Sunday 1 May 2016

23/02/2016 - Shinjuku

Since we had already been to Shibuya and Harajuku, we wanted to go to Shinjuku - the other major ward in Tokyo. We had kind of high expectation because of Shibuya and Harajuku already, but we still tried to stay casual about going. Although, we discovered that Shinjuku was a really different experience than the other places. While Shibuya and Harajuku were lively and full of shopping, tourists and everything in that aspect; it took a really long time to get beyond grey buildings and pachinko parlours beyond the station. Meals being the most difficult option of our day, I think in the end we found a really traditional style soba restaurant which we went to first before venturing too far - there weren't very many options down the alleys we chose, though (still tasty!).

Once we went under a large bridge, it was suddenly big buildings, brights lights and lots of people. I saw a lifesize Godzilla peeping over a building and girl group music videos being played on massive television screens. We briefly looked around before trying to find the cat cafe - which is why we came to Shinjuku in the first place. We read that it had over 50 cats and was one of the best cat cafes in Tokyo.

We found it tucked in a little corner and we had to reserve a place, but eventually we could go inside. There were cats everywhere and it was honestly amazing. They all played over two floors and were really lazy. There were seating areas you could sit and read, and some people had cats sleeping on their legs. I was really jealous. But, I got to pet enough cats anyway. I've discovered that I really love animals who struggle breathing.

We were in Shinjuku until quite late and hadn't eaten dinner, so we decided to go home and eat somewhere on the food strip near our apartment. We walked past a ramen place and we all felt like ramen. But, to our surprise they were selling dumpling ramen (something we've never found in Osaka). We all got a bowl and it was so big and delicious. I thought I wouldn't finish it all even though I was so hungry. However, I managed to finish everything and I felt so good after. It was a really fun day.


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