhoon.<br /><br />We made our way back to Shinjuku Station via the underground. There, we found a good place to have a spot of lunch.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNUyt4ehMI/AAAAAAAAEqk/Scy8fWZk-SA/s1600-h/3+June+08+011.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNUyt4ehMI/AAAAAAAAEqk/Scy8fWZk-SA/s320/3+June+08+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">in Shinjuku Station</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNUsKBuK0I/AAAAAAAAEqc/bfDmhiDIu3w/s1600-h/3+June+08+008.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNUsKBuK0I/AAAAAAAAEqc/bfDmhiDIu3w/s320/3+June+08+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">our fellow lunchers</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNUOfokrDI/AAAAAAAAEqE/x1SKwD8d6Zc/s1600-h/3+June+08+003.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNUOfokrDI/AAAAAAAAEqE/x1SKwD8d6Zc/s320/3+June+08+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">HM's chumpon ramen (840Y/$12.60)</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNUU-Z3qoI/AAAAAAAAEqM/uw2TfJGXv2g/s1600-h/3+June+08+005.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNUU-Z3qoI/AAAAAAAAEqM/uw2TfJGXv2g/s320/3+June+08+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">my dry ramen...</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNUh-xOPvI/AAAAAAAAEqU/h0hA2PA0gdI/s1600-h/3+June+08+007.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNUh-xOPvI/AAAAAAAAEqU/h0hA2PA0gdI/s320/3+June+08+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">... with <em>shoyu</em> dipping sauce and stewed egg (790Y/$11.85)</div><br />It was my first time eating dry ramen. The sauce was delicious although it was overloaded with garlic.<br /><br />After lunch, we took the Chuo Line to Kanda and then the Tokyo Ginza subway to Akasuka. From the station, it was a short walk through Asakusa's walking street, Nakamise Streeet, to Ryokan Shigetsu where we would be staying.<br /><br />We were a little early and our room wasn't ready yet, so having checked in, we left bags there and went for a walk. We didn't get very far, just round the corner and into this traditional dessert(?) cafe cum shop that was on the end of Nakamise Street nearer the Sensoji shrine.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNWEbU8mAI/AAAAAAAAErM/yJAcB3LSZNk/s1600-h/3+June+08+028.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNWEbU8mAI/AAAAAAAAErM/yJAcB3LSZNk/s320/3+June+08+028.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />It was cold out - colder than it had been on our first day in Tokyo - and we had been on our feet for most of the morning, barring a quickie lunch. We were only too glad to sit down and relax in warm surroundings, and eat dessert!<br /><br />We quickly established that the staff, all aunties, spoke no English and of course they discovered that we spoke no Japanese. To order, we had to pop out to the window display, with one of the aunties, and point out what we wanted.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNVrfa3rDI/AAAAAAAAEq8/E4nH3pA2mKU/s1600-h/3+June+08+024.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNVrfa3rDI/AAAAAAAAEq8/E4nH3pA2mKU/s320/3+June+08+024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">so many choices</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNV6046mOI/AAAAAAAAErE/DMArpv9GjeA/s1600-h/3+June+08+027.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNV6046mOI/AAAAAAAAErE/DMArpv9GjeA/s320/3+June+08+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">ooh do those look good or what?</div><br />We needn't have bothered. In the end, we went for the tried and tested, our favourites:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNVEC3x6bI/AAAAAAAAEqs/zz97zJZahSY/s1600-h/3+June+08+016.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNVEC3x6bI/AAAAAAAAEqs/zz97zJZahSY/s320/3+June+08+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">anmitsu</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNVQOb8aoI/AAAAAAAAEq0/-zG3718AkrU/s1600-h/3+June+08+019.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNVQOb8aoI/AAAAAAAAEq0/-zG3718AkrU/s320/3+June+08+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">soba (buckwheat) cakes with soy powder and malted sugar</div><br />We justified this by on the basis that we had to try the real thing and see if it was even better here in its land of origin. We had no regrets. Perhaps because the ingredients used were authentic - Japanese red bean paste is incredibly flavourful, not just sweet - both desserts were terrific. The bill came up to 1176Y ($17.64), money well spent.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNWK4NpakI/AAAAAAAAErU/xcMUJrDPE-M/s1600-h/3+June+08+029.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNWK4NpakI/AAAAAAAAErU/xcMUJrDPE-M/s320/3+June+08+029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">EVERYONE liked this place</div><br />Outside, on Nakamise Street, were rows and rows of shops, both touristy and traditional. We watched a man make these:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNWpSzitsI/AAAAAAAAErs/YfV0K89dHxE/s1600-h/3+June+08+042.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNWpSzitsI/AAAAAAAAErs/YfV0K89dHxE/s320/3+June+08+042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">begin with the end in mind</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNWVSEh3QI/AAAAAAAAErc/hdyF-4xhGVo/s1600-h/3+June+08+035.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNWVSEh3QI/AAAAAAAAErc/hdyF-4xhGVo/s320/3+June+08+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">first squeeze the dough into the moulds</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNWe5mr96I/AAAAAAAAErk/l2Nic3GQkf0/s1600-h/3+June+08+037.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNWe5mr96I/AAAAAAAAErk/l2Nic3GQkf0/s320/3+June+08+037.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">seal the red bean paste in</div><br />The area around the Sensoji shrine was peppered with specialty shops, particularly traditional ones.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXIxPPRkI/AAAAAAAAEr8/-PZSJAHL9iw/s1600-h/3+June+08+045.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXIxPPRkI/AAAAAAAAEr8/-PZSJAHL9iw/s320/3+June+08+045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">traditional shops</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNW1TL-MMI/AAAAAAAAEr0/asTLE2PJajM/s1600-h/3+June+08+044.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNW1TL-MMI/AAAAAAAAEr0/asTLE2PJajM/s320/3+June+08+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a model shop, hehe</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXQHTjLqI/AAAAAAAAEsE/wjBAN4XoX_w/s1600-h/3+June+08+048.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXQHTjLqI/AAAAAAAAEsE/wjBAN4XoX_w/s320/3+June+08+048.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">combs galore</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXitZWe2I/AAAAAAAAEsc/8ColXOHb0g0/s1600-h/3+June+08+057.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXitZWe2I/AAAAAAAAEsc/8ColXOHb0g0/s320/3+June+08+057.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">brooms</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-ZSAGreI/AAAAAAAAEv0/j603M6skf3U/s1600-h/3+June+08+126.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-ZSAGreI/AAAAAAAAEv0/j603M6skf3U/s320/3+June+08+126.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">lanterns and more</div><br />In the old days, the area was noted for its live entertainment, from standup comedy to porn shows, and even an amusement park. Remnants of that remain today, and the amusement park is still open.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNX_BfMSVI/AAAAAAAAEs8/hcQICBeSPa8/s1600-h/3+June+08+064.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNX_BfMSVI/AAAAAAAAEs8/hcQICBeSPa8/s320/3+June+08+064.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">live action preview of a show at the amusement park</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYFbyzYdI/AAAAAAAAEtE/7XIgNupPVW0/s1600-h/3+June+08+069.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYFbyzYdI/AAAAAAAAEtE/7XIgNupPVW0/s320/3+June+08+069.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">you gotta be kidding</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYOePpZWI/AAAAAAAAEtM/wHnSih-kTQg/s1600-h/3+June+08+074.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYOePpZWI/AAAAAAAAEtM/wHnSih-kTQg/s320/3+June+08+074.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">grand opening of a new porn show?</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYS_P4m1I/AAAAAAAAEtU/zSQi9uGC9zA/s1600-h/3+June+08+077.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYS_P4m1I/AAAAAAAAEtU/zSQi9uGC9zA/s320/3+June+08+077.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">HM refused to pose with this</div><br />In the rain, the area was very atmospheric.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXokcUUJI/AAAAAAAAEsk/TGWe6RW1xls/s1600-h/3+June+08+058.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXokcUUJI/AAAAAAAAEsk/TGWe6RW1xls/s320/3+June+08+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">shutter art</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXYipM8BI/AAAAAAAAEsM/VXeGifs7uT8/s1600-h/3+June+08+053.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXYipM8BI/AAAAAAAAEsM/VXeGifs7uT8/s320/3+June+08+053.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the real picture</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXdC6LppI/AAAAAAAAEsU/nXLdT-rs-Xc/s1600-h/3+June+08+054.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXdC6LppI/AAAAAAAAEsU/nXLdT-rs-Xc/s320/3+June+08+054.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">haiya!</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXznhvxRI/AAAAAAAAEss/eFBRLzrDg6c/s1600-h/3+June+08+060.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNXznhvxRI/AAAAAAAAEss/eFBRLzrDg6c/s320/3+June+08+060.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a pot of stewing meat, ooh...</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNX5wNQ1JI/AAAAAAAAEs0/smMj1r8iJeI/s1600-h/3+June+08+063.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNX5wNQ1JI/AAAAAAAAEs0/smMj1r8iJeI/s320/3+June+08+063.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">tour guide as rickshaw man - spot the tourists!</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYX3gE4EI/AAAAAAAAEtc/YNi81CHCPeY/s1600-h/3+June+08+081.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYX3gE4EI/AAAAAAAAEtc/YNi81CHCPeY/s320/3+June+08+081.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">awww a scaredy cat</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYeOx7JiI/AAAAAAAAEtk/v1tlj_9zX-g/s1600-h/3+June+08+082.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYeOx7JiI/AAAAAAAAEtk/v1tlj_9zX-g/s320/3+June+08+082.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">haven't we seen that face before?</div><br />We slowly made our way to Kappabashi Dori, where homeware shops congregate.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-BPj4H-I/AAAAAAAAEvk/3v8lbNXOPTA/s1600-h/3+June+08+116.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-BPj4H-I/AAAAAAAAEvk/3v8lbNXOPTA/s320/3+June+08+116.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">top of the line knives</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU8sHfvDKI/AAAAAAAAEuc/UcICdiRKUiQ/s1600-h/3+June+08+095.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU8sHfvDKI/AAAAAAAAEuc/UcICdiRKUiQ/s320/3+June+08+095.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">so kitschy - must buy!</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU8wxqrtXI/AAAAAAAAEuk/BXG29u0M7Jg/s1600-h/3+June+08+098.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU8wxqrtXI/AAAAAAAAEuk/BXG29u0M7Jg/s320/3+June+08+098.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">what a load of crock - irresistable to HM</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU83sSmA3I/AAAAAAAAEus/N0XSxT7nmVc/s1600-h/3+June+08+101.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU83sSmA3I/AAAAAAAAEus/N0XSxT7nmVc/s320/3+June+08+101.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">wonder what these contained or will contain</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU9OgazuaI/AAAAAAAAEvE/wRRUtCJnYko/s1600-h/3+June+08+108.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU9OgazuaI/AAAAAAAAEvE/wRRUtCJnYko/s320/3+June+08+108.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">highend brand</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU9FlVnB0I/AAAAAAAAEu8/HdTUhdzI0pM/s1600-h/3+June+08+107.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU9FlVnB0I/AAAAAAAAEu8/HdTUhdzI0pM/s320/3+June+08+107.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">upmarket range - also irresistable to HM</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU89qQx3VI/AAAAAAAAEu0/u1Sp1CPSF9E/s1600-h/3+June+08+103.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU89qQx3VI/AAAAAAAAEu0/u1Sp1CPSF9E/s320/3+June+08+103.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Chinese influence</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU9ra2LSxI/AAAAAAAAEvM/ShCpMN6TBvQ/s1600-h/3+June+08+109.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU9ra2LSxI/AAAAAAAAEvM/ShCpMN6TBvQ/s320/3+June+08+109.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">more Chinese goods</div><br />But what Kappabashi Dori is most well known for are the ultra-realistic plastic food models.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYiACbPFI/AAAAAAAAEts/rSgx1wfZ4T0/s1600-h/3+June+08+085.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYiACbPFI/AAAAAAAAEts/rSgx1wfZ4T0/s320/3+June+08+085.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">luscious or not?</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYn72bOmI/AAAAAAAAEt0/wcuGZT9w-jI/s1600-h/3+June+08+087.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYn72bOmI/AAAAAAAAEt0/wcuGZT9w-jI/s320/3+June+08+087.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a yin yang pot!</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYtrwoOdI/AAAAAAAAEt8/Ng9wqqu2zs0/s1600-h/3+June+08+088.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNYtrwoOdI/AAAAAAAAEt8/Ng9wqqu2zs0/s320/3+June+08+088.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><em>pei tan</em> aka century eggs</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNY38D7zQI/AAAAAAAAEuE/uo0KBtRouZI/s1600-h/3+June+08+089.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNY38D7zQI/AAAAAAAAEuE/uo0KBtRouZI/s320/3+June+08+089.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">ever wondered what the insides of a sea urchin look like?</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNY-x_eWGI/AAAAAAAAEuM/iphjbxPHjM8/s1600-h/3+June+08+091.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNY-x_eWGI/AAAAAAAAEuM/iphjbxPHjM8/s320/3+June+08+091.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">on the grill</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNZGUfOvvI/AAAAAAAAEuU/egiJeVEi3Zk/s1600-h/3+June+08+092.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSNZGUfOvvI/AAAAAAAAEuU/egiJeVEi3Zk/s320/3+June+08+092.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">alaskan king crab and baked potato... NOT!</div><br />As always, there was a quaint sight or two...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU9wBlokXI/AAAAAAAAEvU/isJuVotfbuQ/s1600-h/3+June+08+112.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU9wBlokXI/AAAAAAAAEvU/isJuVotfbuQ/s320/3+June+08+112.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">beetle attack!</div><br />Eventually, the rain, the cold and the wind got too much for us. On our way back to the inn to hide out, we came across a yakitori stall.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-RK_Se9I/AAAAAAAAEvs/B3yHMPRPYbU/s1600-h/3+June+08+119.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-RK_Se9I/AAAAAAAAEvs/B3yHMPRPYbU/s320/3+June+08+119.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">raw meat</div><br />Never one to refuse good food, we bought five sticks for 1300Y ($19.50)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-1O1HhjI/AAAAAAAAEwE/kAgMmj4frCU/s1600-h/3+June+08+131.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-1O1HhjI/AAAAAAAAEwE/kAgMmj4frCU/s320/3+June+08+131.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">four sticks of chicken and one of chicken liver</div><br />Back at the inn, the staff had kindly moved our bags up to our room. It was time to find out what our room at the inn was like.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-rwdKbkI/AAAAAAAAEv8/BAyNTreCeRs/s1600-h/3+June+08+128.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-rwdKbkI/AAAAAAAAEv8/BAyNTreCeRs/s320/3+June+08+128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">three cheers for futons</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-6cQYesI/AAAAAAAAEwM/ca4nkz_FO5s/s1600-h/3+June+08+132.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-6cQYesI/AAAAAAAAEwM/ca4nkz_FO5s/s320/3+June+08+132.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">small but adequate</div><br />Our room was cosy and comfortable. A hot bath later, we were tucked up, snug as a bug, in our futons, ready for our nap.<br /><br />When we woke up, it was already evening. We got dressed and went in search of dinner.<br /><br />On our way out, we had a look around the inn.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-_kHyyBI/AAAAAAAAEwU/Y2qARd4TpNQ/s1600-h/3+June+08+134.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU-_kHyyBI/AAAAAAAAEwU/Y2qARd4TpNQ/s320/3+June+08+134.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">hushed corridors</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_FiTKczI/AAAAAAAAEwc/IUB1dz5w6HM/s1600-h/3+June+08+135.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_FiTKczI/AAAAAAAAEwc/IUB1dz5w6HM/s320/3+June+08+135.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">atmospheric corners</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_LFV8zbI/AAAAAAAAEwk/lEqflt9sZA0/s1600-h/3+June+08+137.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_LFV8zbI/AAAAAAAAEwk/lEqflt9sZA0/s320/3+June+08+137.