TBJ TRAVELS TOKYO JAPAN 2016 3: Harajuku, Omotesando, Shibuya, Ginza Guide + Itinerary

Day 3 was all about shopping so we hit Tokyo's shopping capitals, Shibuya, Omotesando, Harajuku, and Ginza. First, we dropped by Meiji Shrine; I brought Mikki here just because it's her first time, plus I missed the gentle aura of this place. My detailed tour of Meiji Shrine can be found HERE.

TAKESHITA, HARAJUKU

Of course a Japan trip is never complete without a visit to Takeshita. We went on a Friday and the place was PACKED! It felt like 1/4 of Tokyo's inhabitants were in the area!

We wanted to score some shoes, but too bad, biggest size for ladies is 8. Mikki and I are both wearing size 9 shoes.

TIP: Try on the chunky wedges; they're lightweight and comfy!

 Psychedelic tees, pullovers, and hoodies. Gawd, I almost bought that intergalactic cat pullover!

Tamagotchi department store! Upon seeing this store, it felt like my Grade 1, 7- year old self came to life! I should've bought one! :/

While strolling and weaving through people at Takeshita, Mikki and I spotted a cluster of people; it seemed like a T.V. coverage as there were people bringing portable microphones and a camera. Turned out that Hideaki Kobayashi, Japan's famous cosplayer was being interviewed! He gamely posed for a photo with us. Hideaki is a reminder that rules and society should not prevent you from expressing your true self.

After a brief snack at one of Takeshita's cafes, we walked around Harajuku some more. Japan is a great place to buy sneakers so make room for some in your luggage; you won't be able to resist the super affordable prices! I bought a black Nike Tanjun.

TIP: ABC Mart is one of the city's biggest shoe retailers. If you're looking for Nike Tanjuns, Nike Roshe Sakura, and Adidas Stan Smiths at a great price, don't forget to visit this place!

We quickly passed by La Foret before heading to Omotesando. La Foret is a mall building that houses cute stuff from clothes, accessories, bags, shoes, stationary, and cosmetics. I learned that there's a Les Merveilluses Laduree shop in here so I dropped by; I've been meaning to try their makeup!

I initially wanted to get the petals blush because it's SO.PRETTY, but balked at the P5,000 price tag. Well, when in Japan, shopping is a must so I almost bought it, but good thing I tried it first and learned that it takes a lot of effort to pick up some color so I went for the regular powder blush instead and a tube of lipstick.

OMOTESANDO

Finally got more time to explore Omotesando. This shopping stretch is home to various luxury brands. It's also my favorite district in Tokyo. I love the vibe of Omotesando!

There is a Shu Uemura boutique in here; best to get Shu products in Japan because aside from being affordable, there are certain shades and products that you won't find in the Philippines too.

Kiddyland may be a store for kids, but a lot of adults who are kids at heart flock this store too! It's 6 floors of toys, accessories, and trinkets featuring some of the well- loved cartoon characters ever made! This place is a must- visit!

Gudetama merchandise! Augh! I had a hard time controlling myself while I was in the store haha!

My most- favorite find at Kiddyland: Sailor Moon cases! As a Sailor Moon fan, this is an amazing find! I purchased a Sailor Moon uniform case because I've always been Sailor Moon when my childhood friends and I would play!

Time for some beauty purchases. I saw Aesop, one of Australia's popular skin care brands; I dropped by and wanted to purchase, but didn't know it was that expensive lol. I bought a spot treatment though.

When strolling by Omotesando, don't forget to check out the alleys; lots of interesting finds to discover, mainly homegrown Japanese fashion labels!

Be sure to drop by AINZOTULPE at Omotesando for bargain perfumes and quirky Japanese cosmetics!

SHIBUYA

The great Shibuya crossing! By this time, we were hungry, our feet were dead tired, and our wallets were almost empty so we just decided to see the great Shibuya cross in action rather than go inside malls.

TIP: There's a Starbucks store in one of the buildings that gives you a bird's eye view of the great Shibuya cross in action. It's perfect for taking wonderful pictures!

Last stop before heading to Ginza for dinner; Hachiko! It's just a small statue honoring a dog, but the place holds great history and inspiration for locals and tourists.

GINZA

Hello again, Ginza!

Last stop for the night was Ginza for dinner at Hinomaru, a lovely restaurant hidden under the train station. Ah, memories of my first- ever trip to Japan filled my head as I roamed the streets of Ginza! Check out my detailed Ginza guide HERE.

And here are my hauls from my Tokyo, Japan trip! Got mostly food, as usual because food shopping is a must in Japan!

TIP: You can visit Shibuya, Omotesando, and Harajuku in just one day.

Tomorrow, we'll visit Shinjuku and Sanrio Puroland! Last leg of our trip!

View and download my Tokyo, Japan itinerary HERE.

**Please be reminded that fares and rates vary depending on the latest currency conversion rate and change in rules on your time of visit.

Check out my Tokyo, Japan 2016 diaries:

TBJ TRAVELS TOKYO, JAPAN 2016 1: Tokyo Disney Sea
TBJ TRAVELS TOKYO, JAPAN 2016 2: Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara