Day 5 in Tokyo

So fast that its the fifth day we are in Tokyo.  We are going back to Singapore tomorrow.  Hence, we must enjoy ourselves today.

Our plan for today was to go to Harajuku and followed by Tokyo Dome.  Took train to Harajuku at around 10am.  The weather forecast was so accurate that it really rained today.  However, we had a surprise.

On our way to Harajuku station, 小珠 told me that the rain looked a bit weird.  Was raining "big" drops.  I told her could be too cold here and the raindrops were bigger.  However, as the train approached our destination, the raindrops turned to be snowing.  We were so excited and started to take photos.  We never expected that we could see snow in Tokyo.

The temperature dropped and raining became snowing.  We brought umbrellas hence no problem walking to our first destination - Kiddyland.  We spent quite some time inside and I finally bought a cute soft toy home.  Her name is Yuyu.  I also bought some sanrio stickers and files as they were too cute.  :)

We looked out and were surprised to see that it was all white outside.  The snowing was rather heavy and the floor was covered with thick snow.  Once again, we started to take photos.  Haha... we mountain tortoises uh.

It was rather slippery to walk outside and we decided to go for our lunch at nearby restaurant.  Initially wanting to go back to the restaurant we used to dine there but mistakenly walked into another.  Turned out that it was one of the famous store 火頭山.  We were recommended one of their famous ramen and it was really nice.  Not salty and soft chashu.  Yummy.  I love it!

As it was snowing so heavily, we decided to just hang around Harajuku and then headed back to Otsuka station.  We had coffee break at a cafe and at the same time enjoying the white scenery.  We went back to our hotel to keep our shopping bags.  On our way back, we brought strawberries and cakes for sharing tonight.

The snowing stopped and left with icy and slippery floor.  We had to walk very slowly in order to avoid falling down.  Walked around hotel area and could not find suitable restaurant as most of them were closed and we did not want to eat ramen.  Finally, we found one 居酒屋 at just one floor above Ootoya which we intended to go if we could not find another good place.  Bingo!!!  We found a place with good food.  As it snowed today, not many people went outdoor even though today is a holiday in Japan.  We could get a private room and we enjoyed the food.  It was not expensive and we actually ordered quite a lot.

Bought strawberries and cakes for supper tonight.  They were so nice and sweet.

So fast that tomorrow we are going back.  So sad...

Day 4 in Tokyo

Woke up very early at 6.15am as we had to leave early.  Going to Hakone and it took around 2 hrs to reach the first stop of the few transportation used to go up.

Tulip did not sleep well last night hence decided not to join us.  Ah Huang decided to accompany her to stay near hotel since she went Hakone during her previous trip.  It left 小珠 and me.  We proceeded to our plan.

We were tired too hence tried to sleep while on our way there.  The journey was quite long but luckily there were seats for us.  Otherwise will be very tiring to stand for 2 hrs.  We changed to another train uphill and then cable and ropeway.  

In mid hill, we took a break and had some local snacks.  Very nice and chewy.

When we first view Mt Fuji when we took the ropeway up, we were so happy to see a very nice view of her.  Luckily the weather was good hence we could see a good view.  

Saw a store selling sweet potatoes and we could not resist and ordered 2 types for sharing.  Yummy!

We went round the area and back at Odawara station at around 6pm.  Decided to walk around the shops at the station before heading back to Shinjuku.  Could not resist the snacks again and bought them.  Hahaha.

Back in Shinjuku, we decided to have another round of ramen at 博多天神.  The ramen was super nice uh. Especially drinking the soup in such a cold day.  Satisfied and went back to hotel.

Disaster uh!  Tulip and Ah Huang called us and told us they were waiting for us to eat cakes.  We were so full liao but .... we still went over to finish the cakes.  Sinful sinful....

Day 3 in Tokyo

This morning, we went to Tsukiji market.  Saw big and fresh oysters and I could not resist and ate 3 of them.  Each one costed 300 yen.  Worth it.

