Tokyo Departure Day
Monday, July 20, 2009
So, I wasn't planning on doing much of anything today since I have 4 days of jam packed traveling and sight seeing planned for me and my mom but MW insisted we at least get some breakfast and walk around a bit before we have to catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto.
I'm actually glad she insisted on it because it gave me the chance to cover some ground I probably wouldn't have been able to.
SHINJUKU
Being born 
and raised in NY didn't exactly have me all hype to visit this part of Tokyo known for its government buildings and skyscrapers. What convinced me to go was MW's suggestion to visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - Tokyo's "Twin Towers".
and raised in NY didn't exactly have me all hype to visit this part of Tokyo known for its government buildings and skyscrapers. What convinced me to go was MW's suggestion to visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - Tokyo's "Twin Towers".Working in the Financial District (where I take the E train to Chambers St. "WTC" stop every day) is a constant reminder to me that the NY skyline is incomplete. Even when the Freedom tower is built and other buildings take its place, I will never forget my beloved twin towers, its "Windows of the World" and how their destruction affected my life.
Takashimaya "Times Square" - Before visiting the government building, MW took us to Times Square.... LOL not nearly as horrible or touristy as 
the NY version - it's actually a 15 floor shopping center with lots of shi shi frou frou department stores (I tried on a pair of $800 shoes, not to mention stores like Dior, Chanel & Prada were here) and lovely restaurants.
the NY version - it's actually a 15 floor shopping center with lots of shi shi frou frou department stores (I tried on a pair of $800 shoes, not to mention stores like Dior, Chanel & Prada were here) and lovely restaurants.Our main purpose here was to try the delicious soup dumplings at Din tai Fung - a 
Chinese restaurant that served food unparallel to anything Chinatown could ever aspire to serve. Needless to say, the food was very good and much tastier than anything Noodle Town, 69 or even HopKee could hope to serve.
Chinese restaurant that served food unparallel to anything Chinatown could ever aspire to serve. Needless to say, the food was very good and much tastier than anything Noodle Town, 69 or even HopKee could hope to serve.Tokyo Hands - I was also able to get a preview of "all the things me and my friends never knew we needed" at this Japanese version of Target/WalMart but eleventy BILLION times better 'cause it had all the cool, ingenious gadgets and trinkets you'd never find in the States. I can't wait to go back there at the end of my trip & spend the rest of my $ on TOYS! - I couldn't spend too much time browsing and shopping though - I still had to see the twin towers & be back at the apt in time to pack up for my mom & my 3 day Kyoto -> Hiroshima -> Miyajima -> Nara -> Hakone adventure!!!!
Takashimaya "Times Square" - The most amusing part about visiting the building (and even walking there) was comparing the huge 
difference between the crowd at Takashimaya vs. the govt bldg area. Since we got to Takashimaya early, we just beat the crowd, but as we were leaving I was so grateful to be going in the opposite direction of the hordes of people that begand to flood all entrances at approximately noon!
difference between the crowd at Takashimaya vs. the govt bldg area. Since we got to Takashimaya early, we just beat the crowd, but as we were leaving I was so grateful to be going in the opposite direction of the hordes of people that begand to flood all entrances at approximately noon!
As we went the other way towards the skyscrapers, it got significantly quieter/emptier. The plaza in front of the towers reminded me of 28 days later when the guy woke up and was walking around these huge open spaces that seemed like they should be filled with a million people.
The line for the observatory deck was practically non existent and we didn't even have to wait to get on the tiny elevator.
Unfortunately, on this cloudy day, the only interesting thing, to me, about the observatory deck was the souvenir shop - good thing it's free to go up there. LOL. Nevertheless, I came, I saw, I relived the glory days of the WTC vicariously through these Japanese twin towers & I was satisfied.... and friggin EXHAUSTED!!!
I mean, I was always expecting to walk a lot - every Japanese guide book and website I read all say the best way to discover Tokyo is to walk through it - but 3 days straight of nothing but walking, inconsistent sleeping patterns and 13 hr jet lag was kicking my @SS!... At least I had the 2.5 hr bullet train ride to look forward to.
THE SHINKANSEN
Fortunately, I lucked out by getting an English speaking person at the ticket booth and was able to successfully obtain all the train tickets my mom and I needed for the next 4 days :)
UNfortunately, I don't remember the train because I slept the whole time.
ARRIVAL IN KYOTO - Super Kyoto Hotel!
This hotel is super cute (har har). It's advertised as a western style hotel but there are many Japanese characteristics - the bathroom, the customer service, the tiny reminders how keen the Japanese are on cleanliness... I spent a good 30 minutes soaking in the bathtub - Japanese style... and a GREAT sleep followed.....
**** COMING SOON ****
Day 6 - HiROSHiMA & MiYAJiMA VOYAGE
