Ja Taime, Paris

This city has its innate charms no matter what. The rained poured at night time but nothing can stop the allure that the city of lights can offer. I met my friends back in London randomly and we agreed to meet in Paris for our first night in the city. It was nice having photo taken at Tour Eiffel even with rain. I heard that Paris is more beautiful under the rain. I confirm it is equally beautiful no matter what.

Earlier that day we went to Hermes in Saint Honore, I believe this is the flagship. I was so gob smacked to see how massive it was and the range is endless. I did buy something for myself. Call it destiny but the belt I bought is a perfect match with my style.

Pressed with time I scanned my mind as to what I would be needing for the rest of the trip. I realised that I am about to ran out of clothes to wear. So thinking about brands, Zara is to Spain. Burberry is to. London. Hence, Kenzo is to Paris. I ended up buying the pair of shoes I've always wanted to buy online, this time I do have the size. Got a Tee as well with the infamous Kenzo Tiger.

Ended with a wonderful champagne and macarons complements from Les Jardin de la Villa. Ja'taime Paris. No matter what.

Except for custom pricks who confiscated my tax refund. schmucks!

Why I keep coming back to Tokyo?

My short but sweet days in Tokyo was really fun. Rain paused when I was there so I did enjoy strolling around Tokyo. Started off with fabulous two-michelin starred restaurant L'atelier de Joel Robuchon for lunch at Roppongi Hills.

Loved the quick stroll where we saw an overlooking sight of Tokyo Tower.

The food was great. They offer a delectable array for its five course meal of which I found La Feuillantine de Crabe and L'itoyori to be really exquisite.

Two brands I would have was exclusively looking for are Comme des Garcons and Burberry Black. The poshest place to look for designer brands is Ometesando. However I found that Comme des Garcons is not carrying the Black edition. Most of the designs they had were either too pricey or too abstract. I found that they have lots of good designs but it was really expensive so maybe next time.

I put my frustrated shopaholic self to rest by walking through Yoyogi Park-Harajuku-Shibuya. It was one hell of a walk. We've witnessed the last standing Sakura tree and an endless walk to the biggest crows I've ever seen.

Of course once you are at Harajuku - the street fashion alley. You will fall in love at every market stall you see and you literally just have to stop and look, appreciate the unique style. I regret not buying anything here cos I thought I can go back. I am hating myself for thinking that the next day is my all-inclusive shopping day. *ended up going out of town*

After the tiring window shopping at Harajuku finally I've seen some shops I'd like to see some anime toy kingdom, Margiella, Saint Laurent, Burberry Black, CDG MoMA etc… My stomach started growling. We've decided to eat at a Tonkatsu place which is heavenly. Its near the busy Shibuya crossing *perhaps 200m away* and it reminds me of the first Tonkatsu I've eaten a year ago in Shinjuku…

Went looking for an irish pub after the meal, its in the heart of Shibuya. My friend knows the manager and it was the start of the longest night in Tokyo. The drinks were pouring and the time seemed endless. I thought I danced in intervals whilst waiting for drinks and the hot spicy snack that got me all sweaty and crazy. Ended the night by carrying my drunk friend to my hotel and all 3 of us slept after a debacle on how to tame the shrewd. and for the record i still couldn't figure out who broke the phone in the hotel. Glad I didn't get charged though!

Next day with the worst hangover, I went to Kawaguchiko. That's the thing with deciding impromptu - you just go with what your heart is telling you. No need to think and no need to analyse. Went to Shinjuku and without a sweat I found the Keiko Highway Bus. The fastest way to Fuji 5 Lakes *less than 2 hours*

The day was promising and I started it off with a nice rotemboru *hot springs* i just loved how you soak yourself in the hot steamy water outside with mother nature. That took all the toxins away. After less than an hour I got bored and decided to go see Mt Fuji. Just when I was waiting for my bus ride it suddenly drizzled and the tour bus was saying that the Kachi Kachi ropeway was closed and Fuji-san is nowhere to be seen. *dark clouds rolled my aura* and I decided then and there to go back to Tokyo and start shopping! I hated Fuji-san for disappointing me second time around.

Shinjuku Isetan is a haven filled with all the brands I wanted but too little time and resource scarcity then decided that I go to Seibu Shibuya and buy two things on my wish list. Got myself Burberry Black (coat and bag) and new shoes from Y-3. And its all what I needed to buy.

Met my other friend for dinner at the obvious meeting point - Hachiko. You can never go wrong. Its the ultimate meeting place. We decided to dine in a quiet Izakaya in Akasaka. Then she helped me buy my green tea products and souvenirs at a closely shop. We both liked the shop when we visited this place before. We never realised that we are talking about one and the same place, and it is Picasso.

I have an early flight the next day to Beijing so I slept in. My body can't tolerate another drunken night but if I have more time I would have loved going to Shinjuku and time stands still in a place where you forget frustrations, problems and lose yourself wholeheartedly. and that's why I keep coming back to Tokyo.

My Japan Story continued...

