Kagehashi Japan (Day 10)

Tokyo Fish Market | Cat Cafe

During our last day in Tokyo (sad face), a couple of us woke up bright and early to look at dead fish. Ok, more excitingly, we went to the famous Tokyo Fish Market where fisherman prepare their catch at around 3 in the morning to sell to chefs in the city. By the time we got there, the market was open to normal consumers.

Stalls upon stalls of dead fish carcasses. Definitely not for the feint of heart or seafood haters.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 9) Part II

Emperor's Palace | Mitsubishi Corporation | Shibuya

Continuing off the last post, we headed to the Emperor's Palace after lunch in Harajuku. Simultaneously a bunch of middle schoolers were visiting at the same time, so we grabbed a quick photo with them after noticing how curiously they were look at us.  

In front of the emperor's palace. We weren't allowed inside but the koi pond moat background was majestic enough for us!

Kagehashi Japan (Day 9) Part I

Meiji Shrine | Harajuku | Okonomiyaki

A scenic route to the Meiji Shrine is where Kagehashi begins its 9th day in Japan, specifically Tokyo. In the middle of the busy city, one can find sanctuary from the bright Eastern sun under the lush canopies near the Shrine. Visitors at the main entrance are greeted with caskets of alcohol on both sides of the walk: Japanese sake on the right and fine French wines fit for an emperor on the left.

Pictured here is the main entrance to the shrine. These gateways are meant to look like the word "kai" in Japanese/Chinese which means open. My tour guide told me that people aren't actually supposed to walk through the big gateway as it's meant to be a door for gods, but even most Japanese people aren't aware of that fact.

Pastel Garden

Blouse - H&M | Shoes - Honey's | Shorts - Premium  | Purse - Thrifted

 I haven't had an outfit post in a while! Here I am featuring some of my newest summer clothes! I bought the shoes at Honey's in Japan. Honey's has so many cute staple clothing at Forever 21 prices. The purse is from Buffalo Exchange after we sold a bunch of my friend's stylist roommates' clothing. I fell in love when i first saw it - I'm a sucker for mint and gold plated things.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 8)

Japanese Cultural Dance | Akihabara | Ramen Cart

The first destination of the day was back to the Japan Foundation for a Japanese dance presentation. The professional performing showed us an example of a male, female and girl dance. He was surprisingly very good as a bouncy teenage girl.

The audience then got to learn one of the dances from him. I volunteered for the "flower blooming along the riverside" dance. The other one had something to do with a love letter and a girl confessing.

After going through a couple museums in Roppangi, we went to Akihabara, the electric and anime city! I was so excited to go there after hearing stories of multistory anime stores and maid cafes! In the above picture, you can see a maid peddling for business. I couldn't take an actual picture with her - I would have to pay oodles for that...

Kagehashi Japan (Day 7)

Makuhari Messe | Japanese Garden | Chiba City Council | Hanging Monorail

Bright and early, we toured the Makuhari Messe, Asia's largest convention center. We were given a special presentation by the officials who managed the center. There was also a geology convention going on at the same time and some of the booths were showcasing very high-tech gadgets.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 6)

Chiba University | Parco Department Store

On the sixth day, we visited Chiba University to get a glimpse of student life. Chiba University is the sister school to Rice University, and I noticed some similarities between the two schools. Their campus is also draped in overhanging foliage along the roads. It also has a small charming feel to it. 

A poster calling for students to volunteer in showing Rice University and U. Wisconsin around campus. The students who came were super nice and easy to talk to. We bonded over anime among other thing.