#JESSICAINTOKYO | DAY 1 | MEIJI SHRINE, HARAJUKU

For those who didn't know, I was in Tokyo for a vacation with my mum and my friend, Melanie, from 16th May to 26th May. It's the longest trip that I've ever been to! Plus, I'm really happy that I didn't fall sick throughout the trip. During my Nagoya trip last year, I didn't really get to enjoy wholeheartedly due to how terribly sick I was throughout the entire trip.

Anyway, I had sooooo much fun in Tokyo!! Did a lot of shopping (um, does window shopping count?) and had a lot of affordable yet good food!!! So if you wanna know where you can find affordable yet delicious food in Tokyo, be sure to keep your eyes glued on the upcoming blog posts!!

Also, I did not forget to buy some souvenirs for my readers!!! (Some handpicked goodies bought using my own money) I'll be revealing a gift each time I blog about my Tokyo trip, so stay tuned and find out how you can win them!! :P

DAY 1 (16TH MAY 2015)

It was 4.30am when I took this picture on the plane. Beautiful warm tones assembled before the rising sun, forming a prepossessing gradation across the horizon.


Brought Pocky along as my on-flight snack! :P 

Woke up to this breathtaking scenery. It felt surreal - so surreal.

In the airport, we bought our (return) bus tickets to Shinagawa Prince Hotel. 

With momma! 

Vending machines are almost everywhere in Tokyo. Most of the green tea beverages are around 160yen (rm4.7) and they taste super good. 

HOW TO GET AROUND IN TOKYO? 
- With the JR train! (do note that JR, Metro Subway, Keikyu Line are three different railway companies. JR was the one we used the most throughout this trip)


If you will be traveling in Japan for more than 5 days, I suggest you to purchase a SUICA card to get around so that you don't have to buy train tickets from the machine every time. This card can be used not only for JR trains, but subways and buses as well. Not only that, you can also use it to buy things from certain stores such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart, etc. Top up your card anytime from the machines if you run out of credit!

Off to Harajuku!!! 

Takoyaki is a must-try in Japan!!! My mum and I were feasting on them like starving beasts because we were too ravenous!


Harajuku is a maze (expression, not literally). They have a few shopping malls, and a lot of standalone boutiques and cafes. 

The very first bowl of ramen I had in Tokyo!! The portion was big and flavour was very strong. The texture of the noodles were just the way I wished it would be!


After lunch, we walked to Meiji Shrine, which is one of the attractions that impressed me the most during our trip. 

Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken.

Surrounded by lush forests and rich nature, I had the time of my life here. I felt amazingly comfortable and relaxed while taking a stroll around here. I don't know if it was the weather or the trees - but it felt as if an enigmatic force was all around us, calming and soothing the souls of patrons who set foot onto this holy land.

Picturesque. Just what more can I say?

 

Prior to entering the Meiji Jingo Shrine, we were required to perform Temizu, a hand washing custom. The water was so cold and clear that for a moment, I was really tempted to allow my face take a rebellious dip into the tub x)

We chanced upon a traditional Japanese wedding procession that day!! It was an austere and formal ceremony.

Souvenirs, anyone?

Tea-time at Choco Cro after that :) 

Pastries are a MUST-HAVE in Japan!!


And don't forget to try their matcha ice-cream too!!! 

There's a huge shop selling all kinds of beauty-related goods in Harajuku. Mummy and I spent a good few hours shopping for cosmetics + facial masks lolol.

La Foret - a shopping mall in Harajuku that boasts a wide selection of both local and international high-end fashion and cosmetic brands!

JOYRICH, JEFFERY CAMPBELL, BOY LONDON, BALENCIAGA....and many more luxury brands that I can't afford lolol. But it's nice to do some window-shopping la! :p

Can't really afford luxury goods like me??? Perhaps you will find it more enjoyable to shop in Takeshita street in Harajuku! With budget prices offered, will definitely be spoilt for choices!! 

Dinner at Watamin-chi, also located in Harajuku! (day 1 is basically a Harajuku day la haha)

 

The very first sushi I had in Japan, literally. 

 

Seasoned cabbage..... guys, THIS IS AWESOME. I think I can literally finish the entire bowl on my own because the dressing was so freaking good, and the cabbage couldn't be any fresher!!! 

Edamame~! 

 

THICK AND JUICY... I WANT NEED MORE. 

 

Fried chicken in Japan tasted good too!!! 

Minced pork rice with egg yolk. To be honest, it was just middling. It looked appetising from the menu though :/


Besides my traveling documents and pocket money, SAMURAI POCKET WIFI is also my must-have traveling essential. All thanks to its unlimited LTE mobile internet coverage, I can update my social media platforms anytime during my trip in Tokyo. Not only that, I even used it to connect to our tour guide - Google Maps hehehe! The connection was extremely fast, and I experienced no unintended disconnection at all. It can also connect up to 10 devices at the same time, imagine that! For more details, kindly visit Samurai Wifi's website- http://www.kl-samurai.com/. 

OK TIME FOR A GIVEAWAY!!

The first gift that I will be giving away is.....*drum rolls*

A Rilakkuma pouch!!! 

It's extremely easy to win!
Just leave me a comment with your name and email-address and tell me which place you would like to visit in Tokyo, and why.

One lucky winner will be chosen and contacted on Tuesday (2nd of June).
Act now! :p

UPDATED!! 
The winner of the 1st giveaway is Lis!

 

Dear Lis, if you are reading this, please reply the comment section with your email-address (don't type it on the "email-address" bar, instead type it in the comment box) 

Thank you everyone for joining, for those who did not win, be sure to check out my 2nd post for the next giveaway!! :)