XI. Robot

The night before Saya had eaten some questionable food at the train station and had been really sick all night. In the morning she was still pretty under the weather so I went out for a solo adventure. I made a checklist and figured out where most of the places were before I left. These are the amazing kawaii nails I had gotten a couple of nights back, still looking super fresh.

My first stop was Yamashita Shoten, a 24 hour bookshop with an incredible collection of magazines. I spent my morning practicing ‘tachiyomi’ (standing and reading). I wish I had visited this store later in the day. I ended up buying three quite heavy Japanese fashion magazines. No regrets.

Yamashita Shoten. 3-19-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku

While looking for this anime place I stumbled into a pretty amazing music store. I couldn't tell you what it was called but it was in the same building as 'animate'.

This was another place on my bucket list. I was saddened to learn there was nothing in English, but it was still pretty great just looking at all the super intense manga series.

Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawacho, 31−2 渋谷BEAM

Afterwards I found Tokyu Hands which was kind of like a more fancy version of Don Quihote. It kind of just had a bit of everything. The stationary section was my favourite and I did end up buying stickers that I probably will never use.

I was pretty exhausted at this point so I didn't end up making it to the top. I wish all stores did this, such great, subtle motivation to keep shopping.

This was in a pet shop that was a part of Tokyu Hands. You can buy shrimp! This is a great step up from sea monkeys that I really wish they had in Australia.

Another great thing I wish they had in Australia, Hamsters. As you may know I did own a hamster when I lived in London. Her name was Max and I miss her everyday. She was such a babe and only bit me a couple of times when I first bought her. After that we were the best of friends. I am so obsessed with hamsters. If anyone owns hamsters in Australia please hit me up. I will go so out of my way to own one of these sweet bundles of joy again.

Tokyu Hands

12-18 Udagawacho
Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

I literally only went in to this center to check out Happy Socks because it was on my bucket list. Turns out I don't actually really like Happy Socks all that much. But they did have some more awesome magazines and books.

Shibuya PARCO
15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

The Disney stores were kind of weird. They were exactly the same everywhere in Japan and most of the stuff inside was only relating to a few specific charachters. I don't know it wasn't really my thing.
Disney Store

20-15 Udagawacho
Shibuya

I decided to check out this Hello Kitty mens collection because I had being seeing so many signs for it. I was thoroughly disappointed. It was literally just normal mens clothing with almost invisible Hello Kitty motifs. I was expecting so much more from Japan.

Still regretting not getting a Moto jacket when I was in Japan. I couldn't find one that was the right size. So many regrets. I think this one was Zara, but the label says something different.

I really don't know if this is a loaf of french toast made in to a cake, or if it is just a really square sponge cake.

I decided to spend the second half of my day in Harajuku, this photo describes the city pretty well.

I was really let down with the amount of outrageous outfits in Harajuku. I expected way more crazy. This was a great outfit. But literally look at everyone around him. Just standard winter fashion.

I stopped off for lunch at the best ramen I ate whilst in Japan. Ichiran Ramen was all kinds of extraordinary and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen. You order off this piece of paper and give it to them and then they deliver it to you through the blinds in front of you. And you can order more at any time using the little buttons in front of you. They designed their restaurant so the customer can focus their attention entirely on the food they are eating. It's a great place to eat but it isn't a social place. So it is all kinds of perfect if you are eating alone.

6 Chome-5-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

I didn't know it at the time but this is where I lost my phone. I actually thought I had lost it on the train and a lot of time was spent hopping between train stations trying to communicate with the lost and found people. I ended that day pretty heartbroken thinking I had lost my phone. But it was ok because I was going to the Robot Restaurant that night with Saya, which was a perfect distraction.

Stepping in to the Robot Restaurant is like stepping in to a crazy new world. Everywhere you look is visually assaulting, but in a good way.

These are literally just the stairs leading you to the main area.

Word of advice eat before you go. And if you can, don't order food. It was definitely the worst food I ate in Japan.

I think this would be an awesome way to promote new beer in Australia. Have promo girls wearing these walking around the bar, it will be a massive hit guaranteed. 

I really don't have many words to describe the performance. I think the pictures speak for themselves, but if you do go to Japan you do have to do this. These pictures won't spoil anything because nothing can really prepare you for the weirdness you will experience. Although if you really want to go there without any knowledge prior I suggest not reading the rest of this post. 

I still don't really have words to describe any of what I saw that night. It was totally worth it and if anything I just wish Saya was feeling better that day so we could have made a big night out of it all. Prepare yourself to see the most drunk Australians in one room then in your entire trip. That was a bit of a downside though. Way too many excessively drunk bogans. I guess they would have been a lot easier to deal with if I had been drunk. Oh well, there's always a next time. Oh and just a reminder that all of these photos were taken on Saya's phone because I had lost mine.

erica