****Day 2: Osaka - Tokyo****
Shinkansen experience was really nice. It took us only 3 hours to reach Tokyo and the journey was smooth. When we reached Tokyo station, we went to search for subway pass before we check in to the Airbnb place. We bought the 2-day Tokyo Metro pass with JPY 1,200 (~RM45). The 2-day pass is only available for tourist as you need to show your passport in order to purchase the pass. Luckily we bought this pass as traveling out from the Airbnb place to Tokyo city would cost us more if we didn't buy this pass.
The Airbnb place was near Nakano-Shinbashi station and it was hostel-like. The room was very small tbh but I guess that was why the price was much cheaper than other hotels/hostels. After unloading our luggage at the Airbnb place, we headed back to Shinjuku area for lunch. First meal in Tokyo - super large bowl udon @ Tsurutontan Shinjuku.
Why they have such complicated crossing??
It was quite difficult to find the restaurant as it was at basement. We reached the place and didn't realized that it was just right in front of us. XD But was fated to try as we thought to randomly try the udon shop in front of us and realized it was the shop that we were searching for when we were queuing. There was a long queue and waited for about 20 minutes.
I ordered a bowl curry katsu udon, with 1.5 portion of udon.
Sorry for not taking care of my image XD Yours truly was really hungry!
After that, we walked around Shinjuku area before meeting up with my friend's friend. We went to check out Omotesando area near Harajuku station before heading to Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu). This is a major luxury shopping destination and the trees along the street are famous for street photography. However, as it was winter, it wasn't as beautiful as the photos taken during spring.
Oh well, trees during winter are still worth enjoying. Where do you find this scene in Malaysia?
And that was my OOTD for new year eve! Loving my Aldo boots as it is so comfy and only costs me RM200! Such a brilliant consumer. =P Behind me was a long queue for either Garrett popcorn or gyoza. I don't understand why the queue was that long!
After a few photos, we walked to Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu, 明治神宫). It is usually close at 6pm but for new year eve and a first few days of new year, they open till midnight. Especially that they have prayers at midnight for new year. But we did not join that ceremony.
Meiji Shrine is a large Shinto shrine in Tokyo built in 1920. It was surrounded by Yoyogi Park, hence Meiji Shrine is in a green setting. Exploring the shrine in the evening was really something different from all those photos that I have seen online. This is the most visited religious site in Japan. The two torii gates at the entrance to the shrine are 40 feet high and when you pass through, it symbolizes that you are entering a sacred place and leaving everything behind.
Torii gate
Barrels of sake (nihonshu) which are donated to the shrine
Perform Temizu (hand-washing custom) before entering the shrine. It was quite challenging to perform it on a winter night. My hands were frozen for a minute!
Meiji Jingu South Gate
The wishing place. They specially allocated a larger area for new year event.
After the visit to Meiji Shrine, we continued to check out an illumination place, which was a temporary event.
Crowds everywhere. Enjoying the Tokyo city vibe!
The illumination event was with LED illuminated trees. Nothing too interesting but worth a short walk to check out.
After that, we went to a cafe - Denny's to rest our legs after one whole day of walking. Ordered a matcha ice cream and it was surprisingly good! The matcha taste was very strong with bitterness.
Look at the colour!
After that, we went to an izakaya near Ikebukuro station to have our dinner and spend the night till midnight. We did not join the crowd at Shibuya for the countdown event, instead, we countdown in front of a game shop. Happy New Year 2018! It was my first time celebrating new year outside Malaysia! Just a side note, the metro functions 24 hours on new year night. Else, usually the last train will be around 11 ish.
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