We walked around the market area and bought some snacks (tamago roll and grilled squid) and had lunch before we left.  We ordered the mixed sashimi rice bowl set and the sashimi were very tasty and fresh.  Just that they were all thinly sliced.  If thicker will be super nice.

Next, we went to Ginza.  I bought a scarf there as it was rather cheap and most importantly was it was made in Japan.  Hahaha...

Glad that we managed to find Sanrio store and we took quite some time walking around.  I bought pens for myself and my niece.  Also bought 2 cups.

We had tea at Almond cafe.  I mixed up the direction and brought all to the wrong place.  Luckily we managed to find our way to this cafe.  I really love their cakes and would try each time I am there.

Stayed at Ginza till evening and we decided to head back to hotel to keep things that we bought.  We also bought some cakes as supper after our dinner.  We had our dinner at Ootoya near our hotel.  The food was good and cheap uh.

That ends our day.

Day 2 in Tokyo

Ohayo!!!

Woke up and had breakfast at the Toyoko inn lobby.  Not many choices but still could fill up our stomach before our shopping.

Today, our first stop was Nakano.  Blogger recommended this place with shopping places and good food.  We walked along the shopping street and bought socks for room wear.  Hope they will be comfortable.  Since it was near to lunch time, we decided to look for the shop that was recommended withe unagi rice for just 500 yen.  We managed to find it and ordered bigger set at 1000 yen.  Wow... it was oiishi!  Next time can come again.

Our next stop was Shinjuku.  We went to Sanrio store, O1O1 departmental store (bought Agnes B bag as it was on sale) and took a break at Muji cafe for tea.  We ordered Yuzu tea.  Sour but nice.

We shopped until quite late and zoomed into the ramen shop (博多天神) for dinner.  This store is mine and 小珠 favourite.  Sharing it with Tulip and Ah Huang. They said it was very nice.  Yummy!

Same thing, we bought some cakes from Isetan and ate them with a small cup of Lemon flavour sparking juice.  That ended our shopping day today.

Oyasumi.  ZZZZZZ....

Day 1 in Tokyo

Here we are.  Japan!

Morning arrived in Narita airport with tiredness.  I did not really slept last night.  Tried to go to sleep at 11pm but laid on the bed till 1.00am still awake.  I think I did manage to get a 30 - 45mins deep sleep before waking up at 2am to prepare to go airport at about 3.45am.

We purchased the NEX-Suica tickets for 2 way as it was cheaper.  Took Narita express to Tokyo station and changed to Yamanote line to our hotel at Otsuka station (one station away from Ikebukuro station).  Weather was cold.

We checked in and kept our luggages in the room.  Immediately zoomed out of the hotel to head for Ueno.  Our first stop was to buy tidbits.  The store closed at around 7pm so we must be fast as it was already 4 plus.

Ate our favourite red beans pan cake before finding our way toe the tidbit store.  My colleague, Ah Huang, who first time came with us to Tokyo said it was delicious.  Its just that it was not so crispy due to the cold wind.  However, it was still very good.

Our shopping started at the tidbits store.  Too many things to buy... I bought a lot of Puree gummy sweets and Meiji chocolates.  Was so heavy uh.  My colleagues also bought a lot.  Big and many bags were our achievements.  Ate tako balls when we passed by a store that many people crowded around.  Really delicious.

It was already 7pm and we decided to look for the ramen store (一蘭拉麵）that a blogger recommended.  We found the shop easily and was very satisfied with the ramen.  It was very very nice and we regretted never add additional chashu and seaweed.  Next time can come again.

Bought cakes while on our way to take train back to hotel.  This cake shop was situated at Ueno JR station and the cakes were very good.  Soft and nice.  Ate them with a small cup of pear flavour sparking juice that contained 6% alcohol.

Very tired.  Not enough sleep.  Must sleep well tonight.  :)

The day has come

Finally.... today is the day I am looking forward to.  We are going to fly off tomorrow early morning at 6am. Japan!!! Here I come!!!