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the way to the baths</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_Qa4-ebI/AAAAAAAAEws/haGYlYR6_hQ/s1600-h/3+June+08+140.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_Qa4-ebI/AAAAAAAAEws/haGYlYR6_hQ/s320/3+June+08+140.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the common area</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_W5v2kyI/AAAAAAAAEw0/pqiZLMWxL10/s1600-h/3+June+08+142.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_W5v2kyI/AAAAAAAAEw0/pqiZLMWxL10/s320/3+June+08+142.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Ryokan Shigetsu</div><br />Outside the rain had stopped, although the ground still glistened with rain.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_mOEHKsI/AAAAAAAAEw8/ux5pZ9RVALI/s1600-h/3+June+08+143.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_mOEHKsI/AAAAAAAAEw8/ux5pZ9RVALI/s320/3+June+08+143.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div>Only a handful of shops on Nakamise were still open.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_sBII1BI/AAAAAAAAExE/l4Y50UkVrF8/s1600-h/3+June+08+147.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_sBII1BI/AAAAAAAAExE/l4Y50UkVrF8/s320/3+June+08+147.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">if you wanna be a samurai</div><br />We found a restaurant for dinner.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVBeTYKIJI/AAAAAAAAEyE/IYXnJI9dAps/s1600-h/3+June+08+168.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVBeTYKIJI/AAAAAAAAEyE/IYXnJI9dAps/s320/3+June+08+168.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the restaurant</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_yS-YtvI/AAAAAAAAExM/N5KqCJqheA4/s1600-h/3+June+08+151.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSU_yS-YtvI/AAAAAAAAExM/N5KqCJqheA4/s320/3+June+08+151.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a nice pot of tea</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVAEQ75fWI/AAAAAAAAExU/Aeo-ehg7ZlI/s1600-h/3+June+08+154.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVAEQ75fWI/AAAAAAAAExU/Aeo-ehg7ZlI/s320/3+June+08+154.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">sashimi</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVAJZxZm4I/AAAAAAAAExc/1UnsqPbjBjk/s1600-h/3+June+08+157.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVAJZxZm4I/AAAAAAAAExc/1UnsqPbjBjk/s320/3+June+08+157.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">drum roll please</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVAhpIL41I/AAAAAAAAExk/I_hl3KWDhLQ/s1600-h/3+June+08+158.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVAhpIL41I/AAAAAAAAExk/I_hl3KWDhLQ/s320/3+June+08+158.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">applause!</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVAxlXtSVI/AAAAAAAAExs/xb3M3-y8akY/s1600-h/3+June+08+159.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVAxlXtSVI/AAAAAAAAExs/xb3M3-y8akY/s320/3+June+08+159.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">pickles</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVBJkJJFoI/AAAAAAAAEx0/YrHAWG-IgXY/s1600-h/3+June+08+161.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVBJkJJFoI/AAAAAAAAEx0/YrHAWG-IgXY/s320/3+June+08+161.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">everything also got* kamameshi - mine of course</div><br />* chicken, mushrooms, crab, abalone, scallop, fish, prawn, bamboo shoot<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVBYIhq2EI/AAAAAAAAEx8/yyZUxcmzIPw/s1600-h/3+June+08+162.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSVBYIhq2EI/AAAAAAAAEx8/yyZUxcmzIPw/s320/3+June+08+162.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><em>uni</em> (sea urchin) kamameshi - HM's</div><br />The good food rounded up our day nicely, for 7100Y ($106.50), not bad at all.blobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268342577307668738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878648643455146542.post-17949492276628728292008-06-14T23:26:00.000-07:002008-11-24T16:40:21.337-08:00Day 5: Food for the SoulWe woke up early to go to the Sensoji. For photographs <em>sans</em> people, an early start was a must. Breakfast was a traditional meal at the ryokan itself and a good breakfast it was.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe0HETCKGI/AAAAAAAAEyU/hBAQlazh_3A/s1600-h/4+June+08+001.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe0HETCKGI/AAAAAAAAEyU/hBAQlazh_3A/s320/4+June+08+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">breakfast at the inn</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe1rDvjJDI/AAAAAAAAEyc/OcBFeTE5nlg/s1600-h/4+June+08+006.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe1rDvjJDI/AAAAAAAAEyc/OcBFeTE5nlg/s320/4+June+08+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a good look at the salmon</div><br />The hearty set consisted of grilled salmon, tiny fish with radish, sweet egg, stewed tofu and mushrooms, pickled vegetables, rice, green tea or coffee. At 1300Y ($19.50) per head, it was not cheap but it got us off to a good start for a full day of sightseeing.<br /><br />With full stomachs, we pottered over to the Sensoji; Ryokan Shigetsu is practically on the doorstep of Tokyo's most notable Buddhist temple. It wasn't all blue skies but at least it wasn't raining.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe2CFEPIjI/AAAAAAAAEyk/YT6vS00f0yM/s1600-h/4+June+08+016.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe2CFEPIjI/AAAAAAAAEyk/YT6vS00f0yM/s320/4+June+08+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the Honzomon or main gate</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe4AaUNYsI/AAAAAAAAEzE/Dogt_b3AS2A/s1600-h/4+June+08+040.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe4AaUNYsI/AAAAAAAAEzE/Dogt_b3AS2A/s320/4+June+08+040.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe4LXoeH-I/AAAAAAAAEzM/J3tEHChAo7k/s1600-h/4+June+08+042.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe4LXoeH-I/AAAAAAAAEzM/J3tEHChAo7k/s320/4+June+08+042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe4WG5bC7I/AAAAAAAAEzU/jqL6YR7HX5k/s1600-h/4+June+08+046.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe4WG5bC7I/AAAAAAAAEzU/jqL6YR7HX5k/s320/4+June+08+046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe2tvcr4PI/AAAAAAAAEy8/wD1JbqZHjzw/s1600-h/4+June+08+037.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe2tvcr4PI/AAAAAAAAEy8/wD1JbqZHjzw/s320/4+June+08+037.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe6jsAzRMI/AAAAAAAAEzs/T_fW_WpDFas/s1600-h/4+June+08+058.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe6jsAzRMI/AAAAAAAAEzs/T_fW_WpDFas/s320/4+June+08+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the obligatory washing trough</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe6r197MaI/AAAAAAAAEz0/7AptNw3r1zY/s1600-h/4+June+08+060.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe6r197MaI/AAAAAAAAEz0/7AptNw3r1zY/s320/4+June+08+060.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">instructions for ignorant tourists</div><br />As a general rule, Buddhist temples are more ornate and elaborate than Shinto shrines. Where the Meiji had been austere and sombre, the Sensoji was colourful and celebratory.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe78G8YmBI/AAAAAAAAE0E/Ru4wHg9TszE/s1600-h/4+June+08+068.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe78G8YmBI/AAAAAAAAE0E/Ru4wHg9TszE/s320/4+June+08+068.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe8CrAGVVI/AAAAAAAAE0M/bQrWj7eR0Pc/s1600-h/4+June+08+072.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe8CrAGVVI/AAAAAAAAE0M/bQrWj7eR0Pc/s320/4+June+08+072.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the altar inside</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe8fRoNDEI/AAAAAAAAE0U/Bf5jB4P022s/s1600-h/4+June+08+082.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe8fRoNDEI/AAAAAAAAE0U/Bf5jB4P022s/s320/4+June+08+082.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Buddhist art</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe5pc_4GZI/AAAAAAAAEzk/xJKPvbeQgac/s1600-h/4+June+08+052.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe5pc_4GZI/AAAAAAAAEzk/xJKPvbeQgac/s320/4+June+08+052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>omikuji</i> - the art of divination</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfA3gyFSgI/AAAAAAAAE0c/0zq8ByW-cIU/s1600-h/4+June+08+093.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfA3gyFSgI/AAAAAAAAE0c/0zq8ByW-cIU/s320/4+June+08+093.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">or you can call god directly</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe60yYawFI/AAAAAAAAEz8/I05oJHOZWOo/s1600-h/4+June+08+067.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe60yYawFI/AAAAAAAAEz8/I05oJHOZWOo/s320/4+June+08+067.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">celebrating rice</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfBqlrOVLI/AAAAAAAAE0k/DRPbjSF-ylY/s1600-h/4+June+08+094.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfBqlrOVLI/AAAAAAAAE0k/DRPbjSF-ylY/s320/4+June+08+094.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the temple was for everyone</div><br />The grounds of the temple were dotted with smaller shrines and commemorative statues of various sorts.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe2NYWj33I/AAAAAAAAEys/AhBSYOCEJzo/s1600-h/4+June+08+018.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe2NYWj33I/AAAAAAAAEys/AhBSYOCEJzo/s320/4+June+08+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe2ixrjjSI/AAAAAAAAEy0/GPZh5Hxh9nM/s1600-h/4+June+08+032.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe2ixrjjSI/AAAAAAAAEy0/GPZh5Hxh9nM/s320/4+June+08+032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfB-C0zfNI/AAAAAAAAE0s/kUfdx5kM5gg/s1600-h/4+June+08+105.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfB-C0zfNI/AAAAAAAAE0s/kUfdx5kM5gg/s320/4+June+08+105.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfCHh6Xx_I/AAAAAAAAE00/ahoDKqNFfP0/s1600-h/4+June+08+122.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfCHh6Xx_I/AAAAAAAAE00/ahoDKqNFfP0/s320/4+June+08+122.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a mortal heroine who became a deity?</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfCXmZGzHI/AAAAAAAAE08/wy1MXhXIHDs/s1600-h/4+June+08+125.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfCXmZGzHI/AAAAAAAAE08/wy1MXhXIHDs/s320/4+June+08+125.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a saintly figure</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfCn4h963I/AAAAAAAAE1E/a3UGCafpp7w/s1600-h/4+June+08+128.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfCn4h963I/AAAAAAAAE1E/a3UGCafpp7w/s320/4+June+08+128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">keropi!</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfD1jNGrJI/AAAAAAAAE1s/cvaF9DRJThU/s1600-h/4+June+08+180.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfD1jNGrJI/AAAAAAAAE1s/cvaF9DRJThU/s320/4+June+08+180.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />The temple grounds were clearly animal-friendly.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe5XMSnPKI/AAAAAAAAEzc/uaBoEm71hEA/s1600-h/4+June+08+048.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSe5XMSnPKI/AAAAAAAAEzc/uaBoEm71hEA/s320/4+June+08+048.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">one of these things is not like the other.</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfCx25OKpI/AAAAAAAAE1M/V91WQp8NV-E/s1600-h/4+June+08+130.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfCx25OKpI/AAAAAAAAE1M/V91WQp8NV-E/s320/4+June+08+130.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the doves weren't available that day</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfC5SClQfI/AAAAAAAAE1U/48KM-dGMXpI/s1600-h/4+June+08+142.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfC5SClQfI/AAAAAAAAE1U/48KM-dGMXpI/s320/4+June+08+142.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">I am lion - hear me roar!</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfDN6vLMkI/AAAAAAAAE1c/xQrvVvChm3U/s1600-h/4+June+08+153.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfDN6vLMkI/AAAAAAAAE1c/xQrvVvChm3U/s320/4+June+08+153.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">oh puh-lease stop playacting and grow up!</div><br />As the sun rose higher, the tour buses started to pull up. That was our cue to leave the temple and turn our attention to Nakamise-dori.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfECd1_hdI/AAAAAAAAE10/m7V9gqDhNQE/s1600-h/4+June+08+183.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfECd1_hdI/AAAAAAAAE10/m7V9gqDhNQE/s320/4+June+08+183.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />Nakamise-dori started life as a series of stalls catering to the needs of the pilgrims who came to worship at Sensoji. Today, the stalls cater to the needs of pilgrims of a different sort, both local and otherwise.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfbodu-alI/AAAAAAAAE18/A_j83OdUpcE/s1600-h/4+June+08+192.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfbodu-alI/AAAAAAAAE18/A_j83OdUpcE/s320/4+June+08+192.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">learning journey!</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfcwF5AecI/AAAAAAAAE2E/g3JuhpTDHYI/s1600-h/4+June+08+197.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSfcwF5AecI/AAAAAAAAE2E/g3JuhpTDHYI/s320/4+June+08+197.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">fridge magnets</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgnxnmS8_I/AAAAAAAAE2M/22QvfS1Qfjo/s1600-h/4+June+08+200.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgnxnmS8_I/AAAAAAAAE2M/22QvfS1Qfjo/s320/4+June+08+200.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>ukiyo-e </i>(woodblock print) postcards</div><br />We did a little shopping and bought some snacks.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgosoOFxjI/AAAAAAAAE2k/DBHpYwwx_jc/s1600-h/4+June+08+215.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgosoOFxjI/AAAAAAAAE2k/DBHpYwwx_jc/s320/4+June+08+215.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">no idea what these are called in Japanese but the signs said "ren xing bing" (literally, people-shaped biscuits) in Chinese</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgo3ymsgII/AAAAAAAAE2s/chCNCvi53lI/s1600-h/4+June+08+216.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgo3ymsgII/AAAAAAAAE2s/chCNCvi53lI/s320/4+June+08+216.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">not "ren xing" at all</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgpAIOqaLI/AAAAAAAAE20/2wWSl5ugmKc/s1600-h/4+June+08+218.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgpAIOqaLI/AAAAAAAAE20/2wWSl5ugmKc/s320/4+June+08+218.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">nor this</div><br />Unlike the ones we saw the day before which were handmade, these were the products of mass production.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgn99VfNMI/AAAAAAAAE2U/2kJby7T9Dyw/s1600-h/4+June+08+201.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgn99VfNMI/AAAAAAAAE2U/2kJby7T9Dyw/s320/4+June+08+201.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the men in particular were fascinated by this machine</div><br />Surprisingly, despite the obvious tourist appeal, the place still felt authentic. The Japanese have such great respect for their own traditions that at no point did we feel that any of this was merely for show.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgoVlYNkNI/AAAAAAAAE2c/gPzAw0t8IZE/s1600-h/4+June+08+211.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgoVlYNkNI/AAAAAAAAE2c/gPzAw0t8IZE/s320/4+June+08+211.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">itinerant hawker</div><br />It was time for us to make our way to Asakusa station. Our agenda for the rest of the day was nearby Ueno Park, home to many of Tokyo's museums.<br /><br />On the way out, we passed by our very first Japanese Mcdonald's.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgpLzc-0BI/AAAAAAAAE28/AZ1CLwYhxgU/s1600-h/4+June+08+221.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgpLzc-0BI/AAAAAAAAE28/AZ1CLwYhxgU/s320/4+June+08+221.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">looks good</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgpbL_uZQI/AAAAAAAAE3E/0AqhY8-4lJo/s1600-h/4+June+08+222.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgpbL_uZQI/AAAAAAAAE3E/0AqhY8-4lJo/s320/4+June+08+222.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">ooh, merchandising</div><br />Fortunately HM did not require me to sacrifice my tastebuds in exchange for merchandise.<br /><br />At Asakusa Station, we made a detour to the department store upstairs so that HM could check out our very first Uniqlo, the Japanese equivalent of Giordano.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgpjxGgPCI/AAAAAAAAE3M/JHMB_51rYcM/s1600-h/4+June+08+224.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgpjxGgPCI/AAAAAAAAE3M/JHMB_51rYcM/s320/4+June+08+224.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">on the train</div><br />Ueno Park was round the corner from Ueno Station, but first HM had to check out the Ueno branch of Uniqlo. She was on a Uniqlo roll!<br /><br />We did eventually make our way to the park.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgptYa-YPI/AAAAAAAAE3U/wKcHKJEG1q4/s1600-h/4+June+08+228.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgptYa-YPI/AAAAAAAAE3U/wKcHKJEG1q4/s320/4+June+08+228.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">on the steps leading into the park</div><br />The park was sprawling and boasted a motley range of characters.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgp-CGNzDI/AAAAAAAAE3c/tk4gjq3t4CM/s1600-h/4+June+08+242.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgp-CGNzDI/AAAAAAAAE3c/tk4gjq3t4CM/s320/4+June+08+242.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a homeless man ala Satoshi Kon's animated movie, Tokyo Godfathers.</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgqLjS-2tI/AAAAAAAAE3k/y8aOO_noGPA/s1600-h/4+June+08+250.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgqLjS-2tI/AAAAAAAAE3k/y8aOO_noGPA/s320/4+June+08+250.