Waking up at 7.15 before my alarm went off. But I didn’t complain as I wanna make the most of today.
The hotel we stayed provided breakfast for 3 people, so I let my mom, dad, and sister have it. And for breakfast in the room, we had (fish egg-) stuffed squid that we had bought the day before from Isetan depachiku basement.
First attraction today was Asakusa’s Kaminari Gate. Along Nakamise from the gate until Sensoji Temple, there were plenty of stores selling various kinds of local delicacy and souvenirs targeting foreign tourists. Mom bought Japanese tote bags there for quite a bargain. Dad got to try taiyaki, rice crackers, daigaku imo (honey-glazed sweet potatoes), hot sake and peanut-covered mochi on a stick.
Asakusa’s Nakamise St – selling variety of souvenirs and food
Next stop is Toyota Mega Web in Palette Town, Odaiba. We took subway towards Shinbashi, then transferred to Yurikamome line towards Aime.
Tokyo Rainbow Bridge – viewed from moving train on Yurikamome line
Mega Web hosted Toyota car and technology exhibition. Dad gave a shot at Gran Turismo 6 racing simulation, before being deeply fascinated by hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai. Mom fell in love with asleep on the racing car seat while we explored the rest of the area. Next to Mega Web is Venus Fort, which, from the outside looked just like any other small shopping centre. But the minute we walked inside, it felt just like classic italian city with blue sky ceiling throughout and great Roman art deco. Sanny stepped out from Zara with a bagful of shopping.
Water Fountain in Venus Fort, Odaiba
Since we were all tired and hungry, we decided the dinner place must serve a really yummy meal with close access to the nearest JR station. That meant only one place to us: Hakata Ippudo in Ebisu. True to the rumours, the ramen here did not disappoint, however I gotta admit Ichiran is still ichiban for me.
Hakata Ippudo in Ebisu – 5 minutes walk from Ebisu station
After dinner, we split: my sister and Sanny continued shopping spree in Shibuya while I took mom and dad back to hotel for a good rest.
To sum up, a tiring day with plenty of walking. But a day well spent.
Oyasuminasai.
Lost in translation
The hotel encourage guests to finish up one roll of toilet paper. Don’t check out with half-empty roll.