Overall this trip has been quite satisfying to me. Majority of my targets were met, I found many items which I have been searching for for a long time. I took note of some things which I was not able to get and await the day I return to fulfill it.
I learnt that it is probably best not to travel in such a big group. More people means more difference in opinions. It is hard to satisfy all parties. Everyone have their own thinking. I am in no position to criticize theirs and neither do they have any to question mine.
I find that it is extremely important to have good communications. Just because I have my own plans does not mean I am not open to other plans. As before the trip, I mentioned to add in places which everyone thinks they want to go. It is entirely possible to fit into the plan. The plan that we created isn't a definite plan either, we can always change to alternatives. However, just because we have a plan and you don't tell us where your plan leads, I think that it is very irresponsible. If you don't want me to follow, just say, not leave me in the dark until the days end.
Going on this trip has shown me how many will react. I have gained knowledge in handling situations that are previously not experienced, such as losing our way and reacting to the problem in a calm and productive manner. It does not matter how many times we lose our way, it is how we face it and deal with it that truly matters.
Trust is of great importance. I went to enjoy with my friends, but if at the end of the day everyone splits, this trip becomes meaningless. To me, I rather be with my friends then to hit all my targets. However, it is not always the case. The group was still split and there is no way for me to have the group back together.
This is a trip that had uncovered many truths. Truths which I must face; Truths which I will accept; Truths which will not break me.
Winters
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Monday, April 3, 2017
Japan Day 8 - Farewell
Day 8: 23 March 2017
This day is the day we return, somewhat anticipating it and yet not wanting to leave. A very mixed feeling. The weather was too good to leave, yet I miss home and I want to get the things I bought home.
We left for Narita Airport at around 10 am. As it was still early, we decided to go for a cheaper alternative. We took the Asakusa Line from Higashi-Ginza station to Oshiage station. After which, we took the Narita Sky access to the airport.
We had a conveyor sushi lunch there. I didn't eat much as it was quite expensive and mostly sashimi.
We went to walk around after that, did some last minute shopping for some food, got the Natto for my Dad and also viewed the slot machine area. We checked in at 2:30 pm.
It wasn't long before we boarded the plane and arrived back at 12 am.
I am home.
Winters
This day is the day we return, somewhat anticipating it and yet not wanting to leave. A very mixed feeling. The weather was too good to leave, yet I miss home and I want to get the things I bought home.
We left for Narita Airport at around 10 am. As it was still early, we decided to go for a cheaper alternative. We took the Asakusa Line from Higashi-Ginza station to Oshiage station. After which, we took the Narita Sky access to the airport.
We had a conveyor sushi lunch there. I didn't eat much as it was quite expensive and mostly sashimi.
We went to walk around after that, did some last minute shopping for some food, got the Natto for my Dad and also viewed the slot machine area. We checked in at 2:30 pm.
It wasn't long before we boarded the plane and arrived back at 12 am.
I am home.
Winters
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Japan Day 7 - ARTNIA
Day 7: 22 March 2017
Set out at 9:30 am with one of my friends back to Tsukiji market to buy something in which he missed. What we realized when we went was that the mochi shop does not open everyday. We conclude that the mochi was handmade by the seller, he opens on alternate days after he finish making the mochi.
We went back to Prime Pod to drop off the stuff he bought. After which, we went out to Ichiran again around 11 am for our lunch. The ramen was so good that it was still that good even after going again.
At around 12 pm, we went back to Akihabara. I went back to the Square Enix Cafe to get another poster, since I bought a repeated one yesterday. My friend went to the department store to buy some food back home.-
When we are done, we dropped out stuff at Prime Pod.
At about 12:45 pm, we headed out to Shinjuku. This would be the route to ARTNIA. On the way, we passed by Kinokuniya, one of the main stores in Japan. It was really huge. We spent about an hour in there looking at the books. I had some books to find but sadly, they no longer have the book I am looking for. After we are all done, we headed for ARTNIA.
Thankfully for this set of instructions, going to ARTNIA is easy.
https://appetiteforjapan.com/2015/01/31/artnia-the-egg-shaped-square-enix-store-and-cafe/
I actually bought a lot of items there. 3 FFXIII soundtracks, found the OPUS I FFTCG with Lightning set along with its booster packs, carrier with 30th anniversary for FF on it and a Kingsglaive one. My friend bought a Kingdom Hearts Keychain and phone cover.
