After spending the first few nights at the Shinagawa location, Im moving to one of the Shinjuku locations. The one near Shinjuku gyoemmae station and not the one in the heart of Kabuki cho. On the east side of Shinjuku along the park and on the Marunouchi line
The day starts with the daily dose of breakfast at before I leave the hotel. Breakfast is served at 6:30am until 9am. Most times, I enjoy having breakfast then taking a shower before I start for the day. Alot of things dont open til 10am so I prefer getting in some extra rest in the morning.
Packed and checked out. Before I can start my wander, I have to drop off the old ball and chain. The hotel is minutes from the subway station but still a 10-12minute walk to JR Shinjuku station
Theres some construction going on in the area, as there usually is somewhere in Tokyo. Tokyo is in a constant state of change where something is being brought down or built up
In the intersection near Studio Alta is an electronic billboard that gives you the illusion of 3D
Now the illusion only works if you are looking at it at the correct angle. Most of the 3D effect has to do with a giant talking cat. However, I think it works better with the alien spaceship because it had better depth of field. See examples when the video is posted
Still a very active area in front of the station. The fruit stand that used to sell square watermelons at very high prices is gone
Not too far away is the main drag that divides Shinjuku from the Kabuki cho, Yasukuni dori
This is the famous red light district filled with host/hostess clubs and other adult entertainment establishments
Its also bright and glitzy with the neon signs filling in the views and drawing moths to the lights
Adult entertainment and arcades are side by side in some areas of Kabuki cho. It has become gentrified but still Kabuki cho
The hawkers are not as bold as they used to be and warnings of what to look out for are posted around the area. 3 or 4 call outs toward my direction were now the exception to the rule
Decorations for the holidays are scattered throughout some of the smaller and larger alleyways
The brilliance is emphasized as the light of day goes away
Earlier in the day, I stopped off at JR Tokyo station to see what if anything has changed. Not as much change as many places. Rokurinsha still has long waits as a popular tsukemen joint
Across from Rokurinsha is a good place to find the unique flavors of KitKat. Not the cheapest when it comes to the larger bags but the selection is the thing here.
This odd looking mascot seems to be popular at this time. Dont know why, does not do anything for me. I think its more creepy/cringey looking than it does cute
So many places to get food. Desserts!!
Deli
Eki ben. This is the main location nestled amongst the many tracks layed out across Tokyo Station.
A great place to stop off and get something for the long train ride you are about to embark on
The bentos are divided into several categories. Most are served cold. Some have self heating options but they are the exception. So, prepare to eat cold foods when you purchase one
The bentos for kids are sold at the main location and at a satellite location not too far away
Its not as crowded as the main store and has other options aside from the kid's selection. However the overall selection is smaller
There are several convenience stores around the hotel. At least 8 within a 2 block radius. I poked my head into several of these locations. In the area of the hotel there was a wholesale market good for large containers of drinks or water. There was also a Coco Ichiban and Gogo curry nearby. Not to mention a number of coffee shops and a number of small restaurants
Checking to see if the conbinis have oden. During other trips in winter, I never saw oden at any store
This time Im in luck. The 7 11 and Family Mart both had oden available
This one at 7 11 had different prices for different items. Family Mart had pretty much the same price for most items. I will try both of them out later in the trip and report back
At a 7 11, there was a currency exchange ATM. The rate was not great its good enough in an emergency
Now that I can check into my room, here is the southward view. In the distance is Shibuya. You can see Shibuya Scramble Square and the observation deck, Shibuya Sky, on the top most floor
Off to the west, Docomo Tower looms over Shinjuku Park. A quiet area for the most part but a tad far from the action for my liking
Docomo tower as I walk along the park to the station. This route will take you to the south exit
Gusto is the next family restaurant where I went for dinner this day. Its about a block away from Studio Alta and I believe it was on the 4th floor
While I waited for a table, I notice the automated wait staff. There were several cruiising around the dining room dropping orders and heading home
In addition to the hamburg steak, I went with the drink bar like before. Heres a sampling from the latte machine. Iced or hot and in a choice of flavors.
There were coffee drinks in a variety of ways. I love the variety of the drink bar but found myself drinking mainly the iced cappucinos
The soda machine had several things to choose from including juices. Unfortunately, they didnt have much in the way of diet or zero sugar options. If you are lucky, they may have Coke Zero. I prefer Diet Coke over Zero but its not as widespread in Tokyo
Different types of teas and juices. The drink bar is usually discounted if you add it to a meal.
A walk among the illuminations of Shinjuku was a must after dinner. Along the southern exit, strings of lights adorn the walls and trees
An additional splash of color as you peruse the grounds
A nice place to stroll with that special someone
Not so much when you are by yourself. Kinda creepy, right?
The area near the station are decorated to look like Mt Fuji
South exit of JR Shinjuku
The top of Docomo tower is lit up at night on a regular basis and
cycles through a set of colors
Night falls fast and quick. It gets dark before you know it especially if you're inside a store for a few hours
At the south end is a complex of additional stores including Takashimya and Tokyu Hands
All walked out and ready to get some rest. Just a block from the subway and very quiet. I lucked out that I got a room at the top level. Usually the smoking rooms are on top and non smoking on the lower floors
Good night moon, good night Tokyo
Shibuya glimmering in the distance
Shibuya Sky opens until 10pm so its going to be open long after I go to bed tonight.
In all, not much happened today. Changed locations and scouted the area looking for places to get supplies. Aside from the wholesale market, there were a number of vending machines with discounted drinks and plenty of conbinis and coffee shops. Nice view of the south from my room. Not sure why I went to Tokyo station but I did. Checked around the shops near the Yaesu exit. Came back to have dinner around Shinjuku, checked the illuminations and called it a day
