Harajuku

This is the view entering Harajuku on a weekend once you get off the rail. Super crowded! 

Cotton candy.

The fashion in Harajuku wasn't what we expected, because there were so many tourists on a Saturday and as I read in an article recently, Harajuku fashion is dead with the popularity of stores like Uniqlo. I heard it's best to go on a Sunday. There were some kawaii little kids with interesting fashion though when we were in line for the Monster Cafe.  

So it's best to make a reservation for the Monster Cafe as well or you'll be waiting in line for a bit. 

Two of the workers.  They put on a little mini-show too.  The food was pretty basic and not so tasty. It seems that at most of these themed cafes in Japan, the food just isn't very good.  Nearby and within walking distance is the Meiji Shrine.  After visiting the Meiji Shrine, we went back towards Harajuku and hit up the Line store.  Tons of photo ops in this store.  They had some items exclusive to Japan too.  The rest of the shopping in Harajuku was very dissappointing. It was mostly old 90s American clothing or something to that degree.  There were a few stores that were good for women though.

Tsukiji Fish Market We didn't wake up early for a tour and just went to eat. Bring cash!  Grilled crab legs.  Sea urchin on a scallop I believe. It was good. It can get pretty crowded.  Pop in to one of the restaurants for delicious sashimi.  One thing I regret was not trying the white strawberries. Everyone said they were good. 

Kamakura Temple Great Buddha of Kamakura. The temple closes at 5pm so make sure you can get there in time from Tokyo. My friend, Jimmy, popping the question. 

Sanrio Puroland If you love Sanrio, you need to go here. There were children as well as adults without children. The interior. They had cafes with kawaii food.  They had shows in the lower level. You can stand in lines and take pictures with the characters. There was a Gudetama section with a ton of photo ops.

There were a few children's rides.  Friends like to match in Japan for some reason.  Hello Kitty is all over this part of town, even in the security office and on the platform signs.

Astroboy Mural at Takadanobaba Station 

If you're a fan of Astroboy, then go to Takadanobaba Station and check out their Astroboy mural. There isn't much else to do around this area though and I couldn't find any place that sells Astroboy merchandise.