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a busker and his fans</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjaUrYW9_I/AAAAAAAAE4c/rOxmcP3dCoc/s1600-h/4+June+08+308.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjaUrYW9_I/AAAAAAAAE4c/rOxmcP3dCoc/s320/4+June+08+308.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a juggler at work during lunchtime</div><br />The park also housed many a shrine and memorial.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgqqrUksOI/AAAAAAAAE30/TxdKI_DSrBQ/s1600-h/4+June+08+263.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgqqrUksOI/AAAAAAAAE30/TxdKI_DSrBQ/s320/4+June+08+263.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the eternal flame in memory of victims of the atomic bomb</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcUcKd01I/AAAAAAAAE6M/M2NdyLfA2vg/s1600-h/4+June+08+458.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcUcKd01I/AAAAAAAAE6M/M2NdyLfA2vg/s320/4+June+08+458.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">another such memorial</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgq-WJrTHI/AAAAAAAAE38/ABgkk36sKyM/s1600-h/4+June+08+271.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSgq-WJrTHI/AAAAAAAAE38/ABgkk36sKyM/s320/4+June+08+271.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a Toshogu shrine - a Shinto shrine for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the last shogunate of Japan</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjZ4HivLgI/AAAAAAAAE4E/w37TBFOspHo/s1600-h/4+June+08+273.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjZ4HivLgI/AAAAAAAAE4E/w37TBFOspHo/s320/4+June+08+273.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">at the Toshogu shrine</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjaPdhq-LI/AAAAAAAAE4U/mFULcP89sHg/s1600-h/4+June+08+298.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjaPdhq-LI/AAAAAAAAE4U/mFULcP89sHg/s320/4+June+08+298.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">at the Toshogu shrine</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcakErsTI/AAAAAAAAE6U/ltQbho4DY7c/s1600-h/4+June+08+463.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcakErsTI/AAAAAAAAE6U/ltQbho4DY7c/s320/4+June+08+463.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Saigo Takamori - the last true samurai - and his faithful companion</div><br />We headed for the Tokyo National Museum. To our horror, the place was scary crowded. Worse still, we were getting hungry and there was no obvious place to have a spot of lunch. Feeling thwarted, we walked around a little aimlessly until we figured out that any museum worth its salt must have a cafe or restaurant, and so it was that we walked into the National Museum of Science. The only catch was we had to surrender our bags in which was my camera at the entrance of the Museum. There would be no photographs, a small price for food, I'd say.<br /><br />Our first stop was the cafe, Cafe Mouseion. Lunch was hamburger steak with rice for HM, a gratin for me, and tea and iced coffee respectively. The rest of the Museum was good as well. There was in fact a special exhibition, on Darwin, where a real life Galapagos tortoise was on display. (Poor thing - it did look rather depressed.)<br /><br />When we emerged from the Museum, it was four in the afternoon and the crowd at the Tokyo National Museum had thinned sufficiently for us to realise that most people were in fact heading for a particular area of the Museum where a new exhibition - as far as we could tell, some important Buddhist artefacts - had opened. The other parts of the Museum seemed quite sane. It was now or never - we had two hours to make a run through the Museum, and of course, the all-important museum shop.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjav_hU87I/AAAAAAAAE4s/XGCZkDUHl0k/s1600-h/4+June+08+338.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjav_hU87I/AAAAAAAAE4s/XGCZkDUHl0k/s320/4+June+08+338.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the Tokyo National Museum</div><br />The Museum was home to a comprehensive collection of Asian and Japanese art, much of it religious in nature.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSja0j6WUYI/AAAAAAAAE40/nuO0_UgtwI4/s1600-h/4+June+08+343.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSja0j6WUYI/AAAAAAAAE40/nuO0_UgtwI4/s320/4+June+08+343.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbJNGm7tI/AAAAAAAAE5M/AYdTDLfMzVE/s1600-h/4+June+08+385.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbJNGm7tI/AAAAAAAAE5M/AYdTDLfMzVE/s320/4+June+08+385.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbVPg-f2I/AAAAAAAAE5U/ZzTpCiiuUGI/s1600-h/4+June+08+387.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbVPg-f2I/AAAAAAAAE5U/ZzTpCiiuUGI/s320/4+June+08+387.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbdBEM8LI/AAAAAAAAE5c/Sgkn14hYdUw/s1600-h/4+June+08+390.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbdBEM8LI/AAAAAAAAE5c/Sgkn14hYdUw/s320/4+June+08+390.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />Of course there was plenty of other stuff as well, everything from weapons to costumes, and these:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbB2HDMHI/AAAAAAAAE5E/ZUJkV0CYtLw/s1600-h/4+June+08+369.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbB2HDMHI/AAAAAAAAE5E/ZUJkV0CYtLw/s320/4+June+08+369.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">chickadees!</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbk-EiooI/AAAAAAAAE5k/liagm4O9oaw/s1600-h/4+June+08+400.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbk-EiooI/AAAAAAAAE5k/liagm4O9oaw/s320/4+June+08+400.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">er, saucers for <em>shoyu</em>?</div><br />Nevertheless, you can't cater to everyone.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSja7CwfqRI/AAAAAAAAE48/WHct2xlFM6E/s1600-h/4+June+08+355.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSja7CwfqRI/AAAAAAAAE48/WHct2xlFM6E/s320/4+June+08+355.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">zzzzz (amazing how much this looks like the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City...)</div><br />My favourite section was this one with ancient funerary dolls:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbwZuSdVI/AAAAAAAAE5s/aotpm8Anwr8/s1600-h/4+June+08+417.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjbwZuSdVI/AAAAAAAAE5s/aotpm8Anwr8/s320/4+June+08+417.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />We managed to zoom through most of the galleries and even pick up some gifts from the souvenir store.<br /><br />When we left the Museum, it was evening and the park was filled with people relaxing after work.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjb3nlf6rI/AAAAAAAAE50/wqeSYPeTGrk/s1600-h/4+June+08+449.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjb3nlf6rI/AAAAAAAAE50/wqeSYPeTGrk/s320/4+June+08+449.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">catching some sun</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcOG3SOFI/AAAAAAAAE6E/3pz5caSeNY4/s1600-h/4+June+08+455.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcOG3SOFI/AAAAAAAAE6E/3pz5caSeNY4/s320/4+June+08+455.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">catching up on gossip, dogs included</div><br />We were ready to head for home, but then the need for a toilet break became apparent.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcA3cqttI/AAAAAAAAE58/J2d7KJ9rm4E/s1600-h/4+June+08+450.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcA3cqttI/AAAAAAAAE58/J2d7KJ9rm4E/s320/4+June+08+450.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">well now, if the dogs can't, we can't</div><br />We ended up at the Ameyoko Arcade, near the Ueno station, in search of a toilet. It turned out to be a picturesque little spot, a feast for the eyes.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcin9F6FI/AAAAAAAAE6c/myss58Pfvew/s1600-h/4+June+08+468.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcin9F6FI/AAAAAAAAE6c/myss58Pfvew/s320/4+June+08+468.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">cuttlefish</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcrDQxiZI/AAAAAAAAE6k/kD8WtQe4fqY/s1600-h/4+June+08+469.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSjcrDQxiZI/AAAAAAAAE6k/kD8WtQe4fqY/s320/4+June+08+469.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">king crab legs</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkncwNIOrI/AAAAAAAAE6s/2lFda0S-uqg/s1600-h/4+June+08+470.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkncwNIOrI/AAAAAAAAE6s/2lFda0S-uqg/s320/4+June+08+470.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">mentaiko or cod roe</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSknu_0YOMI/AAAAAAAAE60/QWlEjU_V_fE/s1600-h/4+June+08+471.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSknu_0YOMI/AAAAAAAAE60/QWlEjU_V_fE/s320/4+June+08+471.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">umm, not sure what these are</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkoSbhx4OI/AAAAAAAAE7M/n6XM8ty-jOI/s1600-h/4+June+08+477.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkoSbhx4OI/AAAAAAAAE7M/n6XM8ty-jOI/s320/4+June+08+477.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">hairy crab</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkohjeHwpI/AAAAAAAAE7U/YLVV6aq6gQ4/s1600-h/4+June+08+479.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkohjeHwpI/AAAAAAAAE7U/YLVV6aq6gQ4/s320/4+June+08+479.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">ikura or salmon roe</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkoqAapR9I/AAAAAAAAE7c/DvuMaCldH6U/s1600-h/4+June+08+480.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkoqAapR9I/AAAAAAAAE7c/DvuMaCldH6U/s320/4+June+08+480.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">all things dried</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkoDOUK0fI/AAAAAAAAE68/ShuV5DZraxs/s1600-h/4+June+08+475.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkoDOUK0fI/AAAAAAAAE68/ShuV5DZraxs/s320/4+June+08+475.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">are these girls here for ice-cream or eye candy?</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkoJj3mFbI/AAAAAAAAE7E/pKtPMYnoPJ4/s1600-h/4+June+08+476.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkoJj3mFbI/AAAAAAAAE7E/pKtPMYnoPJ4/s320/4+June+08+476.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">HM wouldn't let me buy one of these, the real thing I mean, not the plastic model</div><br />Before we left Ueno, we bought some green tea from a shop specialising in tea and, finally, some t-shirts from the Ueno branch of Uniqlo.<br /><br />By the time we arrived back in Akasuka, night had fallen. The crowds had cleared and the streets were quiet. Even the shops on Nakamise-dori were shut for the night. It wasn't raining but the air was a little nippy. The area had resumed a melancholy air. In many ways we preferred this to the hustle and bustle of the day.<br /><br />It seemed the perfect time for a really local experience, like a bowl of steaming beef stew on the roadside! Alas it was not to be. The stall we saw the day before was closed. There was however a lane nearby which was flanked by <i>izakayas</i>, casual drinking places that also serve food.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkx-T6lUTI/AAAAAAAAE80/rER83OGZcgY/s1600-h/4+June+08+517.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkx-T6lUTI/AAAAAAAAE80/rER83OGZcgY/s320/4+June+08+517.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">our <em>izakaya</em> of choice</div><br />Now which one to choose? Our only criteria was that the menu should be in English. As it turned out, there was apparently only one establishment with a bilingual menu and everyone we asked pointed us to it. Perhaps no one else wanted to entertain ignorant non-Japanese speaking tourists.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSqQ5oLwzJI/AAAAAAAAE90/SWI-tKGL6tk/s1600-h/4+June+08+496.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSqQ5oLwzJI/AAAAAAAAE90/SWI-tKGL6tk/s320/4+June+08+496.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">bingo!</div><br />As "outsiders", we expected to be seated outside but the Madame in charge insisted that we sit inside, at the bar counter. Perhaps she thought we would be less trouble if we sat in front of her.<br /><br />The advantage of sitting right up at the bar counter was being able to see everything. That's how we spotted this:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkpFx-vN7I/AAAAAAAAE7k/jDJ1mx7b5js/s1600-h/4+June+08+484.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkpFx-vN7I/AAAAAAAAE7k/jDJ1mx7b5js/s320/4+June+08+484.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a steaming pot of beef and tofu stew!</div><br />We couldn't pass up the chance to have a bowl:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkpSQifQSI/AAAAAAAAE7s/FYxYjHPp2lA/s1600-h/4+June+08+488.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkpSQifQSI/AAAAAAAAE7s/FYxYjHPp2lA/s320/4+June+08+488.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">heaven</div><br />It was the perfect start to the meal. As we ploughed through the menu, we had us a couple of drinks.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkpiWzLRPI/AAAAAAAAE78/Rjelq6-9tYo/s1600-h/4+June+08+492.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkpiWzLRPI/AAAAAAAAE78/Rjelq6-9tYo/s320/4+June+08+492.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">iced <em>ocha</em> (tea) and <em>shochu</em> (Japanese vodka) with <em>ume</em> (plum)</div><br />While we were doing this, our neighbours to the right were taking a keen interest in what we were considering. They offered us a taste of what they were eating, <em>satsuma-age</em> (deepfried fish cake with vegetables) and this:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkpb8Q7TjI/AAAAAAAAE70/UIa9X7P1wAU/s1600-h/4+June+08+490.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkpb8Q7TjI/AAAAAAAAE70/UIa9X7P1wAU/s320/4+June+08+490.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">jellied fish</div><br />We dug in - the <em>satsuma-age</em> was much like a potato croquette and the jellied fish tasted mostly of <i>shoyu</i>, pleasant and not at all strange. That encouraged us to have fun and try new things.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkxdlajLmI/AAAAAAAAE8M/FnS9EIkZwgo/s1600-h/4+June+08+500.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkxdlajLmI/AAAAAAAAE8M/FnS9EIkZwgo/s320/4+June+08+500.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">smoked cow's tongue - tasted like sausage, and yes that was mayonnaise...</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkxKT3pSOI/AAAAAAAAE8E/uc6NE_CMQ3Q/s1600-h/4+June+08+494.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkxKT3pSOI/AAAAAAAAE8E/uc6NE_CMQ3Q/s320/4+June+08+494.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">grilled pork guts - somewhat chewy but tasty</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkx3b8B1MI/AAAAAAAAE8s/0KDdwdXq1XI/s1600-h/4+June+08+516.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkx3b8B1MI/AAAAAAAAE8s/0KDdwdXq1XI/s320/4+June+08+516.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">grilled atsu mackerel - oh nicely done</div><br />We also had yellowtail and radish in soy sauce, and we did some of this ordering in menu Japanese. We must have impressed our new friends.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkxjPfZhII/AAAAAAAAE8U/4Xq7bDRWix0/s1600-h/4+June+08+503.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkxjPfZhII/AAAAAAAAE8U/4Xq7bDRWix0/s320/4+June+08+503.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">here they are</div><br />They had much to say. Mind you, all this communication was done with much gesticulation and primitive utterances, on both our parts:<br /><br />"You come from where?"<br />"Singapore."<br />"Ah so, Singapore. Very clean."<br />"Tokyo very clean."<br />"No, no, Tokyo very dirty. Asakusa very clean."<br /><br />"You like?" (pointing at TV) "Base-o-ball-o?"<br />"No, we watch football."<br />"Oh, foot-o-ball-o."<br />"Yah. Nakata, you know?"<br />"Ah so, Nakata. Base-o-ball-o very good."<br /><br />Madame was less pleased about our neighbours being so social. We felt obliged to offer the boys some of our food, after all their hospitality. This prompted Madame to lean over and growl at the boys before turning to us and telling us, in not so many words, not to let "those two" sponge off us.<br /><br />Meanwhile, HM was taking a keen interest in what the suits on her left were drinking.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkxyKGzHxI/AAAAAAAAE8k/5Av9kLQBgg0/s1600-h/4+June+08+513.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSkxyKGzHxI/AAAAAAAAE8k/5Av9kLQBgg0/s320/4+June+08+513.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />They seemed a little taken aback when she leaned over to ask what it was. Instead of answering her question directly - did they even speak English? - they called Madame over and said something to her in Japanese. The next thing HM knew, a similar glass had been put in front of her.<br /><br />"<em>Nigori-sake</em>," Madame said firmly.<br /><br />The salarymen who had earlier seemed to be on the verge of leaving appeared to have changed their minds. They sat down with their briefcases and stayed on to watch HM drink it up. And she did. It was like Chinese rice wine, she said, and most delicious. (A check with Wikipedia revealed that <em>nigori-sake</em> was in fact unfiltered sake.<br /><br />All in all, it had been a most instructive and enjoyable evening at the <em>izakaya</em>, a defining moment in our journey through Tokyo. And for only 3950Y ($59.25) – the best value for money, in my opinion.<br /><br />Then on the way back to the ryokan, we wended our way back to Sensoji. By night, the floodlight lit temple was all black and red lacquer and gold gilt, a jewel box of a temple in the night.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSls4_OEoTI/AAAAAAAAE88/76XNnch0ogM/s1600-h/4+June+08+527.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSls4_OEoTI/AAAAAAAAE88/76XNnch0ogM/s320/4+June+08+527.