Day 5: Hakone > Tokyo (Shibuya, Tokyu hands)

Let me continue with my Japan trip!

The last post stops at Hakone, the Proposal.

22 October 2014.

Its my XX's birthday today!

The weather is slightly better than ytd. Since its still foggy, we didnt take the Hakone Cruise. We wont be able to see Mount Fuji anyway. Just our luck!




We took photos before we left the hotel. Well, i looked too shagged, tired AND without makeup when the proposal photos are taken. Superficial is me, so we took some the following day! (:

HAHA.

Photos and memories that i will rmb for life.




Thanks guys, for making all these possible.


I actually hugged the balloon back to Tokyo. HAHA.


Took a bus and we returned back to the JR station, Odawara. (covered in the Hakone Free Pass! The name itself is an irony. Its not free!!! ROFL)

Reached back to the JR line after 1 hour or so.

Off we go to Tokyo!
Hakone ‐ Tokyo
Shinkansen Kodama 646
13:11 ‐ 13:47 (Track 14)

On time. Thats what Japanese are famous for.


It came and go. Zoomed. Always an interesting sight to me.


We booked the JR tickets beforehand, so we cant be late!
While we afford to miss the train (cause we are covered under the JR pass, and can take unlimited rides), that would mean that the JR coporation will made a loss of 5 seats cause other ppl can book the seats. haha.






Tokyo ‐ Hikari Shinjuku
Upon reaching Tokyo station, we had to buy train tickets before we can take the Marunochi and Fukutoshin Line to reach Shinjuku!

And Japanese use this machine. In my brother's terms, this is the machine which appeared to be there 20 years ago. They just update the software to be touchscreen. ROFL.


Cute school children!!!
I once read an article, this bag is very expensive.
There's many uses for this bag. It also serves as a float.

Randoseru, which comes from the Dutch word "ransel," or "backpack," vary in price. It's possible to find them for around $80, but the all-leather backpacks which most parents buy are around $300 and get as expensive as $800 or $900—or even more, depending on the materials and whether or not they are made in Japan. Most randoseru are made in Japan, and this is used as a selling point. Remember, these are bags that are built to last—and to be used by children from first grade to sixth grade. They need to be well-made, because kids carry the same bag for six years.

We went ot Shibuya at night, and i was shocked with the number of exits (40?!). Its v shocking.
Its very mentally stressful if you didnt do homework, especially with the crowd.


Personally, i dont find food in Japan ridiculous expensive. If anything, the price is about the same for restaurants in Singapore. ($15~)

While you may argue that you dont eat at restaurants everyday, there are cheaper alternatives in Japan. Lots of fast food chains (yoshinoya!), snacks from convenience stores etc.



I need to return to Japan too. hahaha!! Look at the food.




Sense of happiness. Its red bean.


One cant skip sashimi in Japan.




At Uniqlo! But we didnt buy anything. Its cheaper, but we have got more than enough winter clothes. HAHHAA.


Because its my XX's birthday, we surprised him w a cake! Which he knew it all along. Plan fail. HAHAH. Oh, he is such a good actor. He act surprised. ROFL.


Happy birthday, my dearest XX.




Dont ask me why, we enjoy buying alot of food and eat at the comfort of the apartment.
This feels more shiok than dining outside.




Damage at Tokyu Hands!
Japan is incomplete for any crafter, without a trip to Tokyu Hands.
It has been one year since i went Japan. I have used 50% of it. Good effort. ROFL.

Day 1: How to go from Tokyo to Kyoto (Japan)

After a 9 hours flight, we finally landed at Narita Airport!

KONICHAWA!

WATASHI Veronica.

If you bought a JR pass, the first thing you should do:
Use your Exchange order and change for your JR pass! (More details on JR pass here)

You will be able to activate your Japan Rail Pass at the JR travel centers located at the airport.
 I changed mine at the airport, cause I am being using my JR pass and head towards Kyoto!

Other JR travel centres located here. Please note that exchange offices may have different opening times! (:

Note: The exchange date does not have to be the starting date of your JR pass. You can choose your starting date when you exchange your voucher, that date cannot exceed 30 days after the exchange.

Plan your schedule well and do not waste your JR pass!

Where to change?
I touch down at T2. So i went to the T2 branch to exchange my pass! Just follow signs to go to take the train. The JR East Travel Service center is located just beside the train gantry.

Click here for directions

The queue can get v long. Cause almost everyone exchange their pass here!

