Tokyo Sights 2014

Combining all the other spots that I was able to wander around during our Tokyo December trip last year ;)

Since this is our second time in this city, we just went to random places that can easily go with our "main" itinerary hehe 

Anyway, here's how the subway map of Tokyo looks like!

Ugh, I'm so jealous with Japan's railway system!

Fact: I've always liked taking pictures at the tracks most specially when I went to Tokyo the very first time 10 years ago! haha

Tip: best to do this around 10-11 pm, when it's almost time for the last trip and everybody has gotten home already LOL

Shibuya scramble crossing!

I don't have a "proper" photo of me here before, so it was one of my goals to get one on this trip nyahahaha

Just *had* to do a fake "candid" couple pic LOL

Tip: don't go to the Starbucks, Shibuya (Tsutaya branch) in the morning if you're planning to take pics/videos of the crossing, TOO HOT and the sun directly hits in your location so all you can see is the reflection! not good =/

Shibuya 109! I had to restrain myself even though I wanted to go all out and do some crazy shopping here huhu ~oh well, maybe next time!

Still at Shibuya...reminds me of Dotonbori in Osaka :)

Hachiko, Christmas edition =P

I just had to. She's an icon!hihi

Omotesando Hills.

If you're up for some high end brand shopping, then this is the place to be!

It's also nice to do "people watching" here. Everyone's so chic!

muahaha how tourist-y!

Roponggi Hills

I like this gigantic spider. It's creepy and amazing at the same time LOL

lovin' my mom's shot though hehe

Wako store in Ginza.

I was actually clueless what this building is when I took this pic but there were numerous tourists taking a shot of it so I joined in the bandwagon hahahaha

Anyway, this is a popular department store in Ginza which sells different kinds of upscale products.

The world's largest Uniqlo (flagship) store in Chuo Dori, Ginza.

12 floors of Uniqlo goodness y'all! OMG

Jose Rizal statue at Hibiya Park.

*Filipino proud moment*

Shinjuku

Love that artsy building at the back!

Ending this post with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building @ Shinjuku

Best thing about this building? It has a free observatory!!!

This is your best bet if you want an alternative to Tokyo Sky tree ;)

Gonpachi (Kill Bill Resto) Dec 2014

Gonpachi is the place to be if you wanna dine at the restaurant where the epic fight scene of Uma Thurman VS the Crazy 88 got its inspiration from in the movie Kill Bill.

It was about a 15 minute walk from Roponggi station going to the direction of Roponggi Hills.

Just a warning, it could be quite confusing to find it as it's literally a hole in the wall since there aren't any signage or any conspicuous display that would tell you it's a popular resto LOL

Thank goodness for Google maps!hehe

the epic scene of Kill Bill

Upon entering, you would see a photo wall containing all the celebrities that have dined here including Maroon 5, Stevie Wonder and Steven Tyler to name a few.

Being a tourist spot itself, you could expect that dining here would be quite expensive.

Fret not as the strategy for this is to dine at lunch time and order their inexpensive set meals!

Plus you don't need to make a reservation for lunch, just go early like what we did hehe

The gorgeous dining hall ❤

We were the first customers to enter!haha

a few minutes later, people started coming in..

So in love. I wish we have something like this in Manila ❤

We opted to seat at the bar area where we could closely see the Chef's kitchen

the view from our seat

our yummy lunch set!

comes with a complimentary salad and juice!

Got the Shrimp Tempura Don -850 yen.

Comes with soba noodles, miso soup and some veggies.

The bf got the Grilled Fish set -1050 yen.

Comes with zaru tofu, miso soup and veggies.

Both meals were delicious! specially the fish! YUM

Ahhh, hope I can dine here again. Missin Gonpachi!

Tokyo Imperial Palace Dec 2014

Including the Imperial Palace is definitely a-must when planning your Tokyo itinerary.

Aside from learning about the historical background, the tour is free! hehe

You have the option to go on your own or take the guided tour.

I think you'll only get to see limited places if you don't take the tour.

But if you want to get the guided one, you need to book an appointment first!

You can make a reservation online at the Imperial's Household Agency website :)

The guided tour is open from Mon-Fri with a 10am slot in the morning and 1pm in the afternoon.

Remember though, the Japanese are notorious for being strict with time so be sure you'll arrive before your preferred schedule ;)

Overall, there are 11 buildings that's included in the tour. 

One of which is the 80 year old Imperial Household Agency Building.

Unfortunately, it's not allowed to go inside so here's a pretty pic of the exterior.

It's no surprise that there's a lot of security personnel in the palace grounds.

How lucky we were to catch a glimpse of their drill for the New Year!

Kyuden Totei Plaza

This is the area where people gather to see the Imperial Family during the Emperor's birthday and New Year's Day.

Kinda like this...but a hundred crowds more!hehe

The balcony of Chowaden Hall where the Imperial Family stands,smiles and waves at the people outside the plaza !

My fave, Fushimi -yagura Keep.

So pretty!

Interestingly, this structure was originally from the grounds of Fushimi Castle in Kyoto.

It was dismantled and reassembled in Tokyo during the period of Shogun Iemitsu.

Can you imagine?!lol

View of the city from Nijubashi bridge.

Yea, this is another angle of the first pic haha

This is called Fujimi-yagura Keep or Mt. Fuji View Keep.

What's interesting is that this structure has been restored despite being destroyed by fire and earthquake on two separate occasions. Wow!

Yamashita dori Street.

After the tour, we just roamed around the gardens.

Surprised to see autumn colors on winter season!hehe

Oh hi there Koi fishies!

Not sure what these are but looks like a grave LOL

Fall foliage~

Me and the tree! haha