I also bought a Dissidia poster, since all FFXIII ones are already all sold out.
After which, we sat down for a drink and some dessert. I actually got mine that comes with a free chocobo cup.
We then left ARTNIA at around 5:30 pm to beat the rush hour. After going back to Prime Pod to drop our stuff, we went back to the curry shop at Yurakucho Station to eat.
The whole night was then spent packing the luggage. This is especially so for me, since I bought so many stuff. I packed until 1 am before finally going to rest.
Winters
Set out at 9:30 am with one of my friends back to Tsukiji market to buy something in which he missed. What we realized when we went was that the mochi shop does not open everyday. We conclude that the mochi was handmade by the seller, he opens on alternate days after he finish making the mochi.
We went back to Prime Pod to drop off the stuff he bought. After which, we went out to Ichiran again around 11 am for our lunch. The ramen was so good that it was still that good even after going again.
At around 12 pm, we went back to Akihabara. I went back to the Square Enix Cafe to get another poster, since I bought a repeated one yesterday. My friend went to the department store to buy some food back home.-
When we are done, we dropped out stuff at Prime Pod.
At about 12:45 pm, we headed out to Shinjuku. This would be the route to ARTNIA. On the way, we passed by Kinokuniya, one of the main stores in Japan. It was really huge. We spent about an hour in there looking at the books. I had some books to find but sadly, they no longer have the book I am looking for. After we are all done, we headed for ARTNIA.
Thankfully for this set of instructions, going to ARTNIA is easy.
https://appetiteforjapan.com/2015/01/31/artnia-the-egg-shaped-square-enix-store-and-cafe/
I actually bought a lot of items there. 3 FFXIII soundtracks, found the OPUS I FFTCG with Lightning set along with its booster packs, carrier with 30th anniversary for FF on it and a Kingsglaive one. My friend bought a Kingdom Hearts Keychain and phone cover.
I also bought a Dissidia poster, since all FFXIII ones are already all sold out.
After which, we sat down for a drink and some dessert. I actually got mine that comes with a free chocobo cup.
We then left ARTNIA at around 5:30 pm to beat the rush hour. After going back to Prime Pod to drop our stuff, we went back to the curry shop at Yurakucho Station to eat.
The whole night was then spent packing the luggage. This is especially so for me, since I bought so many stuff. I packed until 1 am before finally going to rest.
Winters
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Japan Day 6 - Tsukiji
Day 6: 21 March 2017
I woke up early in the morning to prepare as usual. Had breakfast at the Prime Pod at around 8 am. I decided this time round to add in all the toppings. It was so nice and yummy that I don't even know how to describe it.
After everyone had their breakfast, we headed out to the Tsukiji Fish Market. It is within walking distance, thus we did not take a train there. It was however raining, so we actually borrowed umbrella from the Prime Pod.
While walking around the fish market, we saw a shop which sells mochi. After trying out a bit, we decided to come back later to buy it.
Since it was nearing lunch time as we walk, My friend suggested to us a store which we can eat sashimi.
I have somehow missed the image to take photo of the shop name sadly. The set which I bought is the only set which serves with the food lightly grilled. As someone who has never eaten much sashimi before, I decided to go for something more cooked. The green tea was really nice. The miso soup is served with the food, there is no need to order it. Being cooked with crab meat inside, the miso soup is flavorful and sweet with crab. Extremely nice to drink.
The wasabi was really strong, not like any I have ate before. Although it was strong, it was extremely nice to eat. Definitely would have more wasabi.
After lunch, we went back to the mochi store to buy our mochi.
We arrived at Akihabara at around 1 pm. As I fear that I won't have enough time, I decided to go to the Square Enix cafe first.
After which, I decided to join back to the group, but as I can't link with them, I decided to go Radio Kaikan myself first, and join up with them once they are moving on to the next shop. I bought FFXIII starter set that is in Japanese, I was overjoyed to be able to locate and buy this set. I have been searching high and low for any alternatives besides having to buy from ebay or amazon.
It turns out, my friends were at Radio Kaikan too and we happened to chance upon each other while walking around. After we are done in Radio Kaikan, some of them actually wanted to go elsewhere to look at clothes and accessories. I stayed on in Akihabara with unfinished business. Along with the remaining few, I set out with them to look for Mandarake. As it was raining and I'm doing my best to prevent the Square Enix products from getting wet, it took us almost an hour to locate Mandarake.
