Tokyo Day 8

Tokyo Day 8

It's the last day of our trip. We decided to sleep in today to get a better rest (since our flight is at 12.30am). I insisted to visit the park for a picnic, since the sakura is in full bloom and it's our final day here!

After the final packing of our luggage, we went to Takashimaya to buy bentos for our hanami and spent too much time in the basement deciding what to eat. Hehe.

And we took the longer route to the Shinjuku Gyoen Park because we walked in the opposite direction of the gate that is nearest to us. Argh.

After a tiring walk, we reached the park to find that there were very little seats and those who came to picnic brought their mats. So a tip for those who want to picnic (esp during the popular sakura season), rem to bring a mat, just in case all the seats are taken up.

The dainty me was repulsed at the idea of propping my butt down on the grass, which was flying around in the wind because they were so fine).  So Dear sacrificed his jacket as our picnic mat. Much appreciated, Dear. 

We had quite a sumptuous picnic. Krispy Kreme donuts that was free because we utilised our vouchers, coffee, a chirashi bento and black vinegar marinated meat balls that was the bomb!

Dear who had resisted the idea of going to the park for a hanami session changed his mind and said that this was the best experience of the trip hahaha.

The beautiful full grown flowers. There were many people in the park. Nobody needs to work?!

Spotted a Jap uncle doing a drawing of the flowers. We were peeping over his shoulders trying to see what's on the paper.

The legendary corporate hanami. Saw these guys 'chopping' the spots for their colleagues and it was only 11am plus in the morning! And how come those in suits have to be standing?

Besides the salary men waiting for their companions to join them, I was amused to find that MacDonad's was also waiting for someone. I think this pic can be used as one of those ads for product advertisements in the Sakura season. Haha. 

 This was one of the nicest photos that we took during the trip. School children were running around the park, with their parents or school teachers, to view the flowers. But two of them were naughty enough to mutilate these rare and fragile flowers.(But they are so cute that I forgive them.)

And were met with disapproving looks from the mother! Haha!

Bright pink cherry blossoms that we saw for the first time. The ones we saw were usually white or light pink. Or are these plum blossoms instead?

After strolling through the park, we made our way back to the hotel to check out and grab a high tea set which Dear have been wanting to try during our stay. Such a glutton.

Since we are doing a side trip to the Edo town of Kawagoe, we left our luggage with the reception and started on our journey there.

Another tip if you are going there: If you are taking the JR Saikyo line there, you have to stop at the Omiya stop and take another train at the neighboring platform to Kawagoe. But it's a straight ride back from Kawagoe to Shinjuku. No need to change trains. Don't ask me why.

The quiet streets of the town which is famed for preserving the spirit of the old Tokyo. It was a tad too quiet when we were there though. Lots of shops were not opened and there were few people walking along the streets. I'm not sure if it has to do with us visiting on a Monday. 

The streets were lined with shops that sold traditional Japanese snacks. 

The Clock Tower (I think), which is a landmark in the town.

It is also a town where locals stay in. So you can also see school children and housewives cycling around.

After spending a few hours there, we made our way back to Shinjuku for dinner before departing to the airport. I wanted to eat ramen but off the top of our heads, we couldn't think of any ramen place near our area or find any.

It was getting late, so we decided to return to our fav izakaya for dinner. Dinner was good but I still wished we had ramen. The best thing? After we checked out of the hotel, we saw a ramen restaurant two shops beside the hotel. We've not paid attention to it at all during the time we were there. *bang wall*

But I took comfort in that we still had a good last meal in Tokyo. LOL.

We tried one of their special seasonal dish. The broth was light and yummy. 

This time, I managed to try the Parma ham pizza which is one of their popular items. The ham was aromatic while the pizza crust was light.

Of course, we had the grilled items as well.

Another new item we tried this time was the salt grilled chicken which only tasted alright. Can do without it, I would say. 

And with our stomachs full, we went back to the hotel to get our luggage and took the train for the airport.

Another blur happening of the night: we forgot the Toei Subway line (since we only took the line a couple of times during our trip) was right beside our hotel and we ended up taking a super long route by heading to the Shinjuku main station. So pls remember that if you are staying at the Sunroute Shinjuku Hotel!