My family concurred that this was the best trip we had as a family, from finding our way all over Japan, to travelling the opposite direction on the JR when we intended to travel to Yokohama from Tokyo, and having a crazy time talking and laughing before we slept.
We took a night flight to Tokyo, took the JR to Gotanda Station (A 5 mins walk to our apartment) and was welcomed by our host, Keita. As soon as we reached the apartment, we unpacked and hit the sack.
Here are a few (out of numerous) highlights of my trip to Japan!
Disney Sea
I can never emphasize the importance of planning your day at Disney Sea!
1. List down at least 6 rides to visit- You will need to get a Fast Pass for the rides if you want to maximize your time in Disney Sea
2. Best time to go to Disney Sea: Weekdays! Avoid weekends and school holidays
3. Download the Disney Sea map to familiarize yourself with the park - you wouldn't want to lose your way in the park!
What is a Fast Pass?
In a nutshell, the Fast Pass allows you to access the express queue of selected rides and attractions within a stipulated time, at no extra cost. As there are only a limited number of Fast Pass tickets available for each ride based on the ride’s capacity, if you try to get your Fast Pass too late, it might not be available (eg. The Toy Story Mania ride, which was finished at ~10am).
Getting our Fast Pass to the Tower of Terror!
The lovebirds
Never leave Disney Sea without watching the fireworks!
Christmas week in Disney Sea was indeed magical.
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is a large Shinto shrine in Tokyo, built to venerate the Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) under whose reign Japan became a modern state. The walk from the entrance to the shrine was so serene and beautiful.
Cute Japanese girl in a Yukata.
Takeshita Dori, Harajuku
The famous Harajuku shopping street!
Purikura!
The oldest Crepe stall in Harajuku - Marion Crepes
Oh, you wanted to see the crepe? Here it is! Hahah. Strawberry cheesecake!
Ichiran Ramen, Shibuya
Never leave Japan if you haven't been to Ichiran! They serve the best Ramen ever - with pork broth that's mouthwatering and will leave you wanting more. Its amazing broth can be attributed to the creamy smooth classic pork-based tonkotsu soup, topped with Ichiran’s original red pepper sauced mixed with 3 types of spices.
I'll be back for you!
Kinotoya Bake Cheesetart
Had my first bite of this divine cheesetart in Japan, and I was delighted to find the Hokkaido based bakery in Shibuya! Definitely a must try when in Japan - the texture of this cheesetart is amazing.
Cup Noodles Museum, Yokohama
One of the highlights of my trip. I mean, not everyone gets a chance to make their own personalized Cup Noodles! We took a JR train from Tokyo to Yokohama, and almost got lost in the process. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful day spent in Yokohama.
No prizes for guessing who the biggest Cup Noodle fan in the family is!
Step 1: Purchase your cup and decorate it
Step 2: Choose your seasoning and ingredients
Step 3: Seal your cup and protect it!
Sushi Dai, Tsukiji Market
We started queuing at 6.30am, with approximately 65 people lining up in front of us. As the sushi bar could only fit 13 people at one go (the entire course takes around 45 mins to be completed), we had to wait a long 5 hours for the sushi - outside the sushi bar! It was 6 degrees outside, and looking back - I have no idea how we managed to survive and persevere for the whole 5 hours.
The sushi didn't disappoint us - It was arguably the best we've tasted. All the seafood was extremely fresh!
We took turns keeping ourselves warm in this cafe - "Aiyo", next to Sushi Dai
Almost there!
Fatty Tuna (Otoro) - This was so fresh, it melted in my mouth. We had a pretty thick cut, and was a good start to the course. *craving for some Otoro noww*
Yellow Tail
Snapper
Tamago
Uni (Sea Urchin) - Creamy, and just... amazing. My first time trying Uni, and I'm sold!
Horse Mackarel
Clam - Which was still moving when the chef presented it to us!
Lean Tuna
Salmon Roe - This was so good! Slightly sweet, and extremely juicy. This was really fresh and didn't have a fishy taste.
Tuna, Cucumber and Cod Roe Roll
Sea Eel
File Fish with liver - For the last piece, we had the chance to choose any sushi we want. Me being the indecisive person that I am, asked the chef to recommend a piece for me. It's pretty hard to describe how this sushi tasted - it was a little tangy and salty with a hint of sweetness. Definitely one of my favorites!
With the 3 amazing chefs!
Kawaguchiko & Mt Fuji
Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before you make a trip to Kawaguchiko, to view Mt Fuji. It's best to go when the sky is clear, as you wouldn't want your view of Mt Fuji to be blocked by the clouds.
We took a 2.5 hour bus ride from the Keio Bus Terminal in Shibuya to Kawaguchiko. The view of Mt Fuji was absolutely breathtaking.
View of Mt Fuji from Kachi Kachi Mountain
We bought lunch from Lawsons and had a picnic by Kawaguchiko Lake. This bento was pretty delicious!
Our view during lunch time.
Luke's Lobster
Amazing lobster rolls with an extremely long queue during lunch time! Maine style lobster rolls - Chilled lobsters served on buttered New England split top bun with a swipe of Mayo, a sprinkle of lemon butter, and a dash of Luke's secret spices.
Yum!
Look at those happy faces! :p
To many more trips with the family, especially to other parts of Japan! A great way to end my 2015.
The Sony Museum
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