Japan is known for icons like Mt Fuji, Tokyo Tower and Sky Tree. I have surpassed the latter two just to accommodate seeing the Fujisan (yes that's how locals call it). With two attempts Fujisan was shy. The first attempt is on Lake Kawaguchiko. It totally hid in a huge fog both days we stayed in Yamanshi, Fujisan never appeared. Not even a glimpse of its majestic slope. The second attempt I went to Hakone. It was in the ropeway that I saw it but the snow cap was partially covered by thick clouds even if it was all sunny. Who would have known that I will see Fujisan in all its glory. And this is on the flight to Singapore. Today was a great day since I've seen Tokyo Tower and Sky Tree up close.

Relaxation at its best. I also tried their Rumor massage which is known as Shiatsu, where they apply pressure points. Relaxing and can take all the sore on a traveller's tired legs. And of course nothing beats a night dip on a public bath or as they call it, an Onsen. Be reminded about their etiquette though. It's one thing I totally enjoy and savour. I love rotunburi because you get closer to nature. And for Japanese people going to bath is like a ritual.

In terms of accommodation, I chose some variety. Of course I did try the famous capsule hotel in Shinjuku. I totally loved it. Plus the public bath. I stayed around Shibuya and Akasaka. This is the best spot to get a hotel by the way. Shibuya is like Time Square (city never sleeps) so it's always lovely. Shinjuku has the best nightlife. Akasaka has the best restaurants and close to Roppongi if you want an upscale bars.

The food is something to savour in Japan, including their very own matcha green tea - which I totally love. My fave so far is our Kaiseki at Seikoro Ryokan in Kyoto. I also like Okonomiyaki in Osaka. Takoyaki in Dotonburi. Ramen/Soba in Shibuya. Sushi in Tsukiji. Izakaya/Yakitori in Akasaka. Wash it all with a hot green tea and you're good to go.

Finally what set this trip apart is the timing. It was just before the golden week (which can be daunting. Imagine all 127 million Japanese would go to the city or the tourist spots) and it was before early April , which can be really cold. Third week of April I reckon is the best time. It started to be a lot warmer and also the best part is you can still catch the Sakura festival if you go up north. I went to Hirosaki, Aomori and they have a Sakura festival. I was able to see endless cherry blossom trees. Wiki says it's about 5,000 trees. Words and pictures can't describe how beautiful they are. 

Some unfortunate events did happen. Firstly my new Saint Laurent sunglasses fell on a Shinkansen from Osaka to Kyoto. I lost my Oakley sunnies in Golden Pavillion in Kyoto. Lastly my bags went missing after I opened the coin locker in Osaka. I was able to retrieve all of them except my Oakley. My suspicion is that it fell whilst walking. As for the recovery of my personal effects, I am happy and full of gratitude to JR staff. Even if they can't speak English they still were very very helpful and dedicated to be of assistance. I love JP Rail, Suica and most of all Shinkansen travel. JP rail pass green card is a good value for money.

I have to put Japan among the best places I've been. And if I will be given a chance I would have stayed at least a month and learn their language, even the basic ones. 

My Japan Story

This is the land of the rising sun. And having said that you can pretty much see how distinct Japan is to other countries in the world and even to its neighbouring countries. Japanese people are creative as represented by their artistic mogul Hayao Miyazaki who is internationally acclaimed for his works on Anime. Haruki Mirukami who is a recipient of Nobel prize in literature has written so many books that depicts Japanese way of life.

I had the privilege to see it for myself. Travelling ten days around Japan from Osaka to Aomori. I felt that to appreciate the beauty of Japan, it is a must to learn the language and interact with the locals. I find them very accommodating, respectful and knows the exact meaning of fun (just go to Akasaka, Roppongi or Shinjuku during the weekend and you'll see what I mean). 

At first I find Tokyo really bizarre and unwelcoming. Maybe because I am still adjusting to the cultural differences from Australia. But it was a wise decision to go back to Tokyo on my last leg of the trip and find out more about them. I find that Tokyo is REALLY overwhelming especially when you see Shibuya. You will marvel at endless streams of lights and how congested the city is. Japanese people are hardworking and disciplined. Judging by the way the pace of their walking and how they meticulously line up. Shopping wise, I find Ginza very intimidating at first sight. That's why I decided to shop more in Osaka. But when I came back to Tokyo I realised how vast your choices can be especially if you head to Omotesando, Harajuku, Shibuya and Asakusa. I can say that Japan is the Mecca for shopping - without a doubt.

Shinto Shrine, Ryokan, Geisha. These are very distinctly Japan that shows how rich their culture really is. I find that Kyoto is mixture of tradition and modernity (I thought it was really rural), judging by the architecturally view of Kyoto station to laid back serene vibes of Ryokan. The best stay for a Ryokan is in Higashiyama which Gion is located. Walking at night you will see a lot of authenticity of traditional Japan. You might get lucky to spot a Maiko walking towards an Okiya.

Theme parks, Anime, Sanrio. Akahabara has an overwhelming anime shops that you will find endless and exhausting. Though I appreciate this district, most of the anime that I know of are obsolete. I guess it's an age thing!! Theme park is the best because it has a distinct Japanese touch. Minnie Mouse on top of a tower dancing and an oriental dance start parading in water floats. Of course Japan wouldn't be complete without Hello Kitty. And she (?) is everywhere in Shibuya stores.

So much still to talk about... I shall continue this blog when I arrive in Singapore.