Nihon Part III

Day 4:

Though we didn't have to rush to join any local tours today and can just relax a bit by shopping around Tokyo city, we still had to wake up early. This was because we wanted to eat fresh, well-known sushi at Tsukiji, the infamous fish market. In order to get there, we had to take the JR to Hamamatsucho and then connect through the subway to Tsukiji. Then, we still had to ask around with my limited Japanese in order to find the specific sushi bar without wasting too much time. It was actually not that easy to find for the everyday tourist.

Because the transportation time took longer than expected, we didn't arrive until 10am. You must be scratching your head and wondering why we would even go so early. They open at 8am and the line up already begins then; hence, because we arrived much later than that...we had to line up for 2 hrs! As we waited in line, we noticed many other HK tourists were holding the same guide book as we were, so that explains part of the traffic but there were many local Japanese in line too. There were several well-known sushi places within the block, so we just chose one (all the line ups were equally long).

When we initially began lining up, we weren't even qualified to line up at the end of the snake in front of the place; we started lining up next to a traffic sign at the end of the block and later had to be "upgraded" to the bulk of the line. We've never lined up so long for food before but the various sushi there did end up to be very fresh and we ate many kinds of fish that we never really had an opportunity to try else where. The hokkigai sushi in particular (2nd from left in the picture below) was actually still moving when it was served and each piece of sushi was made in front of you by the sushi chef and introduced and served individually.

Most people order their sets, which was either 2500 yen for 7 pieces plus miso soup or 3500 yen for 10 pieces plus miso soup + 1 bonus sushi of choice. The 2 sets were almost completely different, so we ordered one of each. Of course, one can order a la carte as well, but it's actually more expensive that way. The meal actually made us very full...probably due to all the rice?!?

After a fulfilling meal, we made our way to Harajuku and Shinjuku stations (shopping districts) on the JR to get our shopping started! Because we were (or I was anyway) so busy shopping, we didn't actually take many photos. By dinner time, we were so exhausted that we just picked 2 random places to have skewers and yakisoba, though it is worth mentioning that they have a very neat street of food vendors near the JR station of Shinjuku where lots of people (especially men for some reason) go to eat and drink in the evening. Because we travelled quite a bit on the JR in one day, I actually calculated that it would be a better deal to buy JR day passes, so we can ride unlimited on their railways for the day. It was for 720 yen per person and anyone can buy them at every JR station the day of.

Day 5:


Finally, this was the day when we were able to sleep in! Our friend L was very thoughtful to have helped us book afternoon tickets to Osaka, so we were able to pack and eat breakfast at Lotteria (sort of Japanese McDonalds) at ease before taking the JR to their domestic flight airport, Haneda. The hotel employees were also very helpful in providing specific travelling details.


Haneda airport did not resemble an airport inside; it reminded me of a shopping mall but still efficient. We had an eel don set and icecream here after checking in since we were always hungry and there was nothing better to do than eat! The food was nothing special but still yummy.


We were a little worried that we wouldn't know how to get to our hotel when we arrived at Itami airport in Osaka because all the online information was about travelling from the bigger Kansai airport. Luckily, the info desk lady at Itami was very good in English (hardly any accent too!). Turns out it was very straightforward: we just had to buy a limousine bus ticket from a machine, line up at the right bus stop, get off at the 1st stop, and then walk for a few minutes. We had no problems finding our hotel, which turned out to be literally at the centre of their shopping area. And we must thank L for recommending Cross Hotel to us at Shinsaibashi because it was new, hip, and convenient.

We loved the hotel the moment we saw it from far away. They had a hip X in red with black background as their logo, which was visible from far away. Everything was new and though the room was physically small, they were able to make it appear spacious. The washroom was big with one side for the toilet and sink while another side separated by a glass door for showers and baths. This hotel is highly recommended. After seeing this one, we are embarassed to post pictures of the typical one we stayed at in Tokyo.


We quickly settled in and then took advantage of some more eating an shopping in the area before stores closed (most shopping places close at 8-9pm in Japan). The area was filled with people, young people especially.

Osaka seems to be well known for its takoyaki, udon, and okonomiyaki. So of course we had to try all 3 in one night! First, we had the takoyaki, which was so hot it burned the roof of our mouth. A whole bunch of people were lining up for the street vendor but they had their actual store right next to the stand with no line up for the same takoyaki inside. Being as smart as we are, we obviously bought ours inside and didn't line up.

Then, we moved on to curry udon at a well-known restuarant in their fish market nearby called Asago. The old lady made it as we ordered and I've never had udon with such thick and rich curry sauce before. Very yummy. This fish market was also the first place in Japan where we discovered items for sale that were less than 100 yen on this trip. The fish on sale at the market were also very fresh...but of course we couldn't buy any.

Though we were kind of full by this time already, we just couldn't wait another night to try an okonomiyaki restaurant that was highly recommended...in our guide book yet again. I think this restaurant used to be cheaper but because so many Chinese people started going after buying this guide book that they raised all their prices. We honestly didn't find their okonomiyaki very special but the place looked very cool and modern. Moreover, the chef there was very handsome! Maybe that's what we were paying for?!? Actually, most Japanese men from their 20s to 30s were mostly all very good looking in Japan. My eyes were very fortunate on this trip.

To be continued...