New Years Eve in Tokyo! - Japan Day 2

Being a tourist in Tokyo over the new year period left us with many questions - will everything be closed? Where should we go, what do we eat?

As Meiji Shrine was on our list, we figured we should conquer it before new years, to skip the rush. We got up early, decked out in our brand new GU coats and headed to the Harajuku station. Upon arriving we were greeted with a stretch of outdoor food stalls, the octopus balls were hot and tasty - filled with a decent amount of octopus and the savings on top! Yum.

Thereafter, we trekked to the Meiji Shrine. It was a very nice walk and we stopped along the way to take silly pictures. We also managed to make friends with 2 other tourist and took turns helping each other snap shots. The visit was interesting - from the painted sake to wishes, the washing ceremony and all. A pity we didn't have a guide to show us around but it was a nice experience. 

After which, it was time for lunch so we walked around the vicinity and found a store with a long queue. We peeked in and saw gyoza and  just decided to join the queue. Unbeknownst to us, it was atcually a popular store- Harajuku Gyoza and the gyozas were the right amount of flour + meat and fried perfectly. I personally loved the minced pork and beansprout dish too. So simple and tasty.

Waiting in line and planning what to do next!

With full bellies, we walked around Harajuky, soaking in the shops in the cat street and the hipper side. I spent most of my time in the duty free makeup store. Props to E who waited patiently while I was in awe of the rows of beauty products and putting every other item in my basket.

The ever patient E <3 td="">

Finally, he managed to pry me away from the make up store and we headed to Shibuya. To catch the crosssing and grab dinner. We walked around and couldn't see anything in particular that we wanted to eat till we spotted another queue, and decided to join the queue for Sushi Zanmai,

The wait was quite long, and the cold didn't help but we finally made it in to a great sushi meal and an affordable price. Perfect start to the New Year. 

We tried to do a bit more shopping post dinner, but Tokyu Hands was closed. Instead we ventured into a supermarket which was probably not the best idea as it was so packed, with people trying to buy everything they needed for their new year's meal.

Crazy crowded supermarket!

It was a mad house but definitely added to the New Year Buzz. We finally headed back to the hotel, but not before a short stop at the family mart near our hotel. It had become a tradition to stop by for breakfast.