Watching The Dapper Dans perform on World Bazaar's main street at Tokyo Disneyland, with the talented barbershop quartet entertaining guests and adding a touch of vintage Disney charm against the backdrop of Cinderella Castle.
So back to Tokyo it is then unexpectedly, but it was better to get out of the typhoon’s way then to stay where it was going, especially after looking at the news and the damage it has caused. So, on the 14th I moved back to Tokyo literally a few hours before it hit where I was.
Tokyo Again!
14th August (Part 2)
This time instead of staying in Asakusa the hotel I found was in Otsuka about 20-25 min walk from Ikebukero station or if I got the connecting train then Otsuka station is literally next to my hotel (by this I mean I can literally see the trains from the entrance of my hotel).
Checking into APA Hotel Yamanote Otsuka Eki Tower, with its convenient location near Otsuka Station providing an ideal base for exploring Tokyo's neighbourhoods, attractions and extensive rail network.
The hotel I am staying at is called ‘APA Hotel Yamanote Otsuka Eki Tower’. It is to be honest a really nice hotel, very tall (I am staying on the 19th floor), and it includes breakfast. It was only £152 for 3 nights at the last minute (like 1-2 days ago, I booked it).
Returning to APA Hotel Yamanote Otsuka Eki Tower after a day of exploring Tokyo, with the modern high-rise providing comfortable accommodation and easy access to the city's extensive rail network and attractions.Finding a thoughtful origami crane waiting in the hotel room, with the traditional Japanese paper craft providing a small but memorable reminder of the hospitality and attention to detail experienced throughout the journey.
Spontaneous Day!
15th August
Now because I hadn’t planned on coming back to Tokyo, I hadn’t really got anything planned for today, so I got up, had breakfast and then cobbled together a list of stuff I want to do but haven’t got round too yet.
Stopping by the Pokémon Center while exploring Tokyo, with oversized statues of Snorlax, Pikachu and Mew providing a fun photo opportunity at one of Japan's most popular destinations for Pokémon fans.
The 1st stop was for me to go to the Pokémon centre, so I looked up one near Tokyo station as that was where I was going while deciding what to do.
Checking out some of the creative menu displays at a Pokémon-themed café, with character-inspired dishes transforming familiar favourites into colourful tributes to Pikachu, Bulbasaur and other beloved Pokémon.Checking out the latest generation of Pokémon while visiting a Pokémon Center in Tokyo, with larger-than-life statues of Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly providing a colourful welcome for fans exploring the store.
It was quite good to finally have a look at one and I don’t know if you know, but the person who created the Pokémon series is called ‘Satoshi Tajiri’ and when he was younger, he collected insects which might help you understand the “gotta catch them all” concept in the Pokémon games. The first games took 6 years to make, almost bankrupt Game Freak studios, but then went on to become one of the most successful franchises of all time and helped Nintendo out of a pinch with slumping Game Boy sales.
Exploring the history of the Pokémon games while visiting a Pokémon Center in Tokyo, with displays showcasing memorable characters, scenes and milestones from the series that has captivated fans around the world for generations.
After going here, I headed on the Asakusa line to the very end where the Tokyo Skytree is. The Tokyo Skytree is a 600-meter-high radio broadcasting tower, that is also a tourist attraction. I got a ticket to go up it and from the 4th floor to 350 meters up it only took 50 seconds which is insane. There are two sections in the sky tower, and the first one is called the Skytree Tenbo deck, and it consists of 3 floors, 2 cafes and 1 high class French restaurant, yes that is right a restaurant!
Arriving at Tokyo Skytree, with Japan's tallest structure rising high above the surrounding cityscape and serving as an unmistakable landmark during a day exploring the Asakusa and Sumida areas of Tokyo.Heading up to Tokyo Skytree's observation decks, with the high-speed lift carrying visitors hundreds of metres above the city for panoramic views across Tokyo from Japan's tallest structure.Marking a visit to Tokyo Skytree during its anniversary celebrations, with the observation deck offering spectacular views across the capital and a chance to experience one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks from high above the city.Taking in the incredible views from Tokyo Skytree, with the Sumida River winding through an endless sea of buildings and offering a striking reminder of the sheer scale of Japan's capital.Standing on the glass floor at Tokyo Skytree, with a clear view straight down to the streets far below and a thrilling perspective from one of the highest observation points in Japan.Trying out the famous glass floor at Tokyo Skytree, with the city streets visible far below and the observation deck providing one of the most memorable and exhilarating experiences high above Tokyo.
The views from up here were amazing and you could see a lot of Tokyo. I did eat at the cafe which cost me about £13 for a Hamburg steak, a slice of chocolate cake and apple juice.
