Guest posts on my Japanese experiences for Melbourne blog This Is Weeny, thisisweeny.com, May 2009
“London, Paris, New York… Tokyo. You’ve seen the films, read the books, and you know you’re in love long before you arrive. I travelled to Japan in 2007 (gosh, has it been that long?) – and still the sweet scent of fresh green tea, the retina gouging lights of Shinjuku and the tranquil sounds at the Meiji Shrine haunt my thoughts. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting this mega metropolis, here are a few essential moments you can’t miss!”
EXPLORE
- Let your ears down at Tokyo Disney. Embrace, snuggle, and feed your inner child so much sugar that it vomits. Or buy nothing, save a mouse pizza or two. Either way it’s brilliant! When it comes to rides, I particularly recommend Pooh’s Hunny Hunt. This attraction is psychedelic enough to begin with – but when you throw in hordes of Japanese schoolgirls shrieking in faux horror, it becomes truly trippy. Allow one full day for a Disney visit.
- Play dress ups. If you’re an anime addict, lolita luvvie, or a candy raver kid, costume shopping should be high on your list. However, browsers beware, costumes hanging in a window doth not make a costume shop! Do not do as I did, dragging my mild mannered English friend headlong into the filthiest sex store I’ve ever seen. An experience was had in any case; just make sure your companions are up for it before you charge inside.
- Go wild in toy town. Another must do for the eternally youthful is a trip to one of Tokyo’s iconic toy stores. I loved shopping at the Kiddyland flagship on Omotesando, Harajuku. Stocking both Japanese and international brands, you’ll find several floors of plush, adorable fun. Or perhaps you consider yourself to have a more grown up taste? Head to Nakano Broadway – the destination for vintage, retro and rare collectibles. From watches to the specialty Mandrake store, they have everything a refined geek desires.
- Become a face in the crowd. Watch people teeming across one of the world’s busiest intersections – the mesmerising Shibuya Crossing. You can’t miss it – it’s a scrambled junction of roads right at the doorstep of Shibuya Station. Buy a Frappe and take a perch on the second floor of the Starbucks – it’s a great vantage point.
- Make some new animal friends. Renowned for their appreciation of all things adorable, Tokyo citizens naturally only allow the sweetest faces to become their pets. Stopping in at a local pet store will have you begging for mercy – it’s real life cute overload!
FOOD
- Embrace the unknown. Going to a sushi train restaurant and realising there is no way you know what’s on top of that Nigirizushi. Fall into the abyss of chance and try whatever takes your fancy. At the end of your meal your smiling waiter may present you with an English-pictorial menu, but under no circumstances read it. Just leave, feeling smug about your curiosity and open-minded palate.
- Rock out in Harajuku. On Sundays, Yoyogi Park (the corner near Harajuku Station in particular), comes alive with all sorts of fabulous people. You will probably be lucky enough to see some FRUiTS characters, the Tokyo Rockabilly Club and various other personalities, sharing their talents with the world. There will be a few street food vendors lurking in the vicinity – so go buy a tray of tako yaki (a dough ball filled with octopus, onions, vegetables, ginger and garlic), find a seat and watch the action!
- Buy a can of nectar from one of the city’s army of vending machines. Apparently Japan has more vending machine per capita than any other county in the world, so one will never be too far away. Seek out the weirdest flavour available and whether it’s a green grape soda, or hot canned coffee, prepare for a truly Japanese taste sensation.
SHELTER
- Get a well-designed night’s sleep! The Claska Hotel in Meguro is the one place in Tokyo you have to stay at – if only for a night. It’s a small hike from the nearest metro station, but this boutique hotel is a wonderland worth making a journey for. Hotel amenities include a puppy day spa, a design bookstore, free electric bike hire, a local vintage shopping guide and a rooftop garden with a stunning view! Seriously, just go – how many reasons do you need?
- Tread the floors of a Ryokan. Ryokans are a type of traditional Japanese inn; this means you’re in for Tatami mats (straw floor coverings), shared bathrooms and slippered feet. Don’t be scared though, it’s a wonderful experience! Breakfast is usually included when you stay at a Ryokan, making it a cinch for you to try a proper Japanese breakfast. Miso soup and fish may seem strange so early in the morning, but I really encourage you to give it a taste…”