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSltCkx4wiI/AAAAAAAAE9E/3b3x0wj2i4I/s1600-h/4+June+08+533.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSltCkx4wiI/AAAAAAAAE9E/3b3x0wj2i4I/s320/4+June+08+533.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSltN0tLRTI/AAAAAAAAE9M/W_chSR2KBJc/s1600-h/4+June+08+535.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSltN0tLRTI/AAAAAAAAE9M/W_chSR2KBJc/s320/4+June+08+535.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSlt4MrsEcI/AAAAAAAAE9c/h3wJyXz05AE/s1600-h/4+June+08+556.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSlt4MrsEcI/AAAAAAAAE9c/h3wJyXz05AE/s320/4+June+08+556.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />We retired for the night, contented. I had been worried that, after pivotal moments at the Museum Ghibli and Harajuku/Omotesando/Aoyama, the rest of the trip would be an anti-climax. Tonight had been proven me wrong.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSluJmav83I/AAAAAAAAE9s/o19mlBzCFMc/s1600-h/4+June+08+579.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSluJmav83I/AAAAAAAAE9s/o19mlBzCFMc/s320/4+June+08+579.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div>blobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268342577307668738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878648643455146542.post-73667548412742358322008-06-13T07:02:00.000-07:002008-12-21T09:58:34.083-08:00Day 6: From the Past to the PresentIt was time to get back to the present. There was just enough time in fact for a final look around the ryokan, breakfast and possibly a bit of shopping at Nakamise Dori.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrCKdN4cEI/AAAAAAAAE98/rW4P85lzIN4/s1600-h/5+June+08+001.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrCKdN4cEI/AAAAAAAAE98/rW4P85lzIN4/s320/5+June+08+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">our pantry - cute little details</div><br />HM brought me up to the ryokan's rooftop bath which she had had the luxury of soaking in the night before while I had been downloading photos from my camera and such.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrCbXscHjI/AAAAAAAAE-E/CN0_PNMYh1o/s1600-h/5+June+08+003.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrCbXscHjI/AAAAAAAAE-E/CN0_PNMYh1o/s320/5+June+08+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">scrub a dub dub</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrCjhBN6QI/AAAAAAAAE-M/xFlhuwF37tg/s1600-h/5+June+08+004.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrCjhBN6QI/AAAAAAAAE-M/xFlhuwF37tg/s320/5+June+08+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">ooh a soak</div><br />Of course, the day we decided not to eat in, there was inhouse entertainment.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrCtWLmPHI/AAAAAAAAE-U/-N_1ldEIBdM/s1600-h/5+June+08+008.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrCtWLmPHI/AAAAAAAAE-U/-N_1ldEIBdM/s320/5+June+08+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />We ventured out to look for breakfast. We didn't find many possibilities but the walk in the crisp morning air was stimulating, visually and otherwise. The shutter art was a nice touch...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrC1LUiDNI/AAAAAAAAE-c/_vK1W1xupFk/s1600-h/5+June+08+009.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrC1LUiDNI/AAAAAAAAE-c/_vK1W1xupFk/s320/5+June+08+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrC5945r-I/AAAAAAAAE-k/dazHHe07LSE/s1600-h/5+June+08+014.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrC5945r-I/AAAAAAAAE-k/dazHHe07LSE/s320/5+June+08+014.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDUpQKbAI/AAAAAAAAE_E/e_8Gp3AU2zc/s1600-h/5+June+08+021.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDUpQKbAI/AAAAAAAAE_E/e_8Gp3AU2zc/s320/5+June+08+021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudRbjXswI/AAAAAAAAE_s/QFXykdNHtoc/s1600-h/5+June+08+038.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudRbjXswI/AAAAAAAAE_s/QFXykdNHtoc/s320/5+June+08+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDFkeIFaI/AAAAAAAAE-0/Z2TJOTJtZos/s1600-h/5+June+08+017.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDFkeIFaI/AAAAAAAAE-0/Z2TJOTJtZos/s320/5+June+08+017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">work in progress - first, the outline</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDNTqdLVI/AAAAAAAAE-8/anJekJeSw80/s1600-h/5+June+08+020.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDNTqdLVI/AAAAAAAAE-8/anJekJeSw80/s320/5+June+08+020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">work in progress - then colour within the lines</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrC_vWO4OI/AAAAAAAAE-s/DEOQ2m8LDA4/s1600-h/5+June+08+016.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrC_vWO4OI/AAAAAAAAE-s/DEOQ2m8LDA4/s320/5+June+08+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">cheese-z!</div><br />The pickings were surprisingly slim. Before we succumbed and found ourselves in a Denny's, we decided to give a nearby cafe a shot.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDarMxx1I/AAAAAAAAE_M/wT7FsycGM5s/s1600-h/5+June+08+028.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDarMxx1I/AAAAAAAAE_M/wT7FsycGM5s/s320/5+June+08+028.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">our breakfast joint</div><br />It probably wasn't the best of decisions.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDi5aZiDI/AAAAAAAAE_U/ped0KuKpTzQ/s1600-h/5+June+08+029.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDi5aZiDI/AAAAAAAAE_U/ped0KuKpTzQ/s320/5+June+08+029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the Japanese breakfast set...</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDnaLRcTI/AAAAAAAAE_c/1PHb9krVgMg/s1600-h/5+June+08+034.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDnaLRcTI/AAAAAAAAE_c/1PHb9krVgMg/s320/5+June+08+034.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">... with ham and eggs</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDtb0bXkI/AAAAAAAAE_k/maD9-v-NYWI/s1600-h/5+June+08+035.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSrDtb0bXkI/AAAAAAAAE_k/maD9-v-NYWI/s320/5+June+08+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">curry rice</div><br />It turned out to be one of the few bad meals we had in Tokyo. Mediocre and insipid, the 1600Y (S$24) meal was a washout.<br /><br />After that, we had just enough time to take one last walk down Nakamise Dori to pick up some snacks, sweets and pastries, for ourselves and friends back home, before proceeding back to Ryokan Shigetsu to pack and check out.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudXpTKwII/AAAAAAAAE_0/HIL3pKyQ4QE/s1600-h/5+June+08+041.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudXpTKwII/AAAAAAAAE_0/HIL3pKyQ4QE/s320/5+June+08+041.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">sesame seed and seaweed rice crackers</div><br />Back at Oakwood Shinjuku, we took a 30 minute nap before hitting the streets. We were hungry - it was an opportune moment to check out the Freshness Burger outlet right across the street from our apartment.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudlpd8seI/AAAAAAAAFAE/fmCNBEYCOsk/s1600-h/5+June+08+046.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudlpd8seI/AAAAAAAAFAE/fmCNBEYCOsk/s320/5+June+08+046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">opposite Oakwood Shinjuku</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudsJbtNPI/AAAAAAAAFAM/rnAiOab-_G8/s1600-h/5+June+08+051.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudsJbtNPI/AAAAAAAAFAM/rnAiOab-_G8/s320/5+June+08+051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">current promotion</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudzhnhtMI/AAAAAAAAFAU/NMNowWn4rUw/s1600-h/5+June+08+052.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudzhnhtMI/AAAAAAAAFAU/NMNowWn4rUw/s320/5+June+08+052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a bright, welcoming space</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudd1oEexI/AAAAAAAAE_8/zyaBWcIIdX8/s1600-h/5+June+08+044.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSudd1oEexI/AAAAAAAAE_8/zyaBWcIIdX8/s320/5+June+08+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">iced latte</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSud6S6eRcI/AAAAAAAAFAc/PGh5Rcojluc/s1600-h/5+June+08+057.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSud6S6eRcI/AAAAAAAAFAc/PGh5Rcojluc/s320/5+June+08+057.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Classic Burger</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSueAjfHEuI/AAAAAAAAFAk/vGD9KuLwYXo/s1600-h/5+June+08+059.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSueAjfHEuI/AAAAAAAAFAk/vGD9KuLwYXo/s320/5+June+08+059.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Negismo Burger</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSueNr6YxrI/AAAAAAAAFA0/0bXifAv-S88/s1600-h/5+June+08+064.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSueNr6YxrI/AAAAAAAAFA0/0bXifAv-S88/s320/5+June+08+064.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">fries</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSueV9gGEbI/AAAAAAAAFA8/nJuB4u0UDtg/s1600-h/5+June+08+066.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSueV9gGEbI/AAAAAAAAFA8/nJuB4u0UDtg/s320/5+June+08+066.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">condiments</div><br />HM had been waiting for this moment, ever since she had read about Freshness Burger on Chubby Hubby's blog. We were pretty impressed by the food. For a fast food joint, the ingredients tasted more fresh than processed, and the patties were juicy. Even the fries were flavourful, actually tasting like potato.<br /><br />And then we were on our way again. There was no time to lose - shopping awaited us. Our agenda that afternoon was the shopping mecca of Ginza.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4jhTrHhsI/AAAAAAAAFC8/ycFkPqY6sZE/s1600-h/5+June+08+123.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4jhTrHhsI/AAAAAAAAFC8/ycFkPqY6sZE/s320/5+June+08+123.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuecKdyFoI/AAAAAAAAFBE/9wSVH7f8Y6k/s1600-h/5+June+08+067.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuecKdyFoI/AAAAAAAAFBE/9wSVH7f8Y6k/s320/5+June+08+067.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">outside the Sony Building</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuegmJJHMI/AAAAAAAAFBM/Jio69kVZco8/s1600-h/5+June+08+071.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuegmJJHMI/AAAAAAAAFBM/Jio69kVZco8/s320/5+June+08+071.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a Printemps!</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuelSuOPYI/AAAAAAAAFBU/WzzgX-T48Ng/s1600-h/5+June+08+074.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuelSuOPYI/AAAAAAAAFBU/WzzgX-T48Ng/s320/5+June+08+074.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">as always, HM on shoe shopping mission</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuestKYYsI/AAAAAAAAFBc/1l7uIS018Nk/s1600-h/5+June+08+076.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuestKYYsI/AAAAAAAAFBc/1l7uIS018Nk/s320/5+June+08+076.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">fighting time?</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4jYm-ao8I/AAAAAAAAFC0/OKPvFM1cquA/s1600-h/5+June+08+121.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4jYm-ao8I/AAAAAAAAFC0/OKPvFM1cquA/s320/5+June+08+121.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">one of the big guns</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuew5tj63I/AAAAAAAAFBk/uCk-D4q1bDg/s1600-h/5+June+08+081.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuew5tj63I/AAAAAAAAFBk/uCk-D4q1bDg/s320/5+June+08+081.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the Grand Dame herself</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSue1nCM6zI/AAAAAAAAFBs/AVizxZWPjuE/s1600-h/5+June+08+087.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSue1nCM6zI/AAAAAAAAFBs/AVizxZWPjuE/s320/5+June+08+087.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a travel promotion - what's with the obsession with Hawaii?!</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSufsItsMJI/AAAAAAAAFB0/fygN7IsAzuU/s1600-h/5+June+08+089.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSufsItsMJI/AAAAAAAAFB0/fygN7IsAzuU/s320/5+June+08+089.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">traditional craftwork</div><br />Despite the cornucopia of goods on sale, we didn't find much to buy, apart from an iPod or two. To some extent, everything was expensive (although undeniably of superior quality), but also, much of what was on sale, designer brands et al, was available back home.<br /><br />In the end it was the food that caught our attention. In the basement of one of these mammoth shopping centres slash department stores, we bought ourselves a snack...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSufxqo0sQI/AAAAAAAAFB8/87y-MGgPmWA/s1600-h/5+June+08+097.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSufxqo0sQI/AAAAAAAAFB8/87y-MGgPmWA/s320/5+June+08+097.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Japanese savoury pancakes</div><br />And then we found a cafe to have a spot of tea in.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSugLf9SRUI/AAAAAAAAFCs/uaNLRY0Cn1Y/s1600-h/5+June+08+118.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSugLf9SRUI/AAAAAAAAFCs/uaNLRY0Cn1Y/s320/5+June+08+118.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuf-jGJWpI/AAAAAAAAFCU/AeUny36gcdo/s1600-h/5+June+08+109.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSuf-jGJWpI/AAAAAAAAFCU/AeUny36gcdo/s320/5+June+08+109.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">coffee</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSugDF8ORtI/AAAAAAAAFCc/Dt64gEjm5vc/s1600-h/5+June+08+111.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSugDF8ORtI/AAAAAAAAFCc/Dt64gEjm5vc/s320/5+June+08+111.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">royal milk tea</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSugII3-63I/AAAAAAAAFCk/CjZ2z16_cs0/s1600-h/5+June+08+116.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SSugII3-63I/AAAAAAAAFCk/CjZ2z16_cs0/s320/5+June+08+116.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">parfait</div><br />Despite this, Ginza did not hold our interest for long. We headed back to Shinjuku. There, we made our pilgrimage to the Pierre Herme counter at Isetan Shinjuku. Then, clutching our precious purchase, we found ourselves at the taxi stand of all places. Where else could we find a seat, we reasoned, the sales staff's stern instruction to consume the confections within the hour still ringing in our ears.<br /><br />Therefore, despite the odd looks we were getting from Tokyoites, we perched at the taxi stand and luxuriated in our pink and white confections, not the least put off by taxi fumes. (We would like to think that those were looks of envy...)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4joDHPJ0I/AAAAAAAAFDE/UGb7cdg2OY4/s1600-h/5+June+08+124.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4joDHPJ0I/AAAAAAAAFDE/UGb7cdg2OY4/s320/5+June+08+124.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">inside the bag there was a...</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4jwHOD9-I/AAAAAAAAFDM/VC4odAH3w64/s1600-h/5+June+08+126.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4jwHOD9-I/AAAAAAAAFDM/VC4odAH3w64/s320/5+June+08+126.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">inside the box there was an...</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4j933ImXI/AAAAAAAAFDU/sUIiEkOrMKE/s1600-h/5+June+08+128.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4j933ImXI/AAAAAAAAFDU/sUIiEkOrMKE/s320/5+June+08+128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">... an Ispahan!</div><br />The Ispahan is a Pierre Herme signature confection. Two rose-flavoured macaroons sandwiching rose-flavoured cream, fresh raspberries and lychees - what's not to like?<br /><br />We also had ourselves some delectable macaroons.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4kI8B0ErI/AAAAAAAAFDc/VDtSljLAKiw/s1600-h/5+June+08+138.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4kI8B0ErI/AAAAAAAAFDc/VDtSljLAKiw/s320/5+June+08+138.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">to die for</div><br />We ended our day at Takashimaya Times Square, at a restaurant recommended by Lonely Planet.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4kSUdyZqI/AAAAAAAAFDk/yaZuE5bTjZY/s1600-h/5+June+08+143.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4kSUdyZqI/AAAAAAAAFDk/yaZuE5bTjZY/s320/5+June+08+143.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FiUChRZI/AAAAAAAAFEk/SlDmNihmRDE/s1600-h/5+June+08+176.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FiUChRZI/AAAAAAAAFEk/SlDmNihmRDE/s320/5+June+08+176.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Imahan</div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FbQ0n_tI/AAAAAAAAFEc/tEeZie8XVYo/s1600-h/5+June+08+172.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FbQ0n_tI/AAAAAAAAFEc/tEeZie8XVYo/s320/5+June+08+172.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the restaurant</div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4m5NScOEI/AAAAAAAAFDs/pEp4sLTOx1g/s1600-h/5+June+08+146.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4m5NScOEI/AAAAAAAAFDs/pEp4sLTOx1g/s320/5+June+08+146.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">tea</div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br />Imahan specialises in wagyu beef, especially done <em>sukiyaki</em> style. We are not fans of <em>sukiyaki</em> though so we ordered the <em>shabu shabu</em> set:</div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4nTdz_HMI/AAAAAAAAFD0/CPNS71OMy1M/s1600-h/5+June+08+152.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU4nTdz_HMI/AAAAAAAAFD0/CPNS71OMy1M/s320/5+June+08+152.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />The beef sashimi was lovely. Even HM who normally does not like raw beef found it palatable.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FDIP4RwI/AAAAAAAAFD8/Tzz4bgssr2A/s1600-h/5+June+08+158.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FDIP4RwI/AAAAAAAAFD8/Tzz4bgssr2A/s320/5+June+08+158.