At last, I have managed to complete my blogs on Tokyo trip in Spring, before my next coming Japan trip in November, autumn holiday, for the burst of fiery red, orange and yellow hues. *Sigh in relief* For those who are curious, hubby and me will embark on a 14 days (11th to 24th November) wondrous Japan Autumn holiday, covering Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Tokyo, Hakone, Nagano and Nikko, using 14 days JR Pass. Our accomodation will include 5 nights in ancient Kyoto, 8 nights in modern Tokyo, 1 night in a luxury ryokan up on a hilltop around Hakone, and another night in a ryokan around Japan Alps lived by many Japanese macaques, snow monkey, in Nagano. I bet it would be a hectic and fully planned journey, but it sure be an adventurous trip for both of us.
Ok, back to my last day in Tokyo....my flight was in late evening. We checked out in the morning, acquired the number tags for our luggage, which were then placed at the lobby area. In order to save all the trouble from lugging our heavy luggage to Shinjuku station to board the NEX to Narita Airport, I bought 2 airport limousine tickets from the hotel front desk.
Then, off we went for a morning visit, again at Asakusa Senso-ji. Our first visit to Asakusa on the second day was a disappointment, it drizzled through the whole day.
So, here we were standing at the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), posed under the giant red lantern, the symbol of ancient Asakusa, before walking towards Senso-ji.
Nakamise, a 200 metres shopping street, leading from first gate Kaminarimon to second gate, Hozomon. Along the street, alot of Japanese souvenirs and snacks are on sale...from Japanese rice cracker senbei, deep-fried dough with savoury and sweet filling, fridge magnets, yukata, Japanese folding fans and many more.
Very tempting looking sushi fridge magnets.
Assorted hand-made senbei...can be purchased as souvenirs.
Sakura in bloom along Nakamise.
Savouring my fried dough of sakura and green tea fillings. Crunchy on the outside, and sweet hot filling inside the dough. Please try the senbei and the fried dough when you are in Asakusa.
A clear picture of the fried dough with different fillings which you can choose from.
The Senso-ji
After which, we walked back to Asakusa station, where we found a fugu specialized restaurant. That was the first time I had first encounter with real fugus. They sure looked ugly but I contemplate to have fugu feast with hubby in Osaka, on upcoming November holiday.
A table full of fugu delicacies.
A picture guide showing many parts of fugu which are edible.
Bought hand-made senbei from a shop near Asakusa.
If you are lazy to move your bum around venturing the area, get yourself a trishaw.
With 2 major Tokyo landmarks at the background, from left: 634 metres tall Tokyo Skytree (the highest tower in the world, which is said reservation to the observation decks takes months after its opening on 22nd May 2012), and the Asahi Building, the one looks like golden peanut.
When we got back to Shinjuku, we headed for sushi lunch. Love the Japanese menu, which usually comes with calorie counter, for those who are weight conscious.
Here's our sushi lunch, with chawan mushi, miso soup and refillable green tea.
Mum said it's a shame that it was the end of the Tokyo trip, where we had stayed in Shinjuku for 7 nights, and navigating around Tokyo was not a chore anymore. To me, my first 2 days finding my way out in Shinjuku station, was a mind-boggling experience.
Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku provides airport limousine bus services, which conveniently transport passengers from the hotel to both Haneda or Narita International Airport and vice-versa.
The Limousine Bus departing to Narita International Airport.
Love Japanese magazines which come with kawaii freebies. I bought a few from Lawson.
Unused reserved NEX (Narita Express) tickets, in green, as we preferred to take limousine bus directly from our hotel lobby. One-way limousine bus fare is 3000 yen (S$47) per person from our hotel. A tip to share, if you are not in a hurry to reach Narita, you can take 2 hours limousine bus ride. Otherwise NEX is still faster without all the unforeseen traffic jam.
Walked around Narita Airport and did some last minute shopping for souvenirs and Japanese snacks.
From all the snacks which I'd bought from Japan, I love Tokyo Banana the best. I will buy more next time. :)
This Tokyo Banana Pie is crispy and has buttery vanilla flavouring, just like butter cookies, but not so heavy compared to the cookies. Must buy if you are in Japan. You can easily get this in Narita Airport.
OK, that's all for the Japan trip. More to come after my 2 weeks November Japan Autumn holiday with hubby. Can't wait for the moment!
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