Enjoying a meal with a view at Tokyo Skytree, with a Japanese-style hamburger steak, rice and panoramic city views providing a memorable lunch high above the streets of Tokyo.Taking a break at Tokyo Skytree's café, with apple juice, chocolate cake and panoramic views across the city providing a relaxing way to enjoy the skyline from hundreds of metres above Tokyo.
After this I went up to the Tembo Galleria deck which is a further 100 meters up (so 450 meters up) and only took 30 seconds from floor 350. Fun bit about the second elevator is though it was a glass window. I did also walk on a glass floor and take some photos while I was at the Skytree. I even got to ride on a cloud outside as well.
Heading beyond the main observation deck at Tokyo Skytree, with the Tembo Galleria offering an even higher vantage point and spectacular panoramic views from up to 450 metres above the streets of Tokyo.Taking the lift from Tokyo Skytree's Tembo Deck to the Tembo Galleria, with views through the tower's steel framework offering a unique perspective of the structure and the vast cityscape spread out below.Making the most of the views from Tokyo Skytree's Tembo Galleria, with Tokyo's endless cityscape stretching far below and providing a memorable perspective from nearly 450 metres above the capital.Checking out one of the themed photo spots at Tokyo Skytree, with the "Tokyo Idol Festival" display framing spectacular views across the city from high above the streets of the Japanese capital.
Afterwards it was starting to get late, so it was time to make like a tree and leaf and headed back towards Ikebukuro. While I was heading there, I decided to have a look at another Pokémon Centre that was there and not only did I find that, but I found basically a geek haven. If you are a geek and/or a nerd, then there would probably be something here for you.
Stopping by Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO, with a photo beside the impressive Miraidon display marking a visit to one of Japan's most popular destinations for Pokémon fans and collectors.Spotting one of the newest Pokémon while exploring Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO, with a large Smoliv display providing another fun photo opportunity among the store's character exhibits, merchandise and interactive attractions.Stopping by the Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café while exploring Sunshine City, with the colourful display of Pikachu-themed treats and merchandise showcasing one of the sweetest stops for Pokémon fans in Tokyo.Browsing the Mugiwara Store while exploring Tokyo, with the official One Piece merchandise shop offering fans the chance to discover exclusive collectibles, character goods and tributes to one of Japan's most popular manga and anime series.Browsing the Snoopy Town Shop while exploring Sunshine City, with shelves filled with Peanuts-themed merchandise, collectibles and character goods celebrating one of the world's most beloved comic strip icons.Browsing the Crayon Shin-chan Cinema Parade store while exploring Sunshine City, with displays, character statues and exclusive merchandise celebrating one of Japan's most popular and long-running anime series.Browsing POP MART while exploring Sunshine City, with the store's colourful displays of designer toys, blind boxes and collectible figures offering plenty to discover for fans of contemporary character art and pop culture.
Now it was time to return to the hotel and drop my backpack off before I went to get some late-night ramen for dinner. The Ramen Restaurant was quite nice, and, on the way, I saw some lanterns that lit the place up just outside Otsuka Station. In the restaurant they also had a nodding red cow which I have seen before (again on NHK) called Akabeko Cow. It literally means red cow as Aka = red and beko = cow and is supposed to be a talisman of good health and fortune and it made from papier-mâché.
Stumbling across a summer festival display while exploring Tokyo after dark, with rows of illuminated lanterns lighting up the streets and creating a vibrant atmosphere on a warm summer evening.Spotting a traditional red Akabeko ornament while stopping for ramen, with the smiling folk toy from Fukushima adding a distinctive regional touch to the restaurant's décor and reflecting one of Japan's best-known cultural symbols.Starting the meal with a plate of freshly cooked gyoza, with the golden-brown dumplings and dipping sauce providing the perfect side dish to accompany a comforting bowl of ramen after a day of exploring Tokyo.Stopping for a bowl of Kitakata-style ramen after a day of exploring Tokyo, with thick curly noodles and generous slices of tender chashu pork creating a comforting meal inspired by one of Japan's most famous regional ramen traditions.
Disneyland!
16th August
Seeing that I had been to Disney Sea previously I thought it would be a good idea this time to go to Disneyland (the other park).
Arriving at Tokyo Disneyland during the park's 40th Dream-Go-Round celebration, with the iconic entrance building marking the start of a day filled with attractions, entertainment and Disney magic.Walking towards the entrance of Tokyo Disneyland, with the park's famous Mickey Mouse floral display providing a colourful welcome and signalling the start of a magical day filled with attractions, entertainment and Disney memories.Stopping to enjoy one of the live street performances on World Bazaar's main avenue at Tokyo Disneyland, with The Bicycle Piano entertaining guests and adding to the nostalgic charm of the park's turn-of-the-century atmosphere.Stopping to enjoy another performance by The Bicycle Piano on World Bazaar's main street, with guests gathering to watch the talented entertainer bring music, humour and classic Disney charm to the heart of Tokyo Disneyland.