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>chawanmushi</i></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FJ_QPi9I/AAAAAAAAFEE/r9ucxxmQHMQ/s1600-h/5+June+08+161.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FJ_QPi9I/AAAAAAAAFEE/r9ucxxmQHMQ/s320/5+June+08+161.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">starting with nothing but a piece of kelp</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FOadu7KI/AAAAAAAAFEM/ozz_CtMH_TM/s1600-h/5+June+08+164.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FOadu7KI/AAAAAAAAFEM/ozz_CtMH_TM/s320/5+June+08+164.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">luscious marbled meat</div><br />The <em>shabu shabu</em> was delicious, especially with the two dipping sauces, citron (<em>yuzu</em>? <em>ponzu</em>?) and sesame (<em>goma</em>).<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FVNw5lRI/AAAAAAAAFEU/44ZdnEtUGeg/s1600-h/5+June+08+169.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FVNw5lRI/AAAAAAAAFEU/44ZdnEtUGeg/s320/5+June+08+169.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">dessert - a sorbet and a gelee</div><br />All in all, this was a pretty good meal, although not quite as outstanding as the one at Tsunahachi or even the one at the Asakusa izakaya. Still, it helped to lift an otherwise dreary day.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FmmCBFcI/AAAAAAAAFEs/aUJuffi-MNE/s1600-h/5+June+08+179.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FmmCBFcI/AAAAAAAAFEs/aUJuffi-MNE/s320/5+June+08+179.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a Shinjuku landmark</div>blobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268342577307668738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878648643455146542.post-59019623093817044782008-06-13T05:33:00.000-07:002009-01-04T06:57:37.406-08:00Day 7: More than Fish<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FwpRRcPI/AAAAAAAAFE0/hSg8mwYmrfs/s1600-h/5+June+08+186.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU5FwpRRcPI/AAAAAAAAFE0/hSg8mwYmrfs/s320/5+June+08+186.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">our breakfast</div><br />Breakfast was a quickie, store-bought bagels albeit "high class" ones from one of the department store food halls. I was off to see the world famous, the one and only, Tsukiji Fish Market. HM who was not keen to throw herself in the path of the fish market's notorious whizzing carts or splosh through puddles of fishy water opted to stay out of the foray.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hTntGkkI/AAAAAAAAFFE/DzYjX-0yluI/s1600-h/6+June+08+013.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hTntGkkI/AAAAAAAAFFE/DzYjX-0yluI/s320/6+June+08+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">on the train</div><br />I took a train to Tsukiji train station. Someone had obviously gone to great lengths to make the train station look aesthetically pleasing...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hbfPK3EI/AAAAAAAAFFM/qGkrlJZx-Xw/s1600-h/6+June+08+015.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hbfPK3EI/AAAAAAAAFFM/qGkrlJZx-Xw/s320/6+June+08+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hjH0zY-I/AAAAAAAAFFU/ZpwdNSHBHR4/s1600-h/6+June+08+019.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hjH0zY-I/AAAAAAAAFFU/ZpwdNSHBHR4/s320/6+June+08+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hrQKQt9I/AAAAAAAAFFc/9XNFPG9tuyI/s1600-h/6+June+08+018.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hrQKQt9I/AAAAAAAAFFc/9XNFPG9tuyI/s320/6+June+08+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />... but there was no stopping the reek of fish.<br /><br />To get from the train station to the inner market where the fish is sold, I first had to navigate through the outer market which sold fresh produce and products supporting the fishing industry.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hyL1TtYI/AAAAAAAAFFk/E_Po3QI4DzI/s1600-h/6+June+08+022.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hyL1TtYI/AAAAAAAAFFk/E_Po3QI4DzI/s320/6+June+08+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><em>edamame</em> (soy beans)</div><br />Having arrived at 8 a.m., I was way too late for the famed tuna auctions but there was still plenty of action, tuna or otherwise, for our viewing pleasure.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVELUqkW4wI/AAAAAAAAFKs/UCXyOYg69nE/s1600-h/6+June+08+120.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVELUqkW4wI/AAAAAAAAFKs/UCXyOYg69nE/s320/6+June+08+120.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a danger to life and limb</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEStbq-U2I/AAAAAAAAFK0/Ul6Mn0By0Bw/s1600-h/6+June+08+127.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEStbq-U2I/AAAAAAAAFK0/Ul6Mn0By0Bw/s320/6+June+08+127.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">packing ice</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9h29HnaYI/AAAAAAAAFFs/R03uhRuF7Qg/s1600-h/6+June+08+024.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9h29HnaYI/AAAAAAAAFFs/R03uhRuF7Qg/s320/6+June+08+024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">"Do you feel a little disembodied?"</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEGmajEToI/AAAAAAAAFJU/ak7Xmvw4Y7Q/s1600-h/6+June+08+089.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEGmajEToI/AAAAAAAAFJU/ak7Xmvw4Y7Q/s320/6+June+08+089.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">here's how to divvy up a fish</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-Eo_riTJI/AAAAAAAAFI8/wdVzuJpPCIM/s1600-h/6+June+08+079.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-Eo_riTJI/AAAAAAAAFI8/wdVzuJpPCIM/s320/6+June+08+079.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">tuna for sale</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEGFHNksVI/AAAAAAAAFJM/9yMkqlWiV1M/s1600-h/6+June+08+087.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEGFHNksVI/AAAAAAAAFJM/9yMkqlWiV1M/s320/6+June+08+087.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">tuna of a lesser god</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-E0Aur_zI/AAAAAAAAFJE/19igBJ3tJkk/s1600-h/6+June+08+082.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-E0Aur_zI/AAAAAAAAFJE/19igBJ3tJkk/s320/6+June+08+082.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">leftovers</div><br />Of course it wasn't all tuna.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEId0Jww0I/AAAAAAAAFJ0/0eU5udpQDR0/s1600-h/6+June+08+102.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEId0Jww0I/AAAAAAAAFJ0/0eU5udpQDR0/s320/6+June+08+102.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">variety is the spice of life</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9h-bRmW_I/AAAAAAAAFF0/ydOZRZTNGmI/s1600-h/6+June+08+028.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9h-bRmW_I/AAAAAAAAFF0/ydOZRZTNGmI/s320/6+June+08+028.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">nearly headless fish</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9iHkavtmI/AAAAAAAAFF8/Ye_naNB0KZU/s1600-h/6+June+08+031.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9iHkavtmI/AAAAAAAAFF8/Ye_naNB0KZU/s320/6+June+08+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">eyes big big</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9k3_yIzPI/AAAAAAAAFGk/wPNsCeEmEZw/s1600-h/6+June+08+039.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9k3_yIzPI/AAAAAAAAFGk/wPNsCeEmEZw/s320/6+June+08+039.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">similar but not quite</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEK7B8SdBI/AAAAAAAAFKc/kw5HihMyYro/s1600-h/6+June+08+115.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEK7B8SdBI/AAAAAAAAFKc/kw5HihMyYro/s320/6+June+08+115.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">like sardines in a... box</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9k9CDSYNI/AAAAAAAAFGs/jXrWhW8bDLM/s1600-h/6+June+08+041.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9k9CDSYNI/AAAAAAAAFGs/jXrWhW8bDLM/s320/6+June+08+041.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">eels</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9lWRbDrpI/AAAAAAAAFHM/SbI-MfmdEtA/s1600-h/6+June+08+048.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9lWRbDrpI/AAAAAAAAFHM/SbI-MfmdEtA/s320/6+June+08+048.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">more eels</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9lQQiRPjI/AAAAAAAAFHE/nj2V3QFX2Wg/s1600-h/6+June+08+046.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9lQQiRPjI/AAAAAAAAFHE/nj2V3QFX2Wg/s320/6+June+08+046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">these look like they grill well</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEH6MZDlaI/AAAAAAAAFJs/c6O1tTuQFV8/s1600-h/6+June+08+101.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEH6MZDlaI/AAAAAAAAFJs/c6O1tTuQFV8/s320/6+June+08+101.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">not exactly pretty</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVELFs6Zw8I/AAAAAAAAFKk/KhztBFnastM/s1600-h/6+June+08+114.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVELFs6Zw8I/AAAAAAAAFKk/KhztBFnastM/s320/6+June+08+114.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a newfangled bouquet for fish fans</div><br />Then there were the crustaceans, all of which looked infinitely edible. They certainly came in all shapes and sizes...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9lvdQFgNI/AAAAAAAAFHU/HS1otXXPSY0/s1600-h/6+June+08+051.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9lvdQFgNI/AAAAAAAAFHU/HS1otXXPSY0/s320/6+June+08+051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">red and stripey</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU956tmML_I/AAAAAAAAFHs/qG7jbuFVkZQ/s1600-h/6+June+08+055.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU956tmML_I/AAAAAAAAFHs/qG7jbuFVkZQ/s320/6+June+08+055.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">this time on ice</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU95vOvxEXI/AAAAAAAAFHc/bbUQ9QR2vAc/s1600-h/6+June+08+052.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU95vOvxEXI/AAAAAAAAFHc/bbUQ9QR2vAc/s320/6+June+08+052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">small and dark</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU950mNPshI/AAAAAAAAFHk/hZ2eQOwXslc/s1600-h/6+June+08+054.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU950mNPshI/AAAAAAAAFHk/hZ2eQOwXslc/s320/6+June+08+054.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">tiger striped</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-EdeGFIUI/AAAAAAAAFI0/XH6gMJce-eY/s1600-h/6+June+08+077.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-EdeGFIUI/AAAAAAAAFI0/XH6gMJce-eY/s320/6+June+08+077.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">red and translucent - are those amaebi?</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEHNZojGKI/AAAAAAAAFJc/lCyr3zdlgNQ/s1600-h/6+June+08+094.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEHNZojGKI/AAAAAAAAFJc/lCyr3zdlgNQ/s320/6+June+08+094.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">premium prawn, I'm guessing</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU96A8es8FI/AAAAAAAAFH0/JWBK9LEjq5o/s1600-h/6+June+08+057.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU96A8es8FI/AAAAAAAAFH0/JWBK9LEjq5o/s320/6+June+08+057.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">hairy crab!</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEJpGDWzqI/AAAAAAAAFKE/UxLHZsmFAk8/s1600-h/6+June+08+106.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEJpGDWzqI/AAAAAAAAFKE/UxLHZsmFAk8/s320/6+June+08+106.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">crab legs - best!</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEHrmQNMyI/AAAAAAAAFJk/so78MIHkpvQ/s1600-h/6+June+08+098.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEHrmQNMyI/AAAAAAAAFJk/so78MIHkpvQ/s320/6+June+08+098.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">hey hey lobster dinner</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEJ8KrLVGI/AAAAAAAAFKM/Uhi1MW4K1Gg/s1600-h/6+June+08+108.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEJ8KrLVGI/AAAAAAAAFKM/Uhi1MW4K1Gg/s320/6+June+08+108.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">more lobster dinner</div><br />Let's not forget the molluscs:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9iM5rJHnI/AAAAAAAAFGE/W4GEk7e3Vh4/s1600-h/6+June+08+032.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9iM5rJHnI/AAAAAAAAFGE/W4GEk7e3Vh4/s320/6+June+08+032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">whelks, yes, but what kind?!</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9iUwtGkyI/AAAAAAAAFGM/V6ZkqSmLqIg/s1600-h/6+June+08+033.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9iUwtGkyI/AAAAAAAAFGM/V6ZkqSmLqIg/s320/6+June+08+033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">clams - regular ones or fancy ones?</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9kfhfjlBI/AAAAAAAAFGU/jmrbAIPRdO0/s1600-h/6+June+08+035.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9kfhfjlBI/AAAAAAAAFGU/jmrbAIPRdO0/s320/6+June+08+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEKlWzOmkI/AAAAAAAAFKU/Gf2rqyPmBrE/s1600-h/6+June+08+109.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEKlWzOmkI/AAAAAAAAFKU/Gf2rqyPmBrE/s320/6+June+08+109.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">mussels - good enough to eat on the spot</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9kkeHLOHI/AAAAAAAAFGc/gBJucpZj3NY/s1600-h/6+June+08+038.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9kkeHLOHI/AAAAAAAAFGc/gBJucpZj3NY/s320/6+June+08+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">scallops, f'sure</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9lCA7YJlI/AAAAAAAAFG0/b6Q2wQCIH5E/s1600-h/6+June+08+043.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9lCA7YJlI/AAAAAAAAFG0/b6Q2wQCIH5E/s320/6+June+08+043.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">these sure look like fruit</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9lLF-MapI/AAAAAAAAFG8/q4bli4kEA6Q/s1600-h/6+June+08+045.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9lLF-MapI/AAAAAAAAFG8/q4bli4kEA6Q/s320/6+June+08+045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">aren't these pretty, whatever they are</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU96IjWDyEI/AAAAAAAAFH8/pDkpiCPQCsI/s1600-h/6+June+08+058.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU96IjWDyEI/AAAAAAAAFH8/pDkpiCPQCsI/s320/6+June+08+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">up close and personal</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-D1SL68EI/AAAAAAAAFIU/OZ4IFdFheds/s1600-h/6+June+08+068.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-D1SL68EI/AAAAAAAAFIU/OZ4IFdFheds/s320/6+June+08+068.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">geoducks - so rude they look</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVuEGYXWcDI/AAAAAAAAFNM/3G7tTIFdAQw/s1600-h/6+June+08+105.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVuEGYXWcDI/AAAAAAAAFNM/3G7tTIFdAQw/s320/6+June+08+105.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">my favourite - abalone</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-Da_0OieI/AAAAAAAAFIE/nScSFTVCLVU/s1600-h/6+June+08+059.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-Da_0OieI/AAAAAAAAFIE/nScSFTVCLVU/s320/6+June+08+059.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">one octopus, many octopi</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-DvAx1CxI/AAAAAAAAFIM/BWm_8FCtflk/s1600-h/6+June+08+062.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-DvAx1CxI/AAAAAAAAFIM/BWm_8FCtflk/s320/6+June+08+062.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">sea cucumber?</div><br />And most controversially...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-D_RlwVkI/AAAAAAAAFIc/1dmPOf7YAl8/s1600-h/6+June+08+071.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-D_RlwVkI/AAAAAAAAFIc/1dmPOf7YAl8/s320/6+June+08+071.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">no prizes for figuring out what this stall sells</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-EKUZ4gAI/AAAAAAAAFIk/JdELuvMlOl8/s1600-h/6+June+08+073.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-EKUZ4gAI/AAAAAAAAFIk/JdELuvMlOl8/s320/6+June+08+073.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">clearly red meat</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-EWPYFU9I/AAAAAAAAFIs/zCpqztFdx2M/s1600-h/6+June+08+075.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU-EWPYFU9I/AAAAAAAAFIs/zCpqztFdx2M/s320/6+June+08+075.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">different cuts</div><br />Tsukiji Fish Market wasn't just a feast for the eyes. There were many opportunities for a real feast too. The outer market was home to a number of sushi places.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVETV3Q18PI/AAAAAAAAFK8/0W4pck-R9ig/s1600-h/6+June+08+129.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVETV3Q18PI/AAAAAAAAFK8/0W4pck-R9ig/s320/6+June+08+129.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the one I picked</div><br />I chose one with waiting customers and joined the queue. While we waited, my fellow sushi-eaters and I were served little paper cups of tea and asked to decide what we would have.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVETsct-bZI/AAAAAAAAFLE/QTIm_ve-GWA/s1600-h/6+June+08+128.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVETsct-bZI/AAAAAAAAFLE/QTIm_ve-GWA/s320/6+June+08+128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">no mucking about with menus here</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUE0eN93I/AAAAAAAAFLM/_uybR0QI7Vc/s1600-h/6+June+08+130.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUE0eN93I/AAAAAAAAFLM/_uybR0QI7Vc/s320/6+June+08+130.