Konnnichiwa! Japan is my favorite country to visit . My first trip was in 1992 at the age of fifteen when I took my first mainstream modeling assignment . Since then I’ve taken a total of twenty five trips to Japan. For a few years I went three or four times a year and it’s an incredible country .From the intensity of Tokyo to the beauty and serenity of the south Island I’ve been fortunate to see all of Japan from the cities to the mountains and sea. I feel deeply connected to this country. My spirit transforms when I am there. I always feel some deep emotions I often cannot describe when I’m in Japan. They disappear as soon as I leave and I can’t explain my feelings but I just go with it.
Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Hello Kitty. Ever since I was a child. My discovery of Hello Kitty goes like this : I’m walking home with my mother from Kindergarten and we pass a cute little shop that sells like gum, cigarettes, magazines . I spot a hello Kitty pencil with a strawberry scented eraser. I never asked my mom for stuff we just didn’t have any money even for small stuff, but I REALLY wanted this pink yummy smelling pencil. She got it for me but she was like “why you like cat with no mouth” in her heavy Thai accent lol I was a very quiet kid so maybe this resonated with me somehow. Who knows, but HK and I have been in a love affair for about 40 years now. I may make one or two more posts about Japan but this one is going to be a few Random HelloKitty Pictures I have .I love Godzilla and Gadzuki his baby! I stood in line to meet HK and my sweet husband this past Christmas took me to Puroland http://puroland.jp to see her again:} That’s love! I was actually ok with not going as I wanted to show Alberto more of Japan not HK Land .He was curious about this character I love so much and it gives him pleasure to see me so happy so off we went!
Godzilla is located in the neighborhood of Shinjuku and it’s at The Gracery Hotel http://gracery.com. Shinjuku itself is very cool and my second favorite neighborhood. The first being Shibuya. I always stay at the Shibuya Excel or Cerulean Tower Tokyu. Both are big and the Cerulean is more luxurious (my opinion) and both hotels are in great locations. For shopping http://shibuya109.jp is a fantastic iconic mall right in the heart of Shibuya.It’s got the most amazing make -up , skin care, really unique lingerie , clothes and shoes. I love to buy lingerie , and hosiery here because it’s 100% unique and you won’t find many of these Japanese brands anywhere else in the world .You have traditional Japanese amenities at both of these wonderful hotels and the Shibuya Excel has the most wonderful bakery on the ground floor cafe you have to try .The subway is right there which is an adventure itself but Tokyo is so amazing to just walk! That might not be everyone’s speed but it’s mine. I like big clean rooms with all kinds of local toiletries,I like to communicate easily and walk to stuff so these hotels have been my staples over the years.
My other favorite neighborhood is Ginza.. It’s elegant and so nice to stroll around in. In December it’s cold even snowing but Ginza is so calm and pretty with beautiful parks. The Imperial Palace is there you have to see the garden and the grounds. Ginza is where you’ll find all the of the designer shops. Mitsukoshi https://cp.mistore.jp is their chain department store and http://ginza.doverstreetmarket.com is another high end shoppe with beautiful unique things. Japanese people are kind humble and friendly. Their style , and design give great aesthetic pleasure .Good manners always go a long way and it’s respectful to slightly bow right back when you’re greeted this way . I always do . Shibuya 109 at the top floor is the eyelash wall and it was to die for! At 5’10 it can be challenging for me to find clothes that fit me. Their skirts are like a washcloth on me and I can only buy cosmetics and skincare which by the way they have some of the best chemists in skincare and snacks, I LOVE their cute packaged anime snacks!
Finally let’s talk about food! Ichhiran 5 ramen http://en.ichiran.com There’s one in every neighborhood. You stand in line and when it’s your turn to get your Ramen ticket you put all your Ramen info into the machine how spicy you want it, what kind of broth you want, if you want an extra egg or noodles, a beer then you give your ticket to your hostess who seats you. Within two minutes you’re eating your customized ramen. We had to go to Nobu http://noburestaurants.comThen we found this sliding plate sushi place that had amazing reviews. I’ve never ordered sushi from a computer then had it slide on down to me on a conveyor belt but it was tasty FUN and CHEAP! Have you ever used those three words to describe your sushi experience? You’ve never said CHEAP! It’s called Uobei Sushi if you want to try it out:} I tried to put a link here for you all but here’s the address instead! It might be easier than trying to read …
It’s at 2-29-11 Dogenzaka
1f Shibuya 150-0043 Tokyo Prefecture
Some Japan Tips when traveling that work for me
1.Use the ATM at 7-11 . When withdrawling cash in the local Yen or any local currency remember to ALWAYS choose the option to DECLINE the conversion . The rate will be much better this way and you avoid any extra surcharges.The airport exchange or those touristy exchange places can be an option if you have cash to exchange just make sure to check for the best rates.
Things to do and things I DO and fun places you might like:}
Tokyo Tower http://tokyotower.co.jp It’s an incredible view but quite a long line to go in and out so just know that and be patient:}
Asakusa is located in the Taito, District. Beautiful temples, I love to do a lot of my shopping here.
Shinjuku!! I didn’t get to see The Robot Show so if you see it leave me a comment below and tell me about it! Godzilla of course! He comes out every hour on the hour so enjoy a tea and cake then run out like everyone else when you hear him roar!
Akihabara is a fun area, a lot of Anime, sexy and video game shoppes if you’re into that stuff .
Puroland!! if you like Hello Kitty
Go see Hachiko at Shibuya station.
Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido has incredible beaches and seafood. I myself am not allowed in an Onsen (because I am tattooed)
I want to hear your Japan stories! XO Tera
