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Published: January 22nd 2017
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Do di do do do di do do do...
Sadly, our time in Japan is nearly at an end. So how did we spend our final few days here? Well, we've been taking it pretty easy, this is a holiday after all.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden The Shinjuku National garden was much bigger than I had envisioned. I should not have been surprised, it did used to belong to the Imperial family after all. There is a French garden, English garden and traditional garden. We spent most of our time in the traditional garden area. The traditional garden is not at its full beauty in Winter, as many of the flowers are dormant. However we could still appreciate the lakes, ponds, bridges, pines and Imperial villa. We particularly enjoyed watching the koi swim around in the pond. They are some seriously big fish. The greenhouse at Shinjuku Gyoen is the biggest I have ever seen, it is two storeys high and features an impressive waterfall. After walking around for a while, we decided to partake in the drinking of some tea at one of the two tea houses. We were perhaps expecting a tea ceremony, maybe some nice
china at least. But instead we received some prepackaged hot tea in bottle. Interesting tradition there.
Mt Takao When the city got too much, we decided to head for the hills (or mountains rather). Earlier in the week we found ourselves in a train bound for Mt Takao.
We intended to dip into the onsen, but before we made it there, we were intrigued by a building named the 'Trick Art Museum'. The building had optical illusions painted all over it, such as: a fake ticket counter, pretend pillars and a painting of a man painting on the wall. Similar 3D optical illusions and challenges awaited us on the inside. To get through the first floor we had to find which doors were real! I left the museum questioning everything.
The onsen was the the biggest one we had been to. It had three indoor spas: cyprus, cold and a special bath that was pink (maybe roses?) Outside they had 4: a hot spring, a very hot spring, a carbonated spa and a sitting bath. The carbonated bath is basically like bathing in lemonade. There was also a sauna. I spend a long time relaxing in
these spas that were overshadowed by looming mountains. What could be more peaceful?
As we exited, it began to snow lightly. I am beginning to become obessed with snow.I am comvinced it's actually magic,
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the second tallest building in Tokyo. We knew we were not going to see all of Tokyo before leaving, so we thought we'd cheat and get a birds eye view. We got a little bit lost on the way, but thanks to a valet and some well placed signs we made it eventually.
We had made the excellent decision of purchasing Mario and Luigi hats on the way to the tower and this has attracted a lot of unexpected attention. We even became the subject of some strangers photos while lining up for the elevator.
The view from the top is beautiful. Tokyo seems to go on forever, the city lights never ceasing. On the top floor you can download a free app (free wifi pretty much everywhere in Japan), that allows you to explore the major features of Tokyo city. It even came in English.
Shibuya Our final
day was spent back in the insanely busy district of Shibuya. We had come here on a mission. We had come... to eat cookies. It was rumoured that there were 'cookie cafes' across Tokyo where you could pay 800 yen for 'all you can eat' cookies and a drink. If it was true, we had to experience it for ourselves. The cafe 'Aunt Stellas' has 16 different kinds of cookies you can eat including: lemon butter, apple custard, chocolate and strawberry and salted caramel. It was twenty minutes in when I realised that my eyes were bigger than my stomach. It took James a little longer. However, we didn't mind just sitting and enjoying the atmosphere of the quaint cafe.
We needed to go for a long, slow walk after all that sugar. So we walked down to the hub of Shibuya and soaked up the city lights. We came across a small caricature shops where we decided to have our likenesses taken. This was an experience like no other. The result? Well, you will just have to wait and see.
There is so much I want to take back from Japan: efficient transport, onsens, arcades, teppanyaki and
respectful manners. Right now, I am keen to get back home and have a very strong cup of coffee with my loved ones xx
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