Tokyo – ANGIE & JAMES DO STUFF

Japan 2016: Enjoying the crisp Autumn air of Nakameguro in November

January 8, 2017

Meguro River, Nakameguro, Tokyo Nakameguro, Tokyo, Japan

Since we’d already been to all the essential must-visit spots around Tokyo over the last few years (y’know, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and all that), we made it our priority this time around to avoid the well-trodden areas and to hit up more obscure parts of the city. Cue Nakameguro, which is pretty famous for its cherry tree-lined river and tranquil streets.

The area around the Meguro River is enchanting in Autumn, when the hidden late morning sun shrouds the quiet walkways in silver light. While Nakameguro certainly is a bit of a ghost town on weekdays, James and I quite enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, plus it was something we probably needed at the start of our week-long finally-some-time-away-from-work vacation in Japan.

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Hiking up Mount Takao (高尾山, Takaosan) will literally take your breath away

November 26, 2016

Takaosan, Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan

If you’re in the mega-city of Tokyo for a week and need to get away from the concrete and crowds for a moment, there’s no better place to go than on a nature-filled hike up picturesque Takaosan 高尾山 (“Mount Takao”). Only 50 minutes by train from Shinjuku, it makes for a convenient and memorable day trip for anyone with a penchant for the outdoors. In fact, plenty of Tokyoites make the journey to Takaosan because of its accessibility (yes, believe it or not, the mountain is still actually considered part of metropolitan Tokyo), and because it’s just really, really pretty up there.

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Visiting Zenkō-ji Temple + Nagano Photo Diary 2015

October 7, 2015

Visiting Zenkō-ji Temple, Nagano, Japan

Due to the long cross-country journey we had to make to get from Fujikawaguchiko to Shirakawa-gō, James and I decided to stop overnight in the sleepy inland city of Nagano. Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Northern Alps, Nagano has long been a place of pilgrimage. Its most famous temple, the Zenkō-ji Temple, is situated in a prominent position to the north of the city and draws more than four million visitors each year. Continue reading “Visiting Zenkō-ji Temple + Nagano Photo Diary 2015”

7 Cool Things To Do In And Around Shibuya & Harajuku, Tokyo

July 13, 2015

Following our morning stroll around Asakusa and Ueno, James and I migrated over to the outrageously busy shopping district of Shibuya to have lunch with Luke and TJ at a rather pretty organic food café, then spent the rest of the afternoon with them wandering hip Harajuku. We got ourselves some bubble tea, walked the length of Takeshita Street, wandered Yoyogi Park, visited the Meiji Jingu shrine, explored the zelkova-lined avenue of Omotesandō, and even visited a rabbit café! Continue reading “7 Cool Things To Do In And Around Shibuya & Harajuku, Tokyo”

A Visual Guide to Asakusa & Ueno {Or How We Started Our 2015 Japan Trip}

July 7, 2015

Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Prayers Asakusa Koi Pond

When James proposed a 20-day travelling spree to three very different locations – Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong – I was sceptical of my ability to handle such a long trip. Especially knowing how much we tend to do in a single day when abroad. We’re the type to set out early and not return to our hotel until past 10pm, which results in us having perpetual muscle aches and sore feet from too much exploring. Sometimes we even fall sick from this overexertion. But despite my initial apprehension, I caved and let James plan the entire trip (for which I am eternally grateful). We’re now one week into Japan and I’ve got no regrets so far! We have seen and done so many amazing things. I’m stupidly excited to share! Continue reading “A Visual Guide to Asakusa & Ueno {Or How We Started Our 2015 Japan Trip}”

Koisakaba @ Ebisu Yokocho, Tokyo

December 6, 2014

Koisakaba Ebisu Yokocho

After our brief stint at Tsukiji Fish Market, we headed to Ebisu Yokocho for dinner and drinks. Once a drab 70’s apartment block, now converted into a bright, colourful indoor arcade brimming with affordable micro-restaurants, Ebisu Yokocho differs from the many other drinking alleys in Tokyo under the “yokocho” moniker in that it is more respectable, clean, and welcoming. Continue reading “Koisakaba @ Ebisu Yokocho, Tokyo”

Exploring Tokyo III {Tsukiji Fish Market}

December 6, 2014

Tsukiji Fish Market

Wary of the ominous clouds overhead, we made our way to Tsukiji Market to wander the stalls and grab a bite to eat. Tsukiji is a wholesale market for fresh seafood and produce in Tokyo, and one of the largest fish markets in the world. Tsukiji is famous for its inner market, where pricey tuna auctions take place each morning, and over 600 billion yen each year change hands. With the abundance of beautiful seafood on display, combined with the chaos of scooters and trucks weaving their way around buyers and sellers haggling prices, Tsukiji is a great tourist experience. However, if the chaos of the inner market is a tad overwhelming (not to mention dangerous) for you, the outer market is just as interesting with its network of narrow walkways packed with seafood, cooking utensils, snacks, and sweets. Continue reading “Exploring Tokyo III {Tsukiji Fish Market}”

Exploring Kawagoe (川越市) – A Day Trip to “Little Edo”

December 3, 2014

Kawagoe

Day three of the Tokyo leg of our trip, we decided to visit the city of Kawagoe (川越市), particularly its Warehouse District area. We took the train from Shibuya Station to Ikebukuro Station (JR East Yamanote Line), then got on the Tobu Tojo Line and rode the express train to Kawagoe. The train takes you out towards Greater Tokyo, away from the busier commercial districts. It passes many interesting residential areas and it is definitely refreshing to get away from the skyscrapers and the buzzing crowds of the city. Continue reading “Exploring Kawagoe (川越市) – A Day Trip to “Little Edo””