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a peek inside (no cameras allowed)</div><br />When it was our turn, we were ushered unceremoniously inside and quickly seated at the counter in a specific order, depending on what we had chosen to have. The food came fast and furious. I had the sashimi set for 3150Y (S$47.25). <em>Maguro</em> (tuna), <em>hamachi</em> (yellowtail), <em>aji</em> (mackeral), <em>sake</em> (salmon) and <em>hotate </em>(scallop) - while not exotic, the fish was as fresh as fresh can be. Then, just as quickly, we were ushered out en masse via the back door, stopping only to pay on the way out. And thus my pilgrimage to Tsukiji Fish Market, mecca for seafood lovers, was over.<br /><br />I returned to our apartment to switch to clean shoes (some amount of splashing in a wet market is inevitable) and then, together with HM, was off again. HM was hungry, so we hit yet another ramen shop.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUp6guXLI/AAAAAAAAFLs/knu-I_q9WeI/s1600-h/6+June+08+143.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUp6guXLI/AAAAAAAAFLs/knu-I_q9WeI/s320/6+June+08+143.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">our choice for the day</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUzbgQLWI/AAAAAAAAFL0/mBiM-vB3RMQ/s1600-h/6+June+08+144.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUzbgQLWI/AAAAAAAAFL0/mBiM-vB3RMQ/s320/6+June+08+144.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">let's see - what will we have?</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUTWIIyNI/AAAAAAAAFLU/-qXqQxSnQeA/s1600-h/6+June+08+135.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUTWIIyNI/AAAAAAAAFLU/-qXqQxSnQeA/s320/6+June+08+135.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">I had cold ramen...</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUeg-UXdI/AAAAAAAAFLc/Bw6aFBzbGjw/s1600-h/6+June+08+137.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUeg-UXdI/AAAAAAAAFLc/Bw6aFBzbGjw/s320/6+June+08+137.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">... that came with this special dipping sauce</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUmw39cHI/AAAAAAAAFLk/VhUMAWwtlGA/s1600-h/6+June+08+139.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEUmw39cHI/AAAAAAAAFLk/VhUMAWwtlGA/s320/6+June+08+139.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">HM's cha shu ramen</div><br />What we liked best about these ramen shops was that each one was run with a great amount of pride. Each had a slightly different take on ramen, as it attempted to distinguish itself from the other, and did admirably well to deliver quality food, fast, in a clean if somewhat functional setting, at reasonable prices. There may be cheaper ramen in Singapore but, dollar for dollar, Tokyo ramen wins hands down. I hope Tokyoites appreciate what they have!<br /><br />The weather after lunch was clement - finally blue skies in Shinjuku. We decided to take advantage of the fair weather to explore the Shinjuku skyscraper district.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEU7CRfDTI/AAAAAAAAFL8/KFEWW9Czh0s/s1600-h/6+June+08+148.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEU7CRfDTI/AAAAAAAAFL8/KFEWW9Czh0s/s320/6+June+08+148.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVE0x21BI/AAAAAAAAFME/1PIoEPah59A/s1600-h/6+June+08+154.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVE0x21BI/AAAAAAAAFME/1PIoEPah59A/s320/6+June+08+154.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVQ2xtP7I/AAAAAAAAFMU/1MsRN8YWbDQ/s1600-h/6+June+08+181.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVQ2xtP7I/AAAAAAAAFMU/1MsRN8YWbDQ/s320/6+June+08+181.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building towers</div><br />We did the <i>de rigeur</i> thing - went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck for a birds' eye view of Tokyo.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVK_Y_loI/AAAAAAAAFMM/oAUJNCQd8EU/s1600-h/6+June+08+161.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVK_Y_loI/AAAAAAAAFMM/oAUJNCQd8EU/s320/6+June+08+161.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Mount Fuji is right.... there. Well it would be if it weren't so hazy...</div><br />Downstairs, there was this:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVbe95KnI/AAAAAAAAFMc/wYju4b8qkOM/s1600-h/6+June+08+184.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVbe95KnI/AAAAAAAAFMc/wYju4b8qkOM/s320/6+June+08+184.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">look for the Tokyo 2016 Olympic Bid Committee</div><br />After that, we went shopping at Takashimaya Times Square, to check out possible prezzies for friends and family back home.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVkpkNPdI/AAAAAAAAFMk/-SnlOIXvp3M/s1600-h/6+June+08+193.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVkpkNPdI/AAAAAAAAFMk/-SnlOIXvp3M/s320/6+June+08+193.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Tokyu Hands, again! - there must be some presents here...</div><br />In the course of the afternoon, we had ourselves a melon juice (525Y/S$7.90) and ...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVyWzwFOI/AAAAAAAAFMs/MnE173NdZWA/s1600-h/6+June+08+195.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEVyWzwFOI/AAAAAAAAFMs/MnE173NdZWA/s320/6+June+08+195.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">...a raspberry and blackcurrant gelato (390Y/S$5.85)</div><br />And then we stopped for tea at the department store's patisserie:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEWIKhWYYI/AAAAAAAAFNE/mpGyuqW4ss4/s1600-h/6+June+08+202.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEWIKhWYYI/AAAAAAAAFNE/mpGyuqW4ss4/s320/6+June+08+202.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">at the counter</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEV5f9olWI/AAAAAAAAFM0/OuizO0Zbt2s/s1600-h/6+June+08+197.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEV5f9olWI/AAAAAAAAFM0/OuizO0Zbt2s/s320/6+June+08+197.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">strawberry cake</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEV-z4jLRI/AAAAAAAAFM8/AKDa3GO0WTw/s1600-h/6+June+08+200.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVEV-z4jLRI/AAAAAAAAFM8/AKDa3GO0WTw/s320/6+June+08+200.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a copy ispahan!</div><br />Then we set off to conquer Shibuya. We took the train and emerged at busy Shibuya Station...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxrFBmEAJI/AAAAAAAAFNk/y5cCY4b12V0/s1600-h/6+June+08+212.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxrFBmEAJI/AAAAAAAAFNk/y5cCY4b12V0/s320/6+June+08+212.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />...right at the iconic Shibuya junction and famous for...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxo7aZ-m9I/AAAAAAAAFNU/b1tCw6ozZiU/s1600-h/6+June+08+205.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxo7aZ-m9I/AAAAAAAAFNU/b1tCw6ozZiU/s320/6+June+08+205.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">...Hachiko, symbol of faithfulness and loyalty, and such a cute dog to boot!</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxpwoYj0HI/AAAAAAAAFNc/aTsiZZyG1Nw/s1600-h/6+June+08+207.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxpwoYj0HI/AAAAAAAAFNc/aTsiZZyG1Nw/s320/6+June+08+207.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">good place to wait</div><br />We could see straightaway that Shibuya was more our cup of tea, as far as shopping went, than Ginza. There were all our favourite brands...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxrKQgVvJI/AAAAAAAAFNs/PynFVmpeGY8/s1600-h/6+June+08+215.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxrKQgVvJI/AAAAAAAAFNs/PynFVmpeGY8/s320/6+June+08+215.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxrkY8KfjI/AAAAAAAAFN0/LyehyhNcack/s1600-h/6+June+08+217.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxrkY8KfjI/AAAAAAAAFN0/LyehyhNcack/s320/6+June+08+217.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxrr8PyLVI/AAAAAAAAFN8/eN2e19nNgxU/s1600-h/6+June+08+220.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxrr8PyLVI/AAAAAAAAFN8/eN2e19nNgxU/s320/6+June+08+220.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />And of course it was an interesting area just for "sightseeing". While HM popped into places like these:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxtB-0jAhI/AAAAAAAAFOU/USXVS-Oiojs/s1600-h/6+June+08+250.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxtB-0jAhI/AAAAAAAAFOU/USXVS-Oiojs/s320/6+June+08+250.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">not up my alley, no</div><br />I did my thing.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxr-b9cAeI/AAAAAAAAFOM/btiKOZrqMOw/s1600-h/6+June+08+241.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxr-b9cAeI/AAAAAAAAFOM/btiKOZrqMOw/s320/6+June+08+241.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the crowds pouring in from the Shibuya junction</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxr1wratrI/AAAAAAAAFOE/UnT6YOz9P4k/s1600-h/6+June+08+233.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxr1wratrI/AAAAAAAAFOE/UnT6YOz9P4k/s320/6+June+08+233.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">always a spiritual touch</div><br />But the highlight of fashionable Shibuya was none other than...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxtJC0J2tI/AAAAAAAAFOc/s1ko3gzg5FM/s1600-h/6+June+08+252.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxtJC0J2tI/AAAAAAAAFOc/s1ko3gzg5FM/s320/6+June+08+252.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">... Shibuya 109!</div><br />With reputedly 109 boutiques, no wonder the shopping centre was crowded with designer bag-toting, mascara-wearing, fishnet-stockinged <em>gyarus</em>, tottering on their 3-inch high platform wedges. fake eyelashes batting all over the place.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxtPYzQQWI/AAAAAAAAFOk/o4Jd_VUk-BM/s1600-h/6+June+08+254.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxtPYzQQWI/AAAAAAAAFOk/o4Jd_VUk-BM/s320/6+June+08+254.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">ooh loud and proud of it</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxtYQGrZDI/AAAAAAAAFOs/yHwcAipNAHg/s1600-h/6+June+08+257.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxtYQGrZDI/AAAAAAAAFOs/yHwcAipNAHg/s320/6+June+08+257.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">is this brand for those who wanna look like the Waltons on the outside...</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxtuivCvqI/AAAAAAAAFO0/lJep2whdZXc/s1600-h/6+June+08+259.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxtuivCvqI/AAAAAAAAFO0/lJep2whdZXc/s320/6+June+08+259.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">...and Christina Aguilera on the inside?!</div><br />As HM put it, you may not actually find something to buy but who cares when there's so much to be entertained by. It was <em>educational</em>. And if nothing else, it was a fun design experience.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxvgRmiY2I/AAAAAAAAFO8/IZafVGyag6A/s1600-h/6+June+08+261.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxvgRmiY2I/AAAAAAAAFO8/IZafVGyag6A/s320/6+June+08+261.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxvq3ao9vI/AAAAAAAAFPE/SllXBOXVeBw/s1600-h/6+June+08+262.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxvq3ao9vI/AAAAAAAAFPE/SllXBOXVeBw/s320/6+June+08+262.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />Dinner was at the Shibuya branch of Freshness Burger. Again?! Yes...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxwCXhULiI/AAAAAAAAFPU/lJk3g1fQDr4/s1600-h/6+June+08+269.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxwCXhULiI/AAAAAAAAFPU/lJk3g1fQDr4/s320/6+June+08+269.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">inside</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxv0QMVy_I/AAAAAAAAFPM/AhbMtCPohvk/s1600-h/6+June+08+268.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxv0QMVy_I/AAAAAAAAFPM/AhbMtCPohvk/s320/6+June+08+268.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">fresh orange juice and iced orange tea</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxwLjh0GhI/AAAAAAAAFPc/6AHEd2d2ZQs/s1600-h/6+June+08+272.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxwLjh0GhI/AAAAAAAAFPc/6AHEd2d2ZQs/s320/6+June+08+272.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">chilli bean dog</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxwaiWpocI/AAAAAAAAFPs/BWHawhn9RK0/s1600-h/6+June+08+277.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxwaiWpocI/AAAAAAAAFPs/BWHawhn9RK0/s320/6+June+08+277.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Classic WW Burger</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxwSndiC6I/AAAAAAAAFPk/aUCCfn8pCWo/s1600-h/6+June+08+275.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxwSndiC6I/AAAAAAAAFPk/aUCCfn8pCWo/s320/6+June+08+275.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">onion rings this time, rather than fries</div><br />And then we had to say goodbye to happening Shibuya.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxxC7pOhkI/AAAAAAAAFP0/_I8TiSHC3K4/s1600-h/6+June+08+281.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxxC7pOhkI/AAAAAAAAFP0/_I8TiSHC3K4/s320/6+June+08+281.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxxQYzp5GI/AAAAAAAAFP8/IN_wihaZFME/s1600-h/6+June+08+285.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVxxQYzp5GI/AAAAAAAAFP8/IN_wihaZFME/s320/6+June+08+285.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div>blobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268342577307668738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878648643455146542.post-31066552956698814402008-06-12T01:42:00.000-07:002009-01-20T07:14:50.089-08:00Day 8: Familiar FavouritesWe had a slow start to the day. Fatigue had finally caught up with us, after seven days on the go, and we slept right through our alarm. By the time we finally dragged ourselves up and out of our apartment, it must have been after 9.<br /><br />Our last full day in Tokyo - so much to see, so little time. We couldn't leave Tokyo without first seeing the rest of Oakwood Shinjuku.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hFZrlPTI/AAAAAAAAFE8/zWgRcEMqxp4/s1600-h/6+June+08+001.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SU9hFZrlPTI/AAAAAAAAFE8/zWgRcEMqxp4/s320/6+June+08+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">exactly as it says</div><br />We popped our heads in to have a look and found shelves with trash-filled plastic bags which was a strangely primitive mode of disposal somehow.<br /><br />Then we went up to the top floor of the apartment block, to have a look at the Sky Lounge.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyiM6gDiWI/AAAAAAAAFQM/U8R3ahfKQXA/s1600-h/7+June+08+004.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyiM6gDiWI/AAAAAAAAFQM/U8R3ahfKQXA/s320/7+June+08+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyidRpUq2I/AAAAAAAAFQY/hvkWwS9i14c/s1600-h/7+June+08+008.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyidRpUq2I/AAAAAAAAFQY/hvkWwS9i14c/s320/7+June+08+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the view from the lounge</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyip5BPMsI/AAAAAAAAFQg/FUpUYGxkW6M/s1600-h/7+June+08+011.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyip5BPMsI/AAAAAAAAFQg/FUpUYGxkW6M/s320/7+June+08+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyjdwaQlTI/AAAAAAAAFQo/ck0YMcmSNNM/s1600-h/7+June+08+012.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyjdwaQlTI/AAAAAAAAFQo/ck0YMcmSNNM/s320/7+June+08+012.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyj5iMvfPI/AAAAAAAAFQw/yzUz8s6SE1U/s1600-h/7+June+08+014.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyj5iMvfPI/AAAAAAAAFQw/yzUz8s6SE1U/s320/7+June+08+014.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVykDnoea6I/AAAAAAAAFQ4/L7a5oCO5bL0/s1600-h/7+June+08+016.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVykDnoea6I/AAAAAAAAFQ4/L7a5oCO5bL0/s320/7+June+08+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />The lounge was pretty nifty - nicely designed, with DIY coffee and tea, newspapers, and a great view.<br /><br />Also on the top floor was this:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVykVlvC0SI/AAAAAAAAFRA/aRYt-_JkJA4/s1600-h/7+June+08+022.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVykVlvC0SI/AAAAAAAAFRA/aRYt-_JkJA4/s320/7+June+08+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">all we could see of the penthouse</div><br />Down we went to the basement.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVykdX9LuXI/AAAAAAAAFRI/QgTEqCPqzOE/s1600-h/7+June+08+025.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVykdX9LuXI/AAAAAAAAFRI/QgTEqCPqzOE/s320/7+June+08+025.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">important for those typhoon days</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVykk9iIsfI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/0pDkByc0rwU/s1600-h/7+June+08+028.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVykk9iIsfI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/0pDkByc0rwU/s320/7+June+08+028.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">we had to have a look, didn't we?</div><br />HM was suitably impressed by the quality of the equipment available.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyksAE1RaI/AAAAAAAAFRY/gWfpFoDvxUk/s1600-h/7+June+08+029.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyksAE1RaI/AAAAAAAAFRY/gWfpFoDvxUk/s320/7+June+08+029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyk5SwjyaI/AAAAAAAAFRg/sed86PFnstY/s1600-h/7+June+08+032.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyk5SwjyaI/AAAAAAAAFRg/sed86PFnstY/s320/7+June+08+032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />The laundry room was just as well equipped.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVylAEnQzHI/AAAAAAAAFRo/poU3Sdj6XB0/s1600-h/7+June+08+035.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVylAEnQzHI/AAAAAAAAFRo/poU3Sdj6XB0/s320/7+June+08+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />We agreed we wouldn't mind living long-term at Oakwood Shinjuku. If only the apartments were a bit larger... and we were paid nice fat expat paychecks!<br /><br />And then finally we were out the door of the apartment complex.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVylHXNu7qI/AAAAAAAAFRw/iMRgv-P03Og/s1600-h/7+June+08+044.