Katie Invades Tokyo

At the Base of the Tokyo Tower

Alright, well I didn't really invade Tokyo rather I leisurely toured by myself and with my friend/co-worker Suzuki, who is Japanese.  I have probably mentioned this before but I love this job because of all the connections world wide you make.  I was able to have a personal tour guide one day of Tokyo - thanks Suzuki!  He took me to the Tokyo Tower; the day was fairly clear but not clear enough to see Mt. Fuji from the tower which would have been cool.  I wanted to find the look-down window they advertised in the brochure and....

We thought this was the look down window....a little disappointed

But then we found the one advertised...happier

I am a HUGE sushi lover and the one thing I really wanted to do above anything else was eat Sushi while in Tokyo.  Suzuki was planning to take me to this place that was very popular but had great quality sushi.  It was definitely popular - a line out the door and curved around the side of the building.  Needless to say, I was excited to have sushi but was not willing to wait in that line...my time was precious and I wouldn't be able to tell a difference anyways.  We walked through the ever popular Shinjuku area and found a yummy Sushi place that you stood while eating.

Shinjuku Area - I made sure to cross diagonally in the crosswalk cause it's legal!

After lunch, he took me to a coffee shop that is the most unique shop I have been at.  Apparently they are gaining popularity where Japanese girls can go and practice English while having afternoon tea.  There were butlers - with penguin flaps on their jackets, rules where we could use our camera but don't capture the butlers.  We both agreed that this shop would be perfect to little girls because they treat you 'like' a princess....I felt more awkward at time - I don't need a butler to escort me to and from the bathroom....go about your business thanks.  The best part was when you rang a bell for the butler, they would stop what they were doing and say "Yes My Princess" loudly...I laughed so hard every time!  Although the tea they had there was fabulous and treats were delicious!

Yes, Yes I am wearing a Tiara

After being completely full from sushi, tea and treats, we walked for a few hours around Tokyo.  We visited the Meji Shrine, although I didn't go to far inside because it would take forever with the crowds of people, took me to a market place that also were full of people so I just looked...didn't have any space to take stuff back anyways.  The next day I walked for hours around the Imperial grounds and gardens.  I could tell that in the Spring time it would be beautiful however it was Winter and everything was brown.  

I liked the Old to New perspective!

My favorite spot in the gardens.

Luckily, Suzuki was able to meet up for dinner again as well as Junpei, another co-worker I had yet to meet who is Japanese.  We went to a traditional Japanese restaurant and I of course had traditional Japan beer with dinner.  I miss the food from Japan!  

Me, Suzuki, Junpei

Shinjuku at night

The short time I spent in Tokyo makes me want to go back and explore more of Japan, I loved it!  More pictures can be found HERE.