Our Tokyo Diary

Our dream came true! Hubby and I have been dreaming about visiting Japan for a very long time, and finally, after being so patient hehe, we managed to visit Tokyo for a short family holiday. Yayyyyyyy! So so happy! :)

Tokyo was beyond lovely. The city is so clean that for an OCD person like me, I didn’t mind putting my head to rest on a public facility because I could just feel the cleanliness in every detail of the city. The people were very friendly and helpful too. The fact that some Japanese who cannot speak English are still trying their best to understand and help is beyond words. I have never witnessed such sincerity in helping others. Japan is by far the most courteous country I have ever been to.

The weather was tough for me though. There would be occasional cold winds that were very strong that it literally felt like someone was putting a cold blower in front of my face. It was tough for me to breathe properly that I actually cried while walking because my nose was totally blocked it hurt like crazy. Thank God Sharjeel was always there to run to the pharmacy and get me something to make me feel better. I would have died without him, to put in a dramatic way. My nose just cannot bear such strong cold winds. Sigh.

Among everything we did / visited in Tokyo, my favorite was the Shinjukugyoen National Park. I don’t think a park has ever moved me in such a way I did not want to leave. The whole Sakura + greenery was like heaven on earth. It was something I have never seen before and the beauty just touched my heart so deeply. Shahmeer is one lucky baby to be able to witness that at such an age.

Shopping wise, Japan might not be that heavenly. Things are very expensive in Tokyo. FYI, the Japanese are crazy about vintage Chanel, which makes vintage Chanel super overpriced here. I have to admit that they have great collection though, but just for browsing sake. You’re better off buying vintage Chanel in Jakarta from other fellow collectors. Instead, I got myself a vintage Moschino and MCM bag heheheh. The only recommended shop for youngsters (of my taste) would be WEGO. I shopped quite a lot there because the collection is super fun and price was reasonable too. I bought like 9 earrings and plenty of oversized t-shirts. Kawaii!

For babies and kids, I highly recommend the ASObono Indoor Playground if it gets too cold or windy outside. The place is soooooooo fun and clean and everything looks super cute too! Shahmeer spent so many hours playing inside, which explains why the whole Tokyo trip felt more like Shahmeer's play trip as opposed to sightseeing and shopping heheh. But seriously, this playground is like heaven for kids.

What else did we see / do? Hhmmm...we went to Tokyo Disneyland, but the quality of shows were far less attractive than Hong Kong Disneyland somehow. We roamed the streets of Omotesando, Ginza, Shibuya, Hajajuku, Shinjuku, Akihabara. We visited Yoyogi Park.

I would have to say that Tokyo as a city is not so baby-friendly though. Not every place offers a stroller lane more over escalators or elevators. So many times Sharjeel and I had to pick up the stroller up and down the stairs to reach places. Cafes and restaurants are also so tiny that you can't even fit a stroller inside. Don't even think of baby chairs. Most restaurants and cafes in Tokyo have a bar seating arrangement which makes it impossible to bring babies. We even got rejected in a few restaurants because they apply a no-stroller policy. Boo hoo.

All in all, Tokyo is definitely worth another visit, again and again. The city has too many things to offer that an 8-days trip felt too quick.We love you, Tokyo! :)