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVylHXNu7qI/AAAAAAAAFRw/iMRgv-P03Og/s320/7+June+08+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />A little further down the road, we found yet another noodle shop, for a late breakfast.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyl8GSxCVI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/9Ts_Aj1rJuA/s1600-h/7+June+08+055.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyl8GSxCVI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/9Ts_Aj1rJuA/s320/7+June+08+055.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVylg73bXdI/AAAAAAAAFSI/c3qxGaAf8_g/s1600-h/7+June+08+054.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVylg73bXdI/AAAAAAAAFSI/c3qxGaAf8_g/s320/7+June+08+054.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">this one sold soba, not just ramen</div><br />We ordered two different kinds of tempura soba:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVylNc012wI/AAAAAAAAFR4/-YBY90Vg9Vc/s1600-h/7+June+08+050.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVylNc012wI/AAAAAAAAFR4/-YBY90Vg9Vc/s320/7+June+08+050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">HM's - vegetable tempura</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVylbY_7YPI/AAAAAAAAFSA/B7EJGPMLgHc/s1600-h/7+June+08+051.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVylbY_7YPI/AAAAAAAAFSA/B7EJGPMLgHc/s320/7+June+08+051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">mine - you can tell by the raw egg</div><br />With our stomachs filled, we made our way to the train station, grateful for Oakwood Shinjuku's proximity to Shinjuku Station and the convenience of the Tokyo train/subway system in general.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVymE0i5o9I/AAAAAAAAFSY/qKkLuY2WxCA/s1600-h/7+June+08+057.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVymE0i5o9I/AAAAAAAAFSY/qKkLuY2WxCA/s320/7+June+08+057.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">clean and efficient</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVymWSkd2LI/AAAAAAAAFSg/F9D37_QljjE/s1600-h/7+June+08+059.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVymWSkd2LI/AAAAAAAAFSg/F9D37_QljjE/s320/7+June+08+059.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">our favourite train poster - we need these in S'pore!</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyn3ANoylI/AAAAAAAAFSw/KOWXnO3sXVQ/s1600-h/7+June+08+065.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyn3ANoylI/AAAAAAAAFSw/KOWXnO3sXVQ/s320/7+June+08+065.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">thank you, Suica Penguin! - we loved the convenience of Tokyo's answer to our EZ-link card</div><br />Our plan for the day was to revisit Harajuku and Ometosando, and to shop of course. Walking through Harajuku, we had our second Harajuku crepe.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVymysIseTI/AAAAAAAAFSo/iW-shwmWRXE/s1600-h/7+June+08+061.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVymysIseTI/AAAAAAAAFSo/iW-shwmWRXE/s320/7+June+08+061.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a banana split, by any other name</div><br />Then we found ourselves hanging around outside the funky Laforet Shopping Centre...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyobJkBylI/AAAAAAAAFTA/IZc9atY0Gfw/s1600-h/7+June+08+071.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyobJkBylI/AAAAAAAAFTA/IZc9atY0Gfw/s320/7+June+08+071.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />... waiting for opening time. We were not alone.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyojON8YyI/AAAAAAAAFTI/MtFym9DVXSg/s1600-h/7+June+08+073.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyojON8YyI/AAAAAAAAFTI/MtFym9DVXSg/s320/7+June+08+073.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyorGMTxwI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/9ME7WNPyLhQ/s1600-h/7+June+08+075.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyorGMTxwI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/9ME7WNPyLhQ/s320/7+June+08+075.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyo-8iDUjI/AAAAAAAAFTY/uPAIuvhfl1w/s1600-h/7+June+08+082.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVyo-8iDUjI/AAAAAAAAFTY/uPAIuvhfl1w/s320/7+June+08+082.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />Inside, Laforet was Hipsville, with everything from high-end maid's outfits (hence the clientele - see above) to one of a kind pieces. Too bad photography was not allowed and I only managed to sneak these pictures.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVypQlJ087I/AAAAAAAAFTo/Kee9ZbFyYfY/s1600-h/7+June+08+083.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVypQlJ087I/AAAAAAAAFTo/Kee9ZbFyYfY/s320/7+June+08+083.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">very hip - eco bags</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzT4m_eo8I/AAAAAAAAFUA/z6UYYe3b2S4/s1600-h/7+June+08+089.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzT4m_eo8I/AAAAAAAAFUA/z6UYYe3b2S4/s320/7+June+08+089.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzRbLaZCPI/AAAAAAAAFT4/QZKCrt_1a1w/s1600-h/7+June+08+087.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzRbLaZCPI/AAAAAAAAFT4/QZKCrt_1a1w/s320/7+June+08+087.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the lift!</div><br />Laforet was perhaps a little more sedate than Shibuya 109, but it was definitely the classier of the two. At least here, HM was able to find something to buy!<br /><br />After Laforet, we popped into Kiddyland for gifts and more Ghibli merchandise. There's no such thing as too much Ghibli merchandise.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzUVfIF1gI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/Se1iRGd9hFo/s1600-h/7+June+08+094.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzUVfIF1gI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/Se1iRGd9hFo/s320/7+June+08+094.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">seven floors of merchandising - what's not to like</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzUg2tM8uI/AAAAAAAAFUY/sULwPyalch0/s1600-h/7+June+08+095.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzUg2tM8uI/AAAAAAAAFUY/sULwPyalch0/s320/7+June+08+095.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">next door</div><br />Done with our shopping, we made our way up Omotesando where there was something interesting around every corner...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzUK0M8xlI/AAAAAAAAFUI/kl3DUqqZUvY/s1600-h/7+June+08+091.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzUK0M8xlI/AAAAAAAAFUI/kl3DUqqZUvY/s320/7+June+08+091.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">outside a church</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzU8uhAKWI/AAAAAAAAFUg/-cy7eV_slvc/s1600-h/7+June+08+100.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzU8uhAKWI/AAAAAAAAFUg/-cy7eV_slvc/s320/7+June+08+100.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">high maintenance dog</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzVKFDig9I/AAAAAAAAFUo/4dX7tk1svAE/s1600-h/7+June+08+107.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzVKFDig9I/AAAAAAAAFUo/4dX7tk1svAE/s320/7+June+08+107.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">highclass ah bengs (you gotta give it to the Japanese - they do dress so well!)</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzVVAqD3DI/AAAAAAAAFUw/2TRkOzvh63k/s1600-h/7+June+08+109.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzVVAqD3DI/AAAAAAAAFUw/2TRkOzvh63k/s320/7+June+08+109.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">neko</div><br />It was soon time for lunch. Stomachs growling, we made our way to Maisen, a veritable institution renowned for its black pork <i>tonkatsu</i>.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzaF7zf4dI/AAAAAAAAFWQ/AtysRd4d3Q4/s1600-h/7+June+08+151.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzaF7zf4dI/AAAAAAAAFWQ/AtysRd4d3Q4/s320/7+June+08+151.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />Formerly a bath house, the restaurant was huge, with several dining areas. We were seated inside the big family restaurant-style room.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzZwfzhwZI/AAAAAAAAFWI/hoGm2pDPM-c/s1600-h/7+June+08+144.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzZwfzhwZI/AAAAAAAAFWI/hoGm2pDPM-c/s320/7+June+08+144.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzWfJfKHTI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/KdcX7EqualU/s1600-h/7+June+08+123.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzWfJfKHTI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/KdcX7EqualU/s320/7+June+08+123.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzV3Qi0PNI/AAAAAAAAFVI/qq2_idxANbY/s1600-h/7+June+08+121.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzV3Qi0PNI/AAAAAAAAFVI/qq2_idxANbY/s320/7+June+08+121.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzVaobZN4I/AAAAAAAAFU4/3iaQ1H6WW-s/s1600-h/7+June+08+113.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzVaobZN4I/AAAAAAAAFU4/3iaQ1H6WW-s/s320/7+June+08+113.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">starter - bonito flakes and stewed radish</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzVknpU57I/AAAAAAAAFVA/uH4vk3f_uDY/s1600-h/7+June+08+120.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzVknpU57I/AAAAAAAAFVA/uH4vk3f_uDY/s320/7+June+08+120.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">special sauce for the black pig</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzWnuNMBOI/AAAAAAAAFVY/vVfkkFty9ws/s1600-h/7+June+08+126.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzWnuNMBOI/AAAAAAAAFVY/vVfkkFty9ws/s320/7+June+08+126.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">I had the <i>katsu-don</i> set</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzXqobYfvI/AAAAAAAAFVw/ZQYEyixhW3o/s1600-h/7+June+08+130.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzXqobYfvI/AAAAAAAAFVw/ZQYEyixhW3o/s320/7+June+08+130.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">HM had the <i>tonkatsu</i> set, made with black pig</div><br />Our sets came with side dishes:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzW6LFxTRI/AAAAAAAAFVg/QG1H9Q8B3E8/s1600-h/7+June+08+127.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzW6LFxTRI/AAAAAAAAFVg/QG1H9Q8B3E8/s320/7+June+08+127.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzXPmnwYLI/AAAAAAAAFVo/7r4NNVLocAI/s1600-h/7+June+08+128.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzXPmnwYLI/AAAAAAAAFVo/7r4NNVLocAI/s320/7+June+08+128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />The katsu and tonkatsu were both mouthwateringly juicy and the crusts were just so, nicely crisp and light.<br /><br />We finished off with a little sorbet, just the thing to offset the deepfried food.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzZr6q71aI/AAAAAAAAFWA/kVhjiSfAyoo/s1600-h/7+June+08+142.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzZr6q71aI/AAAAAAAAFWA/kVhjiSfAyoo/s320/7+June+08+142.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">dessert</div><br />We emerged, amply pleased with the excellent meal.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzaM0k6VnI/AAAAAAAAFWY/rrepHxK2a10/s1600-h/7+June+08+149.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzaM0k6VnI/AAAAAAAAFWY/rrepHxK2a10/s320/7+June+08+149.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Maisen takeaway counter - tempting!</div><br />Then we resumed our exploration of Omotesando, particularly the little boutiques that peppered the area.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzaTz_cC2I/AAAAAAAAFWg/JQNSmGudyww/s1600-h/7+June+08+153.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzaTz_cC2I/AAAAAAAAFWg/JQNSmGudyww/s320/7+June+08+153.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">small local outlets</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzhVxscuwI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/Yvbdfkim3QQ/s1600-h/7+June+08+167.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzhVxscuwI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/Yvbdfkim3QQ/s320/7+June+08+167.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Japanese cult brands</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzhdbihsGI/AAAAAAAAFXY/CbnCV_wMWZ8/s1600-h/7+June+08+170.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzhdbihsGI/AAAAAAAAFXY/CbnCV_wMWZ8/s320/7+June+08+170.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">hence the queues</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV46D8B0l0I/AAAAAAAAFX4/dt9R9D1OIus/s1600-h/7+June+08+182.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV46D8B0l0I/AAAAAAAAFX4/dt9R9D1OIus/s320/7+June+08+182.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Japanese staples</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzaiq4i7uI/AAAAAAAAFWo/glWTNuoKGqo/s1600-h/7+June+08+157.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzaiq4i7uI/AAAAAAAAFWo/glWTNuoKGqo/s320/7+June+08+157.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">international branches of American icons</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVza1xeHJ8I/AAAAAAAAFWw/S4JdYia9DZE/s1600-h/7+June+08+159.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVza1xeHJ8I/AAAAAAAAFWw/S4JdYia9DZE/s320/7+June+08+159.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />Of course there was more than fashion to admire.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzeK5s5j9I/AAAAAAAAFW4/N0iM5q4SCxQ/s1600-h/7+June+08+160.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzeK5s5j9I/AAAAAAAAFW4/N0iM5q4SCxQ/s320/7+June+08+160.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">a hark back to the past, at least in design terms</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzfL6MakjI/AAAAAAAAFXI/sh5eAEI0ixU/s1600-h/7+June+08+165.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzfL6MakjI/AAAAAAAAFXI/sh5eAEI0ixU/s320/7+June+08+165.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV458bYarnI/AAAAAAAAFXw/RzfkCD7mi-M/s1600-h/7+June+08+178.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV458bYarnI/AAAAAAAAFXw/RzfkCD7mi-M/s320/7+June+08+178.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzkxdCiNqI/AAAAAAAAFXo/l3rvt0969Q8/s1600-h/7+June+08+180.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVzkxdCiNqI/AAAAAAAAFXo/l3rvt0969Q8/s320/7+June+08+180.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">even the roadworks were picturesque</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVze_5KMweI/AAAAAAAAFXA/pKZiU-WgWiw/s1600-h/7+June+08+163.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SVze_5KMweI/AAAAAAAAFXA/pKZiU-WgWiw/s320/7+June+08+163.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">no wonder Tokyoites were out in full force</div><br />All too soon, it was time to leave. My only regret was missing the Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art which we did not find till it had closed for the day.<br /><br />Back at Oakwood Shinjuku, a nap was in order before we sauntered out for dinner.<br /><br />Which of our dining experiences did we want to replicate before leaving Tokyo? We opted for another <em>kaiten sushi</em> sortie, this time at a marginally more upmarket place in Shinjuku.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49MiY6zpI/AAAAAAAAFZw/AZcyjY0w_Tk/s1600-h/7+June+08+225.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49MiY6zpI/AAAAAAAAFZw/AZcyjY0w_Tk/s320/7+June+08+225.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49AQYiroI/AAAAAAAAFZo/iretjcGDkWA/s1600-h/7+June+08+223.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49AQYiroI/AAAAAAAAFZo/iretjcGDkWA/s320/7+June+08+223.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">not as much of a dive as the last one</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV461LKdARI/AAAAAAAAFYA/x7_QNQ80mY0/s1600-h/7+June+08+194.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV461LKdARI/AAAAAAAAFYA/x7_QNQ80mY0/s320/7+June+08+194.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47Ak6OrvI/AAAAAAAAFYI/N-hj4kIO7Wc/s1600-h/7+June+08+198.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47Ak6OrvI/AAAAAAAAFYI/N-hj4kIO7Wc/s320/7+June+08+198.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47GlvBh5I/AAAAAAAAFYQ/xKmkVGEnOFM/s1600-h/7+June+08+201.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47GlvBh5I/AAAAAAAAFYQ/xKmkVGEnOFM/s320/7+June+08+201.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47PP3xYgI/AAAAAAAAFYY/_B6ucMONzxo/s1600-h/7+June+08+203.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47PP3xYgI/AAAAAAAAFYY/_B6ucMONzxo/s320/7+June+08+203.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47UU5O6-I/AAAAAAAAFYg/RI83WxHRCG4/s1600-h/7+June+08+205.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47UU5O6-I/AAAAAAAAFYg/RI83WxHRCG4/s320/7+June+08+205.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47b6S0FHI/AAAAAAAAFYo/nRrvmbb9M0s/s1600-h/7+June+08+207.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47b6S0FHI/AAAAAAAAFYo/nRrvmbb9M0s/s320/7+June+08+207.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47narn4LI/AAAAAAAAFYw/FC1Bhc64z3s/s1600-h/7+June+08+209.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV47narn4LI/AAAAAAAAFYw/FC1Bhc64z3s/s320/7+June+08+209.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV470FZaPQI/AAAAAAAAFY4/6QQhMyKBtTw/s1600-h/7+June+08+210.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV470FZaPQI/AAAAAAAAFY4/6QQhMyKBtTw/s320/7+June+08+210.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV48L2fYu_I/AAAAAAAAFZA/DXCi_-xn3y4/s1600-h/7+June+08+214.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV48L2fYu_I/AAAAAAAAFZA/DXCi_-xn3y4/s320/7+June+08+214.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV48Ts-XpUI/AAAAAAAAFZI/WgkFNKF6n4w/s1600-h/7+June+08+216.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV48Ts-XpUI/AAAAAAAAFZI/WgkFNKF6n4w/s320/7+June+08+216.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV48Zxed84I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/0HzGhaV2XVQ/s1600-h/7+June+08+218.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV48Zxed84I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/0HzGhaV2XVQ/s320/7+June+08+218.