Through the luck of sheer determination, I actually found some Play Arts Kai which I have been searching for a long time. FFXIII - 2 Lightning. I wanted to get more but carrying it in a wet weather is a problem. Plus I don't have much luggage space left to carry. Thus I decided to just make do with one. Taking note of the price, I decided to return some day with money prepared just to get them.
Although it was in a paper bag, they provided a plastic covering for it luckily. They were so thoughtful to give it as it was raining outside.
By the time we are done, it was already about 5 pm, time to head out for dinner. We went to Shimbashi station to have our lunch at Ichiran Ramen. Not too difficult to locate, and luckily the weather is becoming better.
The Ramen was so good that we all added extra noodles and eggs.
After dinner, we headed back to the Prime Pod to store some of the loot we got. At around 7:45 pm, we headed back out again, this time to the Shibuya Crossing. The crossing is amazingly large and definitely a place to go.
There is a statue of a dog there named Hachiko. To know the full story, go search up the history. Definitely worth your time to read it.
We went to the Tokyu Food Show just under the Shibuya station. However, it was already closing when we arrived. Thus we headed back to the Prime Pod after that to pack our loot and rest for the day.
Winters
I woke up early in the morning to prepare as usual. Had breakfast at the Prime Pod at around 8 am. I decided this time round to add in all the toppings. It was so nice and yummy that I don't even know how to describe it.
After everyone had their breakfast, we headed out to the Tsukiji Fish Market. It is within walking distance, thus we did not take a train there. It was however raining, so we actually borrowed umbrella from the Prime Pod.
While walking around the fish market, we saw a shop which sells mochi. After trying out a bit, we decided to come back later to buy it.
Since it was nearing lunch time as we walk, My friend suggested to us a store which we can eat sashimi.
I have somehow missed the image to take photo of the shop name sadly. The set which I bought is the only set which serves with the food lightly grilled. As someone who has never eaten much sashimi before, I decided to go for something more cooked. The green tea was really nice. The miso soup is served with the food, there is no need to order it. Being cooked with crab meat inside, the miso soup is flavorful and sweet with crab. Extremely nice to drink.
The wasabi was really strong, not like any I have ate before. Although it was strong, it was extremely nice to eat. Definitely would have more wasabi.
After lunch, we went back to the mochi store to buy our mochi.
After getting our mochi, we headed back to the Prime Pod to store the mochi before heading out to Akihabara again.
I really like the place. Sadly I was not able to make a reservation beforehand, since I don't understand Japanese. But the experience of going in is already good enough for me.
When I am there, I actually bought the soundtracks for FFXV and Kingsglaive. I also bought FFXV cafe exclusive poster, 2 boxes of Square Enix Cookies, A FFXIII Lightning Plush, a cafe exclusive FFXV casing and a few exclusive FFXV pin. However, I was not able to get the pin for the 4 main characters as I don't see them anywhere. Most probably they are already sold out.
It turns out, my friends were at Radio Kaikan too and we happened to chance upon each other while walking around. After we are done in Radio Kaikan, some of them actually wanted to go elsewhere to look at clothes and accessories. I stayed on in Akihabara with unfinished business. Along with the remaining few, I set out with them to look for Mandarake. As it was raining and I'm doing my best to prevent the Square Enix products from getting wet, it took us almost an hour to locate Mandarake.
Through the luck of sheer determination, I actually found some Play Arts Kai which I have been searching for a long time. FFXIII - 2 Lightning. I wanted to get more but carrying it in a wet weather is a problem. Plus I don't have much luggage space left to carry. Thus I decided to just make do with one. Taking note of the price, I decided to return some day with money prepared just to get them.
Although it was in a paper bag, they provided a plastic covering for it luckily. They were so thoughtful to give it as it was raining outside.
By the time we are done, it was already about 5 pm, time to head out for dinner. We went to Shimbashi station to have our lunch at Ichiran Ramen. Not too difficult to locate, and luckily the weather is becoming better.
The Ramen was so good that we all added extra noodles and eggs.
After dinner, we headed back to the Prime Pod to store some of the loot we got. At around 7:45 pm, we headed back out again, this time to the Shibuya Crossing. The crossing is amazingly large and definitely a place to go.
There is a statue of a dog there named Hachiko. To know the full story, go search up the history. Definitely worth your time to read it.
We went to the Tokyu Food Show just under the Shibuya station. However, it was already closing when we arrived. Thus we headed back to the Prime Pod after that to pack our loot and rest for the day.
Winters
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