Shibuya

I had such a rough week, guys. My work is killing me, thus I am extremly happy that I will not stay there for long anymore. Meanwhile lets enjoy another portion of photographic memories from Japan. Today's menu: Shibuya. Not the themed coffee shops or restaurants (I did wrote about Alice in Dancing World and Train sushi places, so if you haven't checked it out before- now is ur chance), but the district itself.

Shibuya is popular part of Tokyo known as fashion centre for young japanese people. Famous for many things, among them Hatchiko monument. If you want to know more about that district history, I recommend clicking on Wikipedia article (very nicely writen and with plenty of details). But how does it look exacly?

Here you can see the Shibuya Station with it's famous, always busy crossing. Now, this pic was taken when the crowd wasn't really that big. 

A must-see Hachiko monument with his feline friend. This was one of the most important things to see in Tokyo, because I love dogs and Hachiko's story so much.
By the way- did you know we have a monument for a dog in Cracow to? 

Me and Menoa under the monument.

Random story time:  at evening, on the same day we took these pics, some western guy (who was fairly drunk but kinda hansdome XD), sat up beside me under  Hachiko. Suddenly told me story of his whole life. I don't remember his name anymore, but he managed to tell me all the details like for example that he was half german and half british, lived in Kyoto for few years and came to Tokyo because he got few days off to celebrate Silver Week. when he told me all of that, he grabbed my hand, said 'it was nice meeting ya' and ran. I dunno what it was all about. But it was kinda funny XD 

Further exploration of Shibuya streets

Lupin III (?) posters

109 shopping centre (which included many cool shops) logo

Inside 109- Liz Lisa with very unpleasant customer service XD;

some other nice shops :)

Places like this have usually few levels. You can take either elevator (which may be full) or stairs. And loose some calories. Exacly this many XD

 After shopping, me and Menoa saw this cute lolita :) I think I saw that girl's pics online- anyone recognizes her maybe?

And the crossing again, at night time 

I really enjoyed walking around Shibuya. I kinda regret I haven't go to Gyaru club which is located there. Well, next time, next time :)

Tokyo Imperial Palace

I am pretty sure that those, who watch my blog, thought I finished my Japan trip summary. Well, I was pretty sure I did too. Yet, recently, I decided to check all the pictures I had from my trip, to print some (yes, I do that, I like to have a printed version of photos, because I think it's so much more fun to have an actual album on my shelf, than just another folder on my laptop). I realized I haven't wrote anything about Tokyo Imperial Palace, Shibuya, Ginza, Yoyogi park etc. Which is a big mistake. Time to correct this. Today first off the list :)

Going to Imperial Palace in Tokyo was one of the things I wanted to do no matter what. That is why, before flight to Japan, I have reserved tickets (for myself and Menoa), for trip around the Palace's grounds. I exchanged few e-mails with their office (which was both pretty funny and awesome) and got onto their list. Now, here is the catch- trip with guide is free, but ONLY for limited amount of people. Reservation has to be made at least month earlier, cuz later there might be no tickets at all. I got tickets for the very begining of my journey- the 3rd of September, which made me extremly happy.

I didn't see many pictures of that place before, so I didn't know what to expect. All I knew, was that it's not as 'pretty' as Kyoto palace. Still I was kinda surprised with how modern and humble it is (at least from outside).

Moat around the palace grounds and view for Shinjuku district

More traditional way of building in Japan. Tho I dunno what it was. Maybe a dojo? 

That's where our guide appeared~~

 

Temple on top of fortification walls

Main palace building. This is where Emperor is living if he's in Tokyo. There is also supposed to be a big reception and hall where all the official parties take place. 

Gas lamps on the bridge leading from palace to garden.

I had luck to see the palace officials on this lovely carriage. 

