We set off early morning from our hotel, heading east.
We wound our way through inner Shibuya, making our way north.
We took side streets and alleys, passing areas under redevelopment.
We continued north in the early morning sun.
Eventually, we reached a 7 Eleven towards the top of Shibuya.
We entered, grabbing some breakfast supplies and drinks. We took a seat near the window, and ate our makeshift breakfast.
After a quick breakfast pit stop, we continued north, passing NHK broadcasting to our left.
We headed over an overpass, approaching Yoyogi Park.
We wound our way around the western edge of Yoyogi Park, eventually emerging at a western exit, and making our way for our first coffee stop.
Little Nap Coffee Stand
- ¥
- Price
- Coffee
- Shop
Little Nap Coffee Stand is a charming, cosy café.
We ordered our coffees and a small block of coffee choolate at the counter, and found some seating.
One coffee later, we departed, and continued North, tracing our way along charming residential sized buildings.
We cut through a side alley.
It was a pleasant morning, warm in the sun, but cool enough for a walk.
We continued north, crossing over a train line.
The walk to Shinjuku was very pleasant down these pedestrian sized roads.
Watching people go about their day as we chatted was a lovely change from the hustle and bustle of catching trains.
It was also ideal for good doggo spotting.
We continued along winding, residential paths.
We stopped in at a convenience store for some supplies.
We resumed our relaxed pace towards Shinjuku, large skyscrapers looming in the distant skyline.
We criss-crossed along paths, finding our way to Shinjuku. We crossed roads, took detours, as I attempted to get us to the ideal approach.
I remember us being in the middle of a fascinating conversation on neuralplasticity when suddenly, after taking an elevator, we had arrived in Shinjuku proper, with large towering Skyscrapers surrounding us.
We continued up, approaching Shinjuku station.
We made our way along the overpass towards Tokyu Hands and the Takashimaya Times Square building.
To our right was the vast range of train tracks connecting to Shinjuku.
We crossed the bridge and entered Tokyu Hands Shinjuku.
Tokyu Hands
- ¥¥
- Price
- General
- Store
Inside, we spent a bit of time looking at bags and accessories, and Alyssa finding a suitable Bento Box for lunches.
After a good look around, we continued on, and made our way for one of my go-to coffee places in the area...
Blue Bottle Shinjuku
- ¥
- Price
- Coffee
- Shop
Blue Bottle, of course. We ordered, and took a seat.
On the way out, I checked the retail section to see if they stocked the glass Kinto mug my filter coffee was served in.
Turns out, they used to sell it. Thankfully, a helpful barista pointed me in the direction of a homeware store opposite, where I picked up a Kinto Fika set.
We departed, and were now quite keen on lunch.
We made our way to a nearby Ichiran, only to find the queue too long for us.
We made our way back to the station, and across the overpass near Takashimaya Times Square building, for our second burger in two days.
Shake Shack Shinjuku
- ¥¥
- Price
- Burger
- Joint
We placed our orders, and before long, our glorious Shack burgers arrived.
After lunch, we made our way to Shinjuku station to visit Ginza.
We made our way for the Subway E line platform, navigating the labyrinthian interior of Shinjuku station.
A little while later, we alighted in Ginza, and made our way from the subway to the surface.
We emerged into warm, sunny Ginza.
Weekends in Ginza brings Pedestrian Paradise to areas of the main streets, where roads are closed off to cars.
We made our way down the street in the warm afternoon.
It was surprisingly warm in the afternoon sun. I removed my middle sweater layer, feeling hot for the first time during our time in Japan.
Nevertheless, there were plenty of photo-ops in the warm afternoon sun.
As we arrived towards the end of the Pedestrian Paradise strip, we entered one of our favourite stationery stores.
Itoya
- ¥¥
- Price
- Stationery
- Shop
Itoya has several floors of all things stationery, from pens, pencils, paper and notebooks, to travel and everyday carry items, as well as wedding invitations.
After a good look around Itoya, we left, and made our way back to the station.
Late afternoon now, we returned to Shibuya and our hotel.
Later that evening, we headed out in to Shibuya. Still a little early for dinner, we decided to look around the Shibuya Tokyu Hands store.
Tokyu Hands
- ¥¥
- Price
- General
- Store
We spent a while ascending the floors, exploring the variety of bags, stationery, and other goods on display. Towards the top floor, we entered the pet section, with plenty of birds.
As dinner time approached, we departed Tokyu Hands, and made our way for one of our favourite Katsu places.
Tonkatsu Maisen Tokyu
- ¥¥
- Price
- Katsu
- Restaurant
We ordered our Curry Katsu sets, with bottomless cabbage.
After dinner, we went for a post-dinner nightcap.
We headed to the top floor of Tsutaya Books in Shibuya, overlooking the Shibuya Scramble.
Tsutaya Books Shibuya
- ¥¥
- Price
- Book
- Store
After a chill nightcap, we headed home to turn in for the night.