Our last day in Tokyo and we just had to go back to Harajuku to buy some gifts for people and some sneakers. At the entrance to Harajuku under the Teakeshita(!) sign I managed to flatter a lady by asking if I could take a picture of her in her cosplay outfit. On the weekend the cosplay game is great, which is part of the reason why we wanted to return. I would have spent longer lining up the shot, but I already felt awkward asking for the photo, so this is the best I got.
Claire got in to the spirit of cosplay
While I focused on the incredible food choices like fairy floss
Crepes
Before settling on a Croquant Chou ZakuZaku *drools*
Although I was tempted by some out there clothing selections, I did not succumb
After Harajuku we wandered around Shibuya looking for love hotels (but failed) and investigated the Tokyu Hands department store, where Claire found a beautiful Delsey bag she lusted after.
We checked out the mural at Shibuya of Hachikō the dog
Had our final meal at a very well known Tonkatsu restaurant which was DELICIOUS
We said goodbye to the small yet well designed JR Blossom Hotel in Shinjuku
Then got on the Nex train to the Narita airport
The comfort levels on this train were a marked difference to what we experienced when we arrived and screwed up but by now we were Japanese rail experts.
Japan was a mind-blowing experience and one I would be quick to try again. It somehow manages to balance tranquility, crowding, compliance and crazy in a way that keeps it interesting yet not overwhelming. Language didn’t seem to be a barrier, even if we can’t speak Japanese and they couldn’t speak English, we still managed to communicate. I have not even touched the surface of what I want to see there and i will definitely be back. Doumo arigatou Japan!
For more photos, check out the Flickr Album.