Weather is good today.  Still can feel cool air blowing as it rained this afternoon.  It was drizzling when I walked home from the bus stop.  However it stopped very fast.

Done last minute packing and shall take a short nap.  Target to wake up at 2am.  Not sure if I can fall asleep.  Shall try...

Hope everything goes smoothly as we are on waiting list to get up the plane.  :)

2 more days

Count down count down... 2 more days to go.

Today I was a bit relax as I've handed over my work to my colleague who will cover me while I am on leave.

Managed to find travel size toothpaste at NEX Fairprice.  I was looking for it at Arc Fairprice and Watson but could not find it.  I am particular on toothpaste.  Must use this Colgate pro-sensitive.  :P

Weather turned cooler in the afternoon with short raining at my working place area.  Quite windy at my house.  Hope tonight will have a cool cool sleep.  Past 2 days were so hot...

Not a real Monday blue day

Its Monday again.  Although its suppose to be an usual Monday blue but due to just 3 more days and I will enjoy myself in Tokyo.  Counting down....

I have just completed my stage 2 packing.  Last stage can only be done one Wednesday before leaving for airport on Thursday early morning.  Have to reach airport by 4am.

This afternoon we went to Chinatown for lunch.  Ate the 油鸡饭 that my colleague recommended.  I went there before and the food was still good.  After lunch, we went to the money changer that we usually change currency.  Their rate is not bad and we are tired to go around shopping for better rate.  We changed Japanese yen at rate of 1.407.  Not too bad.

Tomorrow is Tuesday.  I hope weather will turn cooler.  It was so hot and humid today.  Cannot tahan uh!!!

Spent $$$ again

My niece not coming today to Pasir Ris home as they went to Batam.  Hence I was rather bored at home.

My eyes quite tired hence I broke my record of not turning on my sister's laptop for the whole day.  Just sat at the sofa reading i weekly and U magazines.  My sister came home and pestered me to go to Tampines with her to buy a pair of shoe. Her legs have bristles caused by her expensive Salvatore Ferragamo shoe.  Her friends said no need to wear stocking or stick cushion to prevent bristles as the shoe will be comfortable.  My sister's skin is very "thin" and "cat"  A little bit also cannot one.  Hence she got the bristles and cannot wear wrapped up shoe.  She did not have any open back shoe and had to buy.

She bought a pair from BHG at Century Square.  We went to Bega store and I ended up buying 7 tops.  Most of them are for weekend wearing.  I settled my clothing for coming CNY.  I have a pair of shoe yet to wear so can treat as new shoe for CNY.  Spent some money today....

I had to take own transport home.  As I need to carry quite a lot of things (ta bao some fresh scallops for cooking porridge, 2 pieces of bread and 2 otah for tomorrow breakfast, things bought yesterday...), I leave my clothing with my mum and asked her to help me rinse them and iron for me.  Hahaha...  She said I also need to keep clothing there for coming CNY.  She already calculated for me that I will stay from CNY eve till 3rd day of CNY.

Back home at 9.45pm and after shower, I started to do some packing for next week trip to Tokyo.  Did halfway and shall continue the rest tomorrow.

There are 2 epi of J drama just released.  Shall watch one of them tonight before resting.  So fast... ONIS!!!!

Filled up day

Morning woke up at 10.30am and did some housework.  Made a fast one as I need to prepare myself to get out of my house latest by 1.15pm as my haircut appointment at Plaza Singapore was at 2pm.

Managed to leave house on time and reached Plaza Singapore at 1.45pm.  I just grabbed a quick bit from Auntie Annie as I ate nothing in the morning except strawberries.  Took a nice pic of it.  :P

I coloured my hair and had a haircut.  My hairstylist dared not cut too much of my fringe as it was in a quite odd shape after I had a cut at nearby hair salon.  It was too thin and she said she will just cut it short for me. I asked her if she could trim it in a way that it could last after CNY.  She said no no no.  It will have to be very very short which I would look like a nerd.  Hahaha...  She asked me to go back to her before CNY to just do another trim.  Not too crowded today hence I completed my haircut + colouring within 3 hours.  Usually it will take about 4 hours.