Tip: While you or your friends are queuing to exchange for your JR pass, there is a convenience store near the JR centre. Buy some food and to eat on the train! You can heat up the food and there is a wide range of food available.

This also applies when you leave Japan. The bento selection is very limited after you cross the immigration. I suggest you buy food from this convenience store first before check in. HAHA.
Because, we didnt have time to buy more food when we leave japan. We thought convenience stores are available after we cross immigration. ROFL.

While the rest queue to exchange our JR pass, we took a selfie!


I was bored and went to play with their vending machines. There are lots of vending machines in Japan. And they serve hot drinks! YAY.
I dont like cold drinks at all.

Here's my pick. Hot corn soup.


After you get your JR pass, rmb that you have to walk to the sides and show your pass to the officer. You do not use the automatic ticket gates as your tickets will not be accepted.

You only use automatic gates if you are buying single trip tickets. (:


All the Narita Express trains go to the Tokyo station.
If you are gg to the Tokyo station, you can take the next available train.

If you are gg to Kyoto, I suggest you to go to Shinagawa station to take your bullet train instead of going to Tokyo station. This is also recommended by the staff as well.

Rmb to ask the staff arrange your Shinkansen ride from Shinagawa station to Kyoto as well.


Shinagawa station is much much easier to navigate. Tokyo station is crazily big and it is very likely that you will get lost in the human jungle maze. ROFL. Dont risk getting lost in Japan. You will miss the train.

Inititally, we are supposed to change trains at Tokyo station. (Rmb, all JR lines can use hyperdia to check the timings)

XX did find the details on how to go. But its looks super complicated. I shall not type it here.

Shinagawa station is much more simpler. (From the map, it looks like you can go Shibuya from Shinagawa too!)


After you get your JR pass, follow the signs!
Wherever you are gg, be it to Tokyo station or Shinagawa station, you will need to take this train from this platform.


Here's our ticket: How to read this?
Your ticket is valid on 18 October 2014.
The train was come at 12.22.
You should go to Car 2 and your seat number is 4A.


Tally the details with the board:
The first train goes to Airport Terminal 1.

You are taking the second train.
Narita Express, Time: 12.22 pm. 

Don take the wrong train. Trains are highly punctual in Japan. Look at the clock. You will not be wrong.


Walk towards your car number and wait for your train!
But this is not the train that you are taking. 

Let me show you what does Narita express looks like. It will look more modern. HAHA.


The seats are black in colour.


Its about a one hour train ride from Airport to Shinagawa.
Sit down, chill, relax and enjoy the journey outside.






Seats in Japan are super cool. You can turn the seats around and sit tgt with your friends.


Just press this.


Weather in Japan during October is HOT in the day.
Yes, very hot.

ROFL.
Maybe its 25 degrees. ROFL. Don ask me how on earth my XX can tahan wearing the pullover still.




Spot the Tokyo Skytree!
 

Ma chiam taking an aeroplane. HAHAHA.


After you reach Shinagawa station, follow the "SHINKANSEN" icon signs. The icon in blue.


You will head up an escalator. Follow blue icon.


It will take another 2.5 hours from Shinagawa station to Kyoto.

PLS BUY FOOD. MUST BUY FOOD.
LOL. Bento sets are easily available at the stations. Just buy from any store. All will taste nice. ROFL. I have tried so many, and they didnt fail me.

Once you have purchased your food, look at your ticket again.

Here's our ticket: How to read this?
Your ticket is valid on 18 October 2014.
The train was come at 13.40.
You should go to Car 15 and your seat number is 15A.

You are taking HIKARI 515


Go to platform 23/24. Osaka direction is towards Kyoto.


I am taking the  HIKARI 515 train.
Look at the clock. Its 1.38pm and my train is coming at 1.40pm. (tell me why i am still taking this photo!!!)

I run for my life towards my car number. (My shoes even dropped out. OMG) ROFL. I swear i burnt 5 calories during the 100m run.

Trains in Japan are super duper punctual.

If you cant make it to your car number, just enter any door and walk towards your seat. The train will leave by 1.40pm. I am not kidding. LOL.

In any case, you are covered under the JR pass even if you really miss your train. Go to the counter and book the next available train.

I managed to board the train (thankfully).




FOOD!!!! SO PRETTY!
About 10 dollars each.




I reached a conclusion that Japan is really v clean. HAHA.






Till the next post!