Highlights of Tokyo - Part 1

Last part of my trip to Japan, none other than the amazing Tokyo!! Hope you have been enjoying my blog so far though I am super slow in updating (po) ;) Tokyo has always been one of my favorite city, a place you will never be sick of....
Going in May would be a perfect timing to witness the celebration of Sanja festival and Sumo wrestling tournament !!
For all animal lovers out there including myself, let's start with the lovely cat cafe in Shibuya - Nyafe Melange. Overlooking the bustling streets of Shibuya, this cafe is home to 23 beautiful cats ;)

My advise is to visit them in the evenings when they are more active ;) As you know that cat cafe is the current upcoming trend, am still not convinced that this is really good for their well being since cats are never known for their social skills.. Especially when they need to face different faces everyday and everyone trying super hard to bond with them within that 1 - 2 hours..
Well, that's how interested they look!! Not forgetting my outfit of the day, am decked head to toe in Zara ....

  Our favorite is the one with the ears folding backwards.. Super cute but super grouchy !

 

Walking down my favorite street in Tokyo - the "high-end" Omotesando Hills... What's your view of this street as compared to Faubourg Saint Honore in Paris ;)

For all fashion lovers, you will have to visit the well known fabric district of Tokyo - Nippori Textile Town. Located in the northeast part of the city, Nippori is easily accessed by the JR Yamanote line and is definitely a place for fashion enthusiasts. Completely spoilt by the variety of choices.
Drop by "Tomato" and I am sure you will not go home empty handed !

Top: From Korea, Peplum Skirt and Espadrilles: Zara

That's enough to overweigh my luggage :p No choice but to bring them back to the hotel before our Sumo match in the stadium.

Needless to say, am impressed by this Japanese style of wrestling and national sport !!

 

The best candid shot !!

From ancient times, salt has been believed to own purifying powers. Both wrestlers throw salt in the air as they prepare for their bout (round), clearing thing as a sacred place. They also stamp the ring to squash the bad spirits and they sip water to clear their bodies. Each movement is a religious ritual.

Those sitting at the ring side got to be super alert, am pretty sure they can break your bones..

In action:

Nice Yukata you have there big guy !!

Take a look at the stadium !! For more info on the sumo wrestling in Tokyo, send me a message ;) It's a must do !! Next tournament coming up in September !!

For this post, featured OOTD taken in Tokyo's loveliest garden :) 

Strolling in Shinjuku Gyoen got to be in your to-do list each time you are in Tokyo. If only I could let Denver run freely here ;)

Crop Top: Forever21, Patent Flats: Zara, Skirt: Proudly by Engell

"But he who dares not grasp the thorn, should never crave the rose.... - Anne Bronte"

Calling out to all food lovers... Am not forgetting you !! Look out for my next post on Tokyo part 2 coming to you REAL soon.. I mean it, real soon ok... :) Best sushi in town and the impressive Sanja festival !! Have a great week ahead !! xoxo

Tsumago - The Old Samurai Town

There was a main road from Tokyo to Kyoto named Nakasendo, can be translated to "road through the central mountains". During this time, Japan was ruled by the Shogunate. A scene of Samurai bearing katana, townspeople wearing simple kimonos and peasants selling their farm products. Travelers coming on foot all stayed in the bustling town - Tsumago.

Highly recommended to hike a preserved trail of the former Nakasendo from Tsumago to Magome. The journey between Tsumago and Magome takes about 2hours on foot, following the old footpath through the shady forest. A truely unforgettable experience !! The most beautiful sight throughout my Japan trip is none other than this.... I call this the "Postcard" town. Every picture is good for a postcard. <3 What better place for OOTD !!!

Hat: Topshop, Top: H&M, Skirt: Engell, Coat: GG5, Shoes: ASOS

 I felt my lungs inflat with the onrush of scenery - air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, this is what it is to be happy !!!

For those who are interested in walking this trail, it can be done for all ages. Heels are still not recommended ladies ;) Let's start !!

For the lucky ones, you might get to see bears too !!! Not for me since someone rang the bell super hard !! :p

Got a break thanks to this friendly old man who offered us tea ;) Arigato!!

Arrived in this surreal town!! Just a slow walk down this town clears your heart and mind.. Feels like fantasy <3

 

Got company for my OOTD, "photobomb" !!! Not sure who is the photobomber though.. hahaha

Wanted to experience a traditional inn and we were glad to have selected Kohsinzuka Inn. A 106 year-old house located in Ohtsumago, a bit away from Tsumagojuku. It is surrounded by Nakasendo, an old trail and a mountain stream.

Be a traveler, not a tourist !!! Living like a local !! <3

The living room

View from our room !!

The amazing home cooked dinner was a steal from this Inn, with my hot sake being warmed up using the "Irori". No pictures this time as we are busy making friends with other guests in the inn ;)


Stay tuned for my last post in Japan on Tokyo up next week !!! Sumo-wrestling and the famous Sanja festival in Asakusa..
~~~Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world !!!~~~