Tokyo, Japan VIII Fuji Q, the Pokémon Center & Studio Ghibli Museum

This is how excited I am to be returning to FujiQ Highland in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi. You can read my previous experience in this post.

Starting the day with a classic matcha late. Not the most traditional location, but it's the thought that counts. Plus Starbucks Matcha is actually amazing.

We took the express JR train to Fujikyu Highland from Shinjuku Station. The ride was 

The weather wasn’t as nice as the last time I visited the park, Mt Fuji was fully visible then. Highly recommend trying to go here on a clear day if it’s possible. But even with grey skies we still had an amazing time. The park layout is pretty fun to navigate, these colored lines on the ground direct you to different rides.

Sassie in anime form!

For lunch we had a cute lil burger and onion ring meal from Mos Burger. It was pretty good.

Here I am in front of my absolute favorite/ most terrifying ride I have ever been on. Here are my top rated rollercoasters including the one behind me called EEJANAIKA.

1. EEJANAIKA: The roller coaster with the highest total number of spins in the world
2. TAKABISHA: roller coaster with the steepest drop in the world at 121°
3. DODONPA: park’s fastest coaster and holds the world record holder for fastest acceleration
4. FUJIYAMA: Labelled the ‘King of Coasters’, used to be the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster when it opened in 1996 also has the best views of Mt Fuji

In summary, if you are a huge rollercoaster head like me this is a must visit destination. It’s also a great place to get close to Mt Fuji but unfortunately that really depends on how the visibility is that particular day. I clearly love this theme park, I mean clearly, it’s my second time coming here.

The above photos were taken in the huge 4 story Kiddy Land toy store back in Harajuku. Every level has some sort of theme and it has basically any Japanese toy your child or toy loving adult could possibly ever want.

We then made our way over to the Pokémon center, I love just writing that. Living out my childhood dreams. Conveniently located in Nihonbashi near Tokyo station, a visit to Pokémon Center DX is a definite must visit on your way to catch ‘em all! I came home with an Eevee plush because obviously.

Can you tell which is my favorite Pokémon?

The photo opportunities here are also fantastic.

Lani got a jiggly puff.

The next morning we headed out for the Studio Ghibli Museum, which I cannot stress enough you MUST prebook. It sells out quite fast as there are limited spots each day.

Not to be confused with the Ghibli Park just outside of Nagoya that recently opened. The Ghibli Museum is located in Tokyo’s Mitaka neighborhood and is a lot smaller and cozier. At the museum you can learn more about Ghibli Animation and see real drawings in a cute space. The Ghibli Park is a more immersive and large experience that feels like you are in the actual movies, think Universal Studios vibes. I would have loved to visit Ghibli Park but it wasn’t actually opened during this trip to Japan.

The souvenir shop here was so elite. I would have loved to buy so much more if I could. I love the above artworks on the wall, so insanely cute.

Plushies will forever have my hear. Alas I only left here with some really pretty postcards. Lightest souvenir to collect.

The architecture in every area of the Ghibli museum is so deliberate and precious, there is something adorable and aesthetic everywhere you turn.

These stained glass windows are too adorable.

The garden itself is a really work of art. I could spend hours just strolling and exploring this cute little garden. If you are looking to visit the Ghibli Museum make sure you pre-purchase tickets as they are quite strict on entry times. It doesn’t take too much of your time to go through the museum but it is a great experience especially if you love Studio Ghibli films and animation. The sketches and art are truly magnificent to see in real life. Great now I want to rewatch Ghibli movies!

Next stop OSAKA!

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love e