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV48us0K_oI/AAAAAAAAFZg/JvZ8n7o9il8/s1600-h/7+June+08+222.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV48us0K_oI/AAAAAAAAFZg/JvZ8n7o9il8/s320/7+June+08+222.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV48mHW2TdI/AAAAAAAAFZY/fsSLSCyX6CM/s1600-h/7+June+08+219.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV48mHW2TdI/AAAAAAAAFZY/fsSLSCyX6CM/s320/7+June+08+219.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br />Our initial after-dinner plan was to go out for drinks at one of Tokyo's skybars, but we were bushed. In the end, one last night walk was all we could muster, before heading "home" to pack.<br /><br />Of all our impressions of Tokyo nightlife...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49WblYg0I/AAAAAAAAFZ4/w4hV4saG-wI/s1600-h/7+June+08+229.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49WblYg0I/AAAAAAAAFZ4/w4hV4saG-wI/s320/7+June+08+229.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49aNSESjI/AAAAAAAAFaA/pWeFofTj_Kk/s1600-h/7+June+08+231.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49aNSESjI/AAAAAAAAFaA/pWeFofTj_Kk/s320/7+June+08+231.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49hGV2WpI/AAAAAAAAFaI/GiqWhyHrBig/s1600-h/7+June+08+233.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49hGV2WpI/AAAAAAAAFaI/GiqWhyHrBig/s320/7+June+08+233.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49nSRcB9I/AAAAAAAAFaQ/q5qqw_OsOgk/s1600-h/7+June+08+234.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV49nSRcB9I/AAAAAAAAFaQ/q5qqw_OsOgk/s320/7+June+08+234.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><br /><br />... we will remember best, and fondly, the food!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV490gg7U5I/AAAAAAAAFag/ixnE5kuShNs/s1600-h/7+June+08+241.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SV490gg7U5I/AAAAAAAAFag/ixnE5kuShNs/s320/7+June+08+241.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">the one that got away - there will be a next time</div>blobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268342577307668738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878648643455146542.post-22657756598040646802008-06-11T07:25:00.000-07:002009-01-20T10:50:34.086-08:00Day 9: Homeward BoundThe morning was somewhat rushed, but we made it to the airport in plenty of time, thanks to a quickie breakfast of instant noodles and instant coffee, and the combined efforts of a taxi (gasp!) and the limousine bus.<br /><br />Check-in was uneventful and so it was that we found ourselves with plenty of time to wander around the airport.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXs9uDFTcI/AAAAAAAAFao/V8oDcS_iMds/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+003.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXs9uDFTcI/AAAAAAAAFao/V8oDcS_iMds/s320/9+Jun+08+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">A380 - a great way to fly</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXtcfpRvyI/AAAAAAAAFaw/JWr7gAn0Qdc/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+006.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXtcfpRvyI/AAAAAAAAFaw/JWr7gAn0Qdc/s320/9+Jun+08+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">second breakfast</div><br />We found a good way to while away our time - shopping, of course. Of all the Uniqlo outlets we visited, it was the one at Narita Airport that got most of our business! Plus, we found some books, lasting souvenirs of our time in Tokyo, to buy.<br /><br />All too soon, it was time to board our plane, but our Tokyo experience wasn't quite over yet.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXt4_AaHhI/AAAAAAAAFa4/LSzN1O2x_JE/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+008.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXt4_AaHhI/AAAAAAAAFa4/LSzN1O2x_JE/s320/9+Jun+08+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">first, we had to finish our stash</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXuMs35gkI/AAAAAAAAFbA/XKVZOijkdgc/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+015.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXuMs35gkI/AAAAAAAAFbA/XKVZOijkdgc/s320/9+Jun+08+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">then SQ served a meal much better than usual, evidently the product of a Japanese kitchen</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXuUFFLVvI/AAAAAAAAFbI/5uytElFKkrw/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+020.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXuUFFLVvI/AAAAAAAAFbI/5uytElFKkrw/s320/9+Jun+08+020.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">even the dessert was a pleasant surprise</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXufEnE68I/AAAAAAAAFbQ/QuuEUy1W3l0/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+023.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXufEnE68I/AAAAAAAAFbQ/QuuEUy1W3l0/s320/9+Jun+08+023.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">and we had good company all the way home :-)</div>blobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268342577307668738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878648643455146542.post-49172881793672170772008-06-10T07:38:00.000-07:002009-02-08T01:37:32.255-08:00Our HaulShopping in Tokyo was not cheap, but the quality of what was on sale was undeniably superior to that sold at home. We certainly felt we got what we paid for. N.B. The photos are here are but a selection of what we bought. Sadly, there are no photos of some of our best buys, from places like Uniqlo.<br /><br /><u>Clothes</u><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX_oxa3rlI/AAAAAAAAFeo/KwWYajJ9loE/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+048.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX_oxa3rlI/AAAAAAAAFeo/KwWYajJ9loE/s320/9+Jun+08+048.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">from the Graniph - - my favourite t-shirt brand - stores in Harajuku and Ueno (4200Y/S$63 for two)</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SY6mI6FreuI/AAAAAAAAFnM/1DXuPRwuXKE/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+062.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SY6mI6FreuI/AAAAAAAAFnM/1DXuPRwuXKE/s320/9+Jun+08+062.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">from Tokyo National Museum</div><br /><br /><br /><u>Bags,Shoes and Stockings</u><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX2t3QuHKI/AAAAAAAAFcY/cB8lcm4JXIA/s1600-h/5+June+08+181.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX2t3QuHKI/AAAAAAAAFcY/cB8lcm4JXIA/s320/5+June+08+181.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Unisa, from Isetan Shinjuku</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX7UnP-N4I/AAAAAAAAFdo/KcZpj0MxFUQ/s1600-h/7+June+08+255.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX7UnP-N4I/AAAAAAAAFdo/KcZpj0MxFUQ/s320/7+June+08+255.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">from a boutique in Laforet Shopping Centre</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SY6l7osbhiI/AAAAAAAAFm8/MBXxL1jF1ek/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+056.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SY6l7osbhiI/AAAAAAAAFm8/MBXxL1jF1ek/s320/9+Jun+08+056.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">traditional Japanese-style bags, from Nakamise Dori in Asakusa (2100Y/S$32.25 each)</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX4urepCcI/AAAAAAAAFcw/m9TY8xJrrEM/s1600-h/6+June+08+298.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX4urepCcI/AAAAAAAAFcw/m9TY8xJrrEM/s320/6+June+08+298.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">my Porter bag, from the Porter outlet at Takashimaya Times Square</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX2PplDpaI/AAAAAAAAFcI/ktKwRQSLD9A/s1600-h/2+June+08+134.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX2PplDpaI/AAAAAAAAFcI/ktKwRQSLD9A/s320/2+June+08+134.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">fashionable tights, from some department store in Ueno (1785Y/S$26.80)</div><br /><br /><u>Indulgences</u><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX1iFuKGeI/AAAAAAAAFbw/uFhw-r_8BII/s1600-h/2+June+08+005.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX1iFuKGeI/AAAAAAAAFbw/uFhw-r_8BII/s320/2+June+08+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">From Burberry Blue (background) and Miu Miu (foreground), from the Harajuku/Aoyama stores</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX3Bko4a4I/AAAAAAAAFcg/x4JV9nBmwVY/s1600-h/5+June+08+184.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX3Bko4a4I/AAAAAAAAFcg/x4JV9nBmwVY/s320/5+June+08+184.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">from the Apple Store in Ginza</div><br />Yes, yes, how weird to go to Tokyo to buy an iPod, but it was there...<br /><br /><br /><u>Japanese Ceramics</u><br /><br />All these were from Kappadoshi Dori in Asakusa.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXYE9FJySfI/AAAAAAAAFfg/fHfuMVjT9dE/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+067.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXYE9FJySfI/AAAAAAAAFfg/fHfuMVjT9dE/s320/9+Jun+08+067.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">one <em>goma</em> aka sesame seed grinder (top left) and three beautiful bowls</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXYFHm7WlzI/AAAAAAAAFfo/GMZJ1brkKMY/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+070.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXYFHm7WlzI/AAAAAAAAFfo/GMZJ1brkKMY/s320/9+Jun+08+070.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">cups depicting various types of sushi - cheesy! (250Y/S$3.75 each)</div><br /><br /><u>Things Ghibli and More</u><br /><br />All these were from the Ghibli Museum and Kiddyland in Omotesando. It may all look a little excessive, but some of these were for friends, I swear.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX12uU8J4I/AAAAAAAAFb4/zqLgckOtRos/s1600-h/2+June+08+122.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX12uU8J4I/AAAAAAAAFb4/zqLgckOtRos/s320/2+June+08+122.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">(front row, from left) Gigi the cat, extra small Totoro, Kittenbus (back row, from right) Totoro - small, medium and large</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX2AeMvVoI/AAAAAAAAFcA/3yhH9y9uius/s1600-h/2+June+08+129.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX2AeMvVoI/AAAAAAAAFcA/3yhH9y9uius/s320/2+June+08+129.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">(anti-clockwise from left) soft Totoro magnet, Totoro windup toy, Gigi magnet, Totoro magnet, Totoro mugs, "Spirited Away" soundtrack and Totoro phone thingum</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX8fzzjRXI/AAAAAAAAFd4/htkEOxQOnfE/s1600-h/7+June+08+259.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX8fzzjRXI/AAAAAAAAFd4/htkEOxQOnfE/s320/7+June+08+259.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Totoro face towels</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX9CEYGGlI/AAAAAAAAFeA/RqyeJ_RRB4Q/s1600-h/7+June+08+263.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX9CEYGGlI/AAAAAAAAFeA/RqyeJ_RRB4Q/s320/7+June+08+263.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">(anti-clockwise from bottom left) Gigi phone thingum, Totoro magnets 1, Totoro magnets 2, Catbus pencil case, Totoro ceramic</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX9J_mPcRI/AAAAAAAAFeI/5eLZs-Epjtk/s1600-h/7+June+08+269.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX9J_mPcRI/AAAAAAAAFeI/5eLZs-Epjtk/s320/7+June+08+269.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">(anti-clockwise from bottom left) Little Twin Star mirror, lego memory cardcase, cute elephant bib, Baby Pooh</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX9PCt9tuI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/R3TEI5bEVp0/s1600-h/7+June+08+271.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX9PCt9tuI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/R3TEI5bEVp0/s320/7+June+08+271.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Blythe file</div><br /><br /><u>Food!</u><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX_PWJdVgI/AAAAAAAAFeg/P0g3WVYVoTY/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+046.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX_PWJdVgI/AAAAAAAAFeg/P0g3WVYVoTY/s320/9+Jun+08+046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Tokyo bananas! </div><br />For the uninitiated, these are soft sponge cakes shaped like bananas and filled with banana-flavoured cream. How is this Japanese? It is. Trust me.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SY6mCCibyXI/AAAAAAAAFnE/Oe7Cfy6r008/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+059.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SY6mCCibyXI/AAAAAAAAFnE/Oe7Cfy6r008/s320/9+Jun+08+059.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">more Japanese confectionary, shaped as Doraemon to add cute factor if need be</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX5CL-xbCI/AAAAAAAAFdA/C7pg0r6uuiM/s1600-h/6+June+08+306.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX5CL-xbCI/AAAAAAAAFdA/C7pg0r6uuiM/s320/6+June+08+306.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">dried scallops, from Tsukiji Fish Market (1500Y/S$22.50 for a tub of standard ones and 4000Y/S$60 for better quality ones) </div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX6N74vi8I/AAAAAAAAFdQ/cuinydSlA3w/s1600-h/7+June+08+245.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX6N74vi8I/AAAAAAAAFdQ/cuinydSlA3w/s320/7+June+08+245.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">pocky pocky pocky</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX6aGxGjkI/AAAAAAAAFdY/eHi4w5OGnOY/s1600-h/7+June+08+249.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX6aGxGjkI/AAAAAAAAFdY/eHi4w5OGnOY/s320/7+June+08+249.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div>things we shouldn't have been eating or drinking<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX7GYXf6KI/AAAAAAAAFdg/JYWRQ-A9DWc/s1600-h/7+June+08+251.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX7GYXf6KI/AAAAAAAAFdg/JYWRQ-A9DWc/s320/7+June+08+251.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">instant noodles - score!</div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXYEifc_ebI/AAAAAAAAFfY/3fCxAZ03JFM/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+065.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXYEifc_ebI/AAAAAAAAFfY/3fCxAZ03JFM/s320/9+Jun+08+065.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Japanese tea (1470Y/S$21.75 for 250g each, plus a small packet of tea free)</div><br /><br /><u>Japanese Publications and Stationery</u><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX_Jh9cWZI/AAAAAAAAFeY/lkOAewfamG0/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+044.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX_Jh9cWZI/AAAAAAAAFeY/lkOAewfamG0/s320/9+Jun+08+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">books on life in Japan</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXYCvrkfIPI/AAAAAAAAFew/MRa5MceNvaY/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+052.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXYCvrkfIPI/AAAAAAAAFew/MRa5MceNvaY/s320/9+Jun+08+052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>ukiyo-e</i> postcards, from Asasuka's Nakamise Dori</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXYDMVydslI/AAAAAAAAFfI/p9YWVOzQSk4/s1600-h/9+Jun+08+061.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXYDMVydslI/AAAAAAAAFfI/p9YWVOzQSk4/s320/9+Jun+08+061.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">ukiyo-e files, from Ueno's Tokyo National Museum souvenir shop</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX6DbMbjVI/AAAAAAAAFdI/83JIagCm35Q/s1600-h/6+June+08+307.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX6DbMbjVI/AAAAAAAAFdI/83JIagCm35Q/s320/6+June+08+307.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Japanese fashion magazine</div><br /><br /><u>Miscellaneous</u><br /><br />From Tokyu Hands, the home of ultimate weirdness and strangely compelling must-buy items:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX1TKmCgII/AAAAAAAAFbo/jkV5MAUAA0g/s1600-h/31+May+08+126.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX1TKmCgII/AAAAAAAAFbo/jkV5MAUAA0g/s320/31+May+08+126.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">stuff we didn't know we needed till we set eyes on them...</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX42t4kl2I/AAAAAAAAFc4/Vv4inra01-w/s1600-h/6+June+08+302.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX42t4kl2I/AAAAAAAAFc4/Vv4inra01-w/s320/6+June+08+302.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">that's right - more rubbish </div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXwFC2civI/AAAAAAAAFbY/2u4wzQU8xM0/s1600-h/31+May+08+116.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXXwFC2civI/AAAAAAAAFbY/2u4wzQU8xM0/s320/31+May+08+116.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">stuff we really don't need but could not resist buying, for novelty value</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX1J9k9CuI/AAAAAAAAFbg/6ggI45fJZfQ/s1600-h/31+May+08+122.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX1J9k9CuI/AAAAAAAAFbg/6ggI45fJZfQ/s320/31+May+08+122.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">to go with the above, hehe</div><br /><br />Muji was no slouch either in this department:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX2boswL9I/AAAAAAAAFcQ/duTZJiuRH18/s1600-h/2+June+08+208.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX2boswL9I/AAAAAAAAFcQ/duTZJiuRH18/s320/2+June+08+208.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">spectacles frame (6300Y/S$94.50), and a terry towel & retractable make-up brush (3045Y/S$45.80)</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX7d4ov6sI/AAAAAAAAFdw/-YojIMVFDA4/s1600-h/7+June+08+258.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LEBwpsGsTEA/SXX7d4ov6sI/AAAAAAAAFdw/-YojIMVFDA4/s320/7+June+08+258.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">slippers and shopping bag</div>blobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268342577307668738noreply@blogger.com0