Check my previous posts on our Disneyland and DisneySea adventures during day 1 and day 2.
I’ve been sleeping comfortably here. Probably we’re just too tired from walking around in the theme parks.
Each hotel provides this as sleepwear
3rd Nov. 2015: This was our (supposed) last full day in the city before flying off back to Singapore the next day. Considering we want to visit as many places in the city as possible, my roommate prepared an itinerary the night before.
All smiles to go jalan-jalan
Forgot the name of this garden that once housed a ruler.At the 86th floor having a nice view of Tokyo. We can see Mt. Fuji from here, too.
Around noontime, my cousin Kukai whom I first met 14 years ago in US joined in. Thankfully, it was a public holiday that day so she could be with us the whole afternoon before her leido lesson at night. So glad my uncle in Colorado read my tweets about the trip and hooked us up last minute.
Having crepe!
After she left us at Shibuya, we were just hopping places in downtown. I think this was like their Orchard area. Not minding the long day it has been, we still went to Ueno and Akihabara to check out what’s in there. We were hoping to see a night market in Ueno so we can buy cheap stuff but they closed early (around 9pm). We just managed to score a pair of New Balance shoes that costs way cheaper than those sold in Singapore.
Expecting to find anime stuff, two innocent girls found something slightly different at Akihabara late at night. What’s still anime-ish about the side trip were: (1) the gaming arcades that function like a casino (2) vendo machines and UFO catchers that feature anime stuff and lastly, (3) adult stores that sell “love goods” modeled by anime figures. We didn’t know what we were getting ourself into but that’s part of the adventure! Haha! Since most of the shops that sell wholesome anime stuff were closed, we just tried some authentic Yoshinoya beef bowl.
On the way back to our hotel, despite the help of nice Japanese people, we still had some unforgettable merry-go-rounds. My roommate and I just lightened up and laughed it out. Tired yet happy, we rested.
The next day was a twist.
Arigato, JAPAN! Day 4
Checkout was smooth as usual. APA Hotels are commendable for their modern facilities, reasonable price, good service and convenient location. Bags packed up and ready to go, we left the hotel two hours before our flight. Based on the subway map, the airport looked nearby. Thinking it was just like Singapore’s Changi Airport that is a few stops from town, we were confident and relaxed.
By the looks of it, it appeared like we re just staying near “Tanah Merah” which is just a few stops from Changi Airport
After changing train to take the Narita Sky Express at Oshiage, the track seemed long and winding. It was nothing like the Hong Kong Airport Express. We were stopping at several stations that were not stated in our map. OMG!!!
As the usual mantra of my roommate goes, “If you’re not sure, ASK. To double confirm, ASK someone else. If you’re not getting the same answer, ASK another one just to make sure.”
To make the story short, we got to the closed counter and missed our flight. Scoot’s check-in counter closes 60 minutes before flight and we arrived 30 minutes before. So double confirmed, didn’t make it. Still in a state of shock, we sat at the corner figuring out what to do next.
Like Einstein with a lit lightbulb lit, my roommate started browsing airfare rates online. After searching several sites, she found a budget fare via Hong Kong. We didn’t want to spend ridiculously high rate for a one way trip if it’s not a matter of life or death.
Relieved by this basil chicken nugget bun which was my lunch at 2pm!
At the lobby of Gateway Hotel in Narita
We managed to get an insider’s deal with Agoda for a night stay in Narita for SGD 80. After checking in, we went out again to go to the mall, Aeon. Once again, I was impressed by the Japanese, not only by their courtesy but by their honesty.
After an afternoon and night at the mall, we took the direct shuttle back to our hotel. We just dabao’d a pair of rice toppings and called it a day. We left Japan the next day feeling very satisfied and yet wanting for more.
P.S. I could have posted more pictures here but for some reason it appears as error on most of my uploads. Sob, sob. Check them out on my FB if we’re friends!
Each hotel provides this as sleepwear
All smiles to go jalan-jalan
