I ended my 3 Weeks in Japan with a final 24 Hours in Tokyo before flying out back to Bangkok. I returned from my 4 Days in Niigata on the train and stuffed my backpack in a locker at the train station. The Imperial Palace is a very short walk West from the Tokyo Station. I didn’t get to the palace on my first visit to Tokyo last week. In fact, we had only used the East Entrance, which is quite modern, so I had no idea that the West Entrance boasted a beautiful older architectural style facade.
At the palace, there were people with sketchpads and canvases all over the place. This seems to be a very popular activity. As does, of course, posing. Asians know how to make every attraction a photoshoot opportunity.
On the way back to the station, I stopped in a Le Cafe La Boutique de Joel Robuchon to enjoy a little pumpkin tart pastry, because I just can’t resist all things pumpkin. I enjoyed my little treat in the courtyard outside, watching couples on dates and children play.
I hopped on the train to headed over to see the famous “crosswalk scramble” that is the Shibuya Crossing. The best view seemed to be from the 2nd story of the Starbucks. Honestly, it wasn’t as crazy as I expected, but I suppose it was an odd time of day. I’m sure it’s a real show when work is starting/ending for the day. I enjoyed it with my new pastry friend.
From there, I wandered around exploring the Shibuya district until, to my horror, my phone battery died. While normally I’d embrace this and take it as a chance to go with the flow, Tokyo is not exactly a small place where I could go with that. So at the advice of a Facebook friend, I grabbed some Lawson’s fried chicken (and a Pumpkin Beer – because as stated earlier – must have all the pumpkin things) and found myself a coffeeshop with outlets.
Once I had enough battery, I was able to continue my explorations with a little guidance and headed over to the Harajuku District which is famous due to its crazy fashions and lots and lots of dessert cafes – especially crepes.
From there I headed to check out the Shibuya District – known for its high-end shopping and general Tokyo insanity. This district has the busiest railway station in the world. And I admit – even this hardened New Yorker felt like a country mouse in the big city. I spent most of it with my mouth agape looking up like all the slack-jawed tourists I’d elbowed past on my way to the theatre in Times Square.
After all this walking and overwhelming crowds it was time for a drink. I found my way to this inconspicious stairwell where I happily found the entrance to craft cocktail heaven: Isinohana. The mushroom old fashioned featured house made mushroom infused single malt whisky.
Now it was the best part of the day – for my final night in Japan, I was finally going to stay in a capsule hotel! I booked the Nihonbashi Bay Hotel, so I headed back to Tokyo Station, grabbed my backpack from the locker and headed out the East Entrance. Despite charging my phone at the bar, a few blocks away, the battery died again (yeah, yeah, it’s an issue) AND my external battery was also sapped. However, I was successfully able to find my futuristic sleeping accommodations and check in to my 2017 Hotel Odyssey. “Open the pod bay doors, Hal”
And thus, my time in Japan was finally at an end. Sayonara Nippon, thanks for an amazing visit!