I bought one jeans from Marks and Spencer.  Actually saw one sale item at $49 before I went for my haircut.  However, when I went there again after my haircut, no more liao.  Left those $59 ones.  Strange uh...  I just missed it and did not get more discount.  The $59 actually was discounted price.  Usual price at least $89 per piece.

Also went to Daiso to get something before meeting my mum and sister at Chinatown Point.  They waited for me at Toast Box.  I was so surprised that the renovated mall looks more classy and hope it will lure more shoppers there.  I ordered thick toast as I was so hungry but disappointed that it was out of spec...  Even my mum commented not nice.

Went to OG for a while and then proceeded to NEX for dinner.  We just wanted to get out of crowded place and had simple dinner at LJS.  It was easier for us to get a cab to Pasir Ris from NEX.

The day passed very fast and it was filled up completely with meaningful events.

Happy day

TGIF finally!  Its long wait....

Circle line train disruption again this morning.  I was one train behind 小珠 and we were stuck for amost 20mins.  Her train went overshot and took some time to do a manual reverse.  I thought we could reach office earlier today but was spoiled by the train delay.

Totally listless for the whole day.  The only happening thing was we went to VivoCity as a group of 9 to have  lunch at Jia Xiang Noodle shop.  I managed to purchase discount voucher from Gmarket and we went to enjoy this promo straight away.

No movie tonight.  We went for dinner with Ah Xue and Ah Cheng at Ichiban Sushi Japanese restaurant.  I ordered the same dory fish set.  小珠 ordered Veg with Yuzu cold soba.  Ah Xue ordered Garlic rice with Saba stone rice and Ah Cheng ordered curry rice with chicken cutlets.  All very nice.  Aunty Tan also joined us for a while after she cleared her work.  She just came back from 2 weeks leave.

Will complete our next week trip itinerary by tonight.  Tomorrow having haircut appointment at 2pm.  Have to sit long long as I am doing highlight too.  Usually will take 3 - 4 hrs.  Happy sitting lah.  Will meet up with my sis and mum in the evening.

TGIT

Happy that its Thursday again.

Weather was good today.  Quite a cooling day.

Second working day of the year passed without any big surprise.  Just another ordinary day.

Left office a little bit late at 6.40pm and reached home at about 8pm.

Looking forward to next week.  Really have to keep our fingers crossed that there will be seats available for us to fly to Tokyo.

No mood to work again

Woke up this morning and the weather was cooling.  However, it started to rain when I wanted to get out of my house.  Hence, time for my cutie umbrella to work.

We had our weekly company lunch today.  Our admin dept catered more food today and ended up with quite a lot of leftovers.  The food was delicious and I ate quite a lot.  Over eat liao.

Left office on time today at 6.15pm.  Reached home at 7.23pm.  It was raining hence I walked slower.  My cutie umbrella really handworking today.  Tomorrow, I will let her rest and bring another red cutie umbrella to work.  Must rotate.  Hahaha...

Happy New Year 2013

Its a new start again today.  Its first day of year 2013.  I wish this will be a better and great year for me.  Pray hard....

Stayed indoor at Pasir Ris.  Watched New Year's celebration TV program for Jiangsu and glad to watch Jay Chou's performance.  This was his first year to perform in overseas celebration.  He sang 5 songs and he was great.  

Just watched some dramas before leaving house for dinner at 5.30pm.  I went to T3 with my parents to have dinner at Itacho.  My mum liked it.  We ordered the premium sets and shared.  After dinner, we went to Fairprice to buy some groceries and headed home.  We took bus 53 which waited for quite some time as we missed the earlier bus when we arrived at the bus terminal.  My parents alighted first and I took the bus straight to Serangoon home.

I hate tonight as tomorrow has to go to work again.  Sad :(