For the first of our two days in Tokyo, we got a head start in the morning and arrived at Harajuku about a half an hour before the shops were about to open. There was already a small lineup ahead of us, but we were in good position to get in on the first round. It was only girls waiting in line, but everyone there seemed to have a common interest. The shop we went to? Johnny’s Shop of course. =)

After spending 45 minutes in the store, we were off again to Tamachi to meet Rin, who is my kouhai from university. Once we found each other, we took a short walk over to Keio University. Rin gave us a tour around the Mita campus. We walked over to the library, then to the new building. We peeked inside some of the lecture halls and went into a few classrooms. Some of the classrooms looked more like elementary school classrooms with the wooden desks and chairs. We also went inside the university bookstore called co-op and spent time hunting out Keio branded stationery. 

Later Rin took us to the cafeteria where we lined up to grab lunch. I felt like a student again sitting in the packed cafeteria. The total cost for my entire meal was less than ¥500. There should be more places like this which cater to poor people like me university students!

Once we were done eating, we quickly walked back out to meet Yumi, who had just arrived. Since Rin was starting class, Yumi continued the Keio tour for us. After we were convinced we saw enough of the campus, Yumi took us by taxi to a small cafe nearby. The cafe was called Kamon and it’s a hidden gem within an expensive residential area. The house was built more than 80 years ago and it was turned into a small cafe serving only female customers. The granny who runs it is the most adorable person ever. She was a full head shorter than me and pushed the tiniest cart around with our drinks. There was an area by the doorway where she placed all her trinkets. She also had a shamisen on display. She said her mother used to play it back in the day. It all seemed very nostalgic. 

Since we were the only customers in the cafe, she and her daughter were happily chatting with us throughout the meal. They were very pleased to have visitors from Canada. They were mostly speaking in Japanese to Yumi, but I was able to catch bits and pieces of the conversation while sipping my tea. The tea sets they used were the cutest ever. They looked miniature. =P

After our tea, we took the taxi again to Meguro Gajoen, where we saw an exhibit by Kariyazaki Shogo called Hana no Kizuna. I’ve seen ikebana before, but none quite like the pieces Kariyazaki had. It was pretty amazing seeing the assortment of flowers on display, as well as the elaborate vases and ornaments he used. 

Before we walked into the exhibit, Yumi and I were standing towards the side while we waited for my sister to come out of the washroom. Out of nowhere this man pops out from behind the partition. His entrance was a little over the top, but I soon found out that this was the ever flamboyant Kariyasaki Shogo. He started greeting everyone as he went by and I’m pretty sure I heard a few surprised gasps from his legions of housewife fans in attendance. LOL.

When we finished the exhibit, we had to cut through the gift shop to leave. I was initially hoping to buy something to take back with me, but everything on sale was super expensive. In the end I settled for a set of postcards. When I went to pay, I was given a voucher along with the receipt. It turns out that the voucher entitles you to an autograph from the man himself. When I pulled out my postcard for him to sign, Yumi explained to him that I was visiting from Canada. He was so surprised that he shook my hand – TWICE! It was amusing. =P

We continued walking inside Meguro Gajoen after we exited the exhibit. I’ve never been inside such a fancy hotel like that. I could tell why it’s such a popular spot for weddings. The venue is both very western as well as traditional Japanese. We specially took a trip to the washroom which has elaborate paintings and lacquered walls and even a bridge over a small river. No jokes! It’s a tourist attraction on its own.

Afterwards we waited outside for a shuttle bus which would take us to Meguro Station. We then switched over to the subway and headed towards Azabu-juban. Azabu-juban is lined with a mix of shops and restaurants, giving off a very relaxed atmosphere. Yumi took us to a quaint little French restaurant named Le Petit Tonneau. We weren’t actually going there for a meal, but rather to see the filming location for the drama Ryusei no Kizuna. (Yes, I visited a lot of filming locations on this trip.)

We did go inside and ordered some drinks and desserts. We had to rest our legs after walking so much earlier in the day! Once we finished, we went and explored the area in Azabu-juban. Yumi took us to some of the popular shops. I also bought Hokkaido milk bread for the first time. Afterwards, we took the subway towards Shimbashi, where we went inside the NTV building. (Or more accurately, the gift shop. LOL.)

Later, we met Rin back at the station and went off for dinner. Yumi found this shabu shabu place that not only has nomihoudai, but also has private karaoke rooms! This was the most amazing discovery ever. Poor Yumi though, she had to sit through the three of us singing Arashi all night. Thank you so much to Yumi and Rin for planning such an amazing day for us!