Look, the guy is making a picture by his cell! Was it because me and Menoa were in lolita? XP 

View of palace's grounds from other side

 Obligatory outfit photo in front of Imperial Palace's garden entrance

Themed restaurants in Tokyo [part 1]

Decided to devide this not to two, cuz too many pictures :) Today Monster Cafe and Alice Cafes.

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This topic totally deserves it's own note. While being in Tokyo, I had chance to visit few extraordinary places, that offered not only drinks and meal but unique experiences, including being swallowed by a monster :) Ready to check it out? Start!

1. MONSTER CAFE-Harajuku (entrance- 500 jpy)
Some of you may be confused about the phrase I used above; 'swallowed by a monster'. But that is exacly the idea behind the MC. Guests who will decide to come here, are entering one of four colorful zones, each in different style, that are Choppy's insides (Choppy, also known as Mr. Ten Thousands Chopsticks is MC's mascot).

Person responsible for that crazy and brilliant theme is Sebastian Matsuda, known widely for promoting japanese pop culture and working with no one else than Kyary. In one of interviews he was supposed to say; "I always wanted to take my international friends to place, where they would see a true spirit of Tokyo/ Harajuku".

Now more about the technical stuff. When you are seated in choosen zone by one of staff members, you get the electronic menu which is equally colorful inside and outside.

Food & drinks prices are not very high (I'd say pretty average for Tokyo), tho quality is so so (not bad but not great either). Despite being tempted to get a rainbow colored pasta, I got just a veggie salad which was much lighter for my stomach and a coffie (paid around 1200 yen).

One more thing- there is a time limit of 90 minutes per session in Monster Cafe. After that time you might be charged additional 500 yen.

Some more pictures 

The room where me and my friend were seated.

 There were huge macaroons on the wall

Also pretty awesome lighting

 Corridor and a bar on left

 Main room with corousel

 mirror selfie

 Yes, this is also member of staff :)

2. ALICE IN DANCING WORLD- Shibuya (entrance- 500 jpy)
Alice themed restaurants are a 'must see' for every person who is interested in japanese pop- culture. Lewis Caroll's book is still a huge inspiration for all kind of artists in Japan and it's visible generaly everywhere. You just cannot escape it.

Alice in DW is a small place, located 5 minutes walk from Hachiko monument. It's kinda hidden but I had luck that one of my friends (lovely Audrey, cheers!) knows exacly where it is. There are some signs, okay, but barely visible to be honest.

On the stairs you are welcomed by card solider. 

When You get down, you see a shining carousel! I have to tell ya that I was amazed with it and couldn't stop looking around.

I've ordered a coffie (yup, I like coffie, I order it everywhere) and a salmon risotto. 

Paid around 1400 yen altogether but coffie was fantastic and food very tasty. Also our waitress very, very cute.

Lovely girl, tho a bit confused when we started talking in english. Audrey helped again (thank You!). This place is prety cool and, IMO, underestimated because of how small it is. Still, I enjoyed it so much and I hope to visit it again sometime in future :)



3. ALICE IN LABYRYNTH- Shinjuku
Second Alice themed restaurant that I visited, is bit bigger and has completly different decor.

(Yup, it's also decoration)

Reservation is not required but on weekends guests may be asked to wait for a free table 5-15 minutes. Inside you will find two sections. One reminds of Labyrynth,

while second is supposed to be place where Mad Hatter and March Hare had their tea party.

Atmosphere of this place is pretty awesome. That is- until you'll see prices of food and drinks. Simple coffie around 600 yen wouldn't be so bad, but it was just yuck. And basic toast (which was freakin' TINY) with (canned) tuna paste- another 600 yen. I don't eat that much so I am used to small portions. Belive me, that was beyond being small. Then again this is a restaurants policy- to stay there, every guest have to order food and drink.

Staff was really unfriendly and I felt uncomfortable because of that. (Tho that on lady was ok XD)

Overal- this specific place looks nice andis worth checking out but do not go there to have lunch and relax cuz you'll be severly dissapointed. Just as me.