{ Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku }

2012, May 5

We shouldn’t have, but we did. We went to check out the brand new Tokyu Plaza that opened in Omotesando/Harajuku during the busiest possible time – Golden week. Since it just opened about 2 weeks ago, it was such a mad house that there was even a line just to get inside. This plaza has a few cafes like Bills and Starbucks and plenty of stylish shops! I particularly liked the miniature Tokyu Hands store called “Hands Be” located on the 5th floor which only carries the coolest items from the larger stores. Since it was a special week, there was also performers singing on their outdoor roof patio area which was lovely.

Maybe not the best idea to go here this week but I hope you get to appreciate this craziness through my photos! Hope you are all enjoying your GW holiday :)

Address // 4-30-3, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Website // http://omohara.tokyu-plaza.com/

{ Maison de Reefur }

2012, Apr 28

Maison de Reefur, opened on April 14, 2012 in Daikanyama, is a highly anticipated project that’s been in the works for the past two years by Rinka, a famous fashion model in Japan. The store’s concept is “A home in Paris”. The first floor has everything from clothing, shoes, stationary, bedding, candles, a flower shop, all the way to wedding dresses (by appointment only). The second floor is a cute cafe that was created with a hint of parisian decor and serves cafe-style Japanese food and desserts.

I’ve been really excited to visit this store and I have to admit that it was lovely. It’s very airy, has a wonderful scent, and is designed beautifully. However, there were too many staff to the point where they get in the way plus all the items in the store are notably expensive (though I suppose that is only natural, given the high-end location). Either way, if you are a Rinka fan, I’d say it’s worth checking it out. Also make sure you check out my other post here which covers Rosalie, the cafe on the 2nd floor.

Address // 24-7, Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-5459-2910
Website // http://www.maisondereefur.com/#/home/

{ Yoyogi Village }

2012, Mar 28

Have you visted Yoyogi Village by Kurkku yet? It’s a trendy new space that opened only 2 minutes walking distance from JR Yoyogi station. It’s a surreal escape from the hectic Tokyo bubble and a relaxing place to hang out. The space was designed and created by music producer Takeshi Kobayashi in conjunction with several other influential individuals in Japan. The concept is “a retreat that is easily accessible from urban city life”, which I think they were pretty successful in creating. However, the space is just so small I found myself wishing it was at least ten times larger or had more things to do so that I could spend more time here :)

There are a few places to enjoy yummy eats in the village:
code kurkku: the main restaurant
pour-kur: bakery shop
Roots and Beats Coffee: coffee shop (with good coffee!)
Tako Yoyogi: Izakaya
drink & soup by kurkku lab: fresh squeezed juice and soup

Aside from the list above, there’s a few other things to enjoy such as a clothing store, a small gallery, book store, etc. If you are ever in Yoyogi, definitely stop by this place to take a break from hustle and bustle of the city.

Address // 1-28-9, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-5302-2073
Website // http://www.yoyogi-village.jp/top/index.php

{ Tokyo Disney Sea: Part 3 }

2012, Feb 17

Tokyo Disney Sea : Part 3 – Rides

Hope you’ve been enjoying my posts about Tokyo Disney Sea :) Today is my final post in the Disney Sea series.

The rides at Disney Sea are fun and much scarier than Tokyo Disneyland. The top 2 most popular rides are tower of terror and Center of the Earth. We couldn’t go on every ride since the park was crowded and there were some long lines, but thought I’d share some secret tips with you to help you navigate as smoothly as possible.

A few of my tips for when you visit Tokyo Disney Sea
– As soon as you enter the park, get your fast pass to Tower of Terror (if you want to go on that ride). We couldn’t even get the fastpass when we got to the park because they were already sold out…

– Go on Raising Spirits as a “single rider”. There are a few rides at Disney Sea where you can use the special “single rider” line (It’s similar to a fast pass). They let you skip the normal long line and go straight to the front of the line so they can fill up seats that are empty due to uneven group sizes. I suggest riding rides like Raising Spirits as a single rider because they don’t take your photo on this ride so you don’t really need to sit next to your friends, plus it’s a roller coaster and it ends quickly anyways. The only problem is that sometimes they don’t allow single riders because the single rider line is too long.

– When your next fast pass time becomes available, get your fast pass for “Center of the Earth”.

– “Aladdin Magic Theater”, “Mermaid Dragoon Theater”, and “Storm rider” are actually not bad to watch. If you have some free time, check them out.

– You can access a website (compatible with most smartphones) that has realtime wait-times for all of the attractions at Tokyo Disney Sea. I highly recommend looking at this when you are deciding which ride to go on next. You can find the link to it here (note: You have to answer a few questions first. Also, the link may change in the future).

Hope these tips are helpful for when you visit Disney Sea :)

Here are some related posts on Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea.
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Tokyo Disneyland – Halloween 1: The Park
Tokyo Disneyland – Halloween 2: The Food
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Tokyo Disney Sea – Part 1: The Park
Tokyo Disney Sea – Part 2: The Food & Shops
Tokyo Disney Sea – Part 3: Rides (& some helpful tips!)
Tokyo Disney Sea – Most recent trip!
…………………………………………………………………………………..

{ Tokyo Disney Sea: Part 2 }

2012, Feb 16

Tokyo Disney Sea : Part 2 – Food & Shops

There are about 35 restaurants inside of Tokyo Disney Sea – everything from street food to gourmet restaurants. We ate at Vulcania restaurant, which is located inside of the Mysterious Island. Vulcania specializes in Chinese Cuisine and the food was surprisingly good. It provides the perfect place for a break from the fun to rest and refuel with a good meal.

Everyone (both men and women) seemed to be wearing an amazing variety of Mickey Mouse hats in different shapes and colors. Not sure if it’s because it was freezing outside and the hats keep your head warm or if Japanese people just love buying Disney stuff, but either way it really makes you want to buy one too :)

The MOST POPULAR item at Tokyo Disney Sea (and Tokyo Disneyland) are the Duffy Dolls. I noticed that MANY people were carrying Duffy & ShellieMay Dolls. It’s kind of strange but it’s especially popular amongst Japanese girls to hold the stuffed animals throughout their visit to the park and that’s considered “cool”. The dolls became popular because Minnie Mouse gave the Duffy doll to Micky Mouse as a gift on his birthday in 2005 and it was Mickey’s favorite doll. In 2010, they decided to create Duffy’s friend, ShellieMay, and sold it at Disneyland as well. It’s seriously a sensation here in Tokyo. How did I not know about this…

Website // http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/tds/mi/rst_vulcania.html

Food:
Decor:
Service:
Cost:

Category Archives: Place

{ Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku }

{ Maison de Reefur }

{ Yoyogi Village }

{ Tokyo Disney Sea: Part 3 }

{ Tokyo Disney Sea: Part 2 }

{ About }

{ Search }

{ Blog Courtesy }