Thursday, June 11: Tokyo, Japan

Official day 1 of Japan. Woke up early to eat a small japanese breakfast provided by the hotel. It was raining so we headed to the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno. Had some udon noodles at the park cafe and headed to the museum where we spent the next 3 hours. It was a great museum - so well-curated and interesting. Spent some time in the building next to it that had Japanese treasures. Wandered around Ueno Park, saw a cool act of a guy doing things with three glass balls. Ventured around the area and found a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that had (thank goodness) an english menu. Ordered a sashimi bento box that had the most delicious, melt in your mouth tuna. Browsed the area (bustling with stores and people) and bought a melon on a stick (so good!). Went to Asakusa to see the Sensoji-Temple. Bought Shiseido face wash on the way (so cheap also). Tons of souvenir shops line the street leading up to the temple so we browsed the stores. Went to Ginza to the Sony Building, Bic Camera, huge department stores. Had dinner in Yakitori Alley at this really expensive restaurant (only one we found with seating and an english menu) that had cool decor (but charged us $4 each for cabbage..). Left for Roppongi where there were tons of businessmen ready to party and lots of black people on the streets promoting various clubs. It was an interesting experience walking down that street. We went to Tokyo Midtown and walked towards the Tokyo Tower (Japan's response to the Eiffel Tower). Came home so tired and passed out.

Friday, June 12. 

Woke up and met Yoonkee's friend Bronte at 11:30 at Harajuku. Went to the Meiji Shrine (so beautiful) and then went to eat at a crazy good donkatsu place. Walked towards Shibuya then took the subway to Shinjuku to meet Bronte's brother and go to the Shinjuku-Gyoen Park. Walked towards Kabuki-cho, which is a place where many people party (lots of bars and such). Went to the park which was so beautiful and peaceful. The guys got drinks and we just got a spot and chilled there for a bit until we were told by the police that the park had closed at 4:30 (it was 5pm). Went to the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building and saw the view of Tokyo (too hazy to see Mt. Fuji though - shucks). Went back to Shibuya and walked around a lot in search of a noodle place that Bronte really likes but we couldn't find it so we went to a place where you place your order by putting money into a vending machine-like thing. Ate soba noodles with tempura veggies- so good for so cheap. Very salty though. It seems like Japanese food tends to be salty, on the whole - but SO GOOD. I love japanese food! Went to the basement of Tokyu Tower to buy umma and appa some Japanese snacks. Walked around Harajuku through the crazy (well-known) street where all the Japanese teenyboppers hang out. It really was teenybopper heaven. Walked to Shibuya and ended the night by having a McFlurry and fries at McD's. Very comforting and hit the spot.