So today I have been on quite a few rides although there have been some long queues. So best rollercoaster goes tooooooo. Space mountain
Queueing for Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland, with the iconic indoor roller coaster promising a high-speed journey through the darkness of outer space and remaining one of the park's most enduring attractions.Boarding Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland, with futuristic spaceport theming, glowing blue lighting and sleek spacecraft setting the scene for one of the park's most iconic indoor roller coaster adventures.Waiting to board Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland, with guests preparing for a high-speed journey through the darkness of outer space aboard one of the park's most iconic and enduring attractions.
It was very good and fast and because it was pretty much in the dark you didn’t know what was coming next.
Worst rollercoaster for me goes to big thunder mountain. This runaway train roller coaster wasn’t too bad, but I found it quite tame in the end compared to what I now seem to like.
Joining the queue for Big Thunder Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland, with the attraction's detailed frontier mining town theming helping to build anticipation for one of the park's most popular and exhilarating roller coaster adventures.Exploring the detailed frontier mining town scenery surrounding Big Thunder Mountain, with weathered machinery, wooden buildings and gold-rush-era theming helping bring the Wild West atmosphere of Tokyo Disneyland's Westernland to life.Watching a Big Thunder Mountain train race around the mountain at Tokyo Disneyland, with the runaway mine train twisting through the attraction's frontier landscape and providing one of the most exciting sights in Westernland.
Best thematic ride goes to Star Tours which was a Star was thematic ride with C3PO and R2D2.
Heading into the Star Tours adventure at Tokyo Disneyland, with the Star Wars-themed attraction transporting guests across the galaxy through a thrilling motion-simulator journey featuring iconic characters, planets and unforgettable encounters from a galaxy far, far away.Spotting C-3PO while queueing for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Tokyo Disneyland, with the iconic protocol droid helping to immerse guests in the Star Wars universe before embarking on an intergalactic adventure.Exploring the detailed Star Tours queue at Tokyo Disneyland, with maintenance droids carrying out repairs and diagnostics behind the scenes while helping immerse guests in the sights and atmosphere of the Star Wars galaxy before departure.Exploring the immersive queue for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Tokyo Disneyland, with futuristic droids, interactive displays and spaceport technology helping bring the Star Wars universe to life before the adventure even begins.
And worst thematic ride goes tooooooo. None. The reason for this is because it is hard to pick one. You could say small world is the worst one, but I did like it including the additions of moana and frozen to the displays, it is just the theme music that gets to some people although it wasn’t too bad this time due to it being sung in different languages (nice save from the Japanese version).
Cruising through "it's a small world" at Tokyo Disneyland, with colourful scenery, cheerful music and whimsical scenes from around the globe combining to create one of the park's most charming and timeless attractions.Cruising through "it's a small world" at Tokyo Disneyland, with colourful scenes inspired by cultures from around the globe and familiar Disney characters adding a fresh twist to one of the park's most beloved classic attractions.Cruising through "it's a small world" at Tokyo Disneyland, with Disney characters woven into the attraction's colourful displays and familiar scenes adding a playful twist to the classic journey around the world.
There were quite a few other rides I went on like: Western River Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Stitch Encounter, Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin and Monsters Inc. Ride and Go Seek!
Taking a ride aboard the Western River Railroad at Tokyo Disneyland, with the beautifully restored steam locomotive offering a relaxing journey through Adventureland, Westernland and Critter Country while showcasing some of the park's most detailed scenery.Queueing for Pirates of the Caribbean at Tokyo Disneyland, with lantern-lit docks, weathered wooden walkways and the atmosphere of a Caribbean port helping to set the scene for one of Disney's most iconic and immersive classic attractions.Queueing for Splash Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland, with Br'er Rabbit welcoming guests to one of the park's most popular attractions and setting the scene for a log-flume adventure filled with lively music, storytelling and a thrilling final drop.Taking a nostalgic flight over London and Neverland aboard Peter Pan's Flight at Tokyo Disneyland, with the beloved Fantasyland attraction transporting guests into the story of Peter Pan through charming scenes, classic characters and timeless Disney magic.Stopping for a photo in Fantasyland at Tokyo Disneyland, with the Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall and its larger-than-life playing card guards bringing the colourful world of Alice in Wonderland to life.Queueing for Stitch Encounter at Tokyo Disneyland, with interactive displays and humorous character profiles helping to introduce Experiment 626 before guests step inside for a fun and unpredictable encounter with Disney's mischievous blue alien.Queueing for Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek! at Tokyo Disneyland, with playful posters, themed details and familiar characters from Monstropolis helping to build anticipation for one of Tomorrowland's most popular interactive dark rides.Taking part in Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek! at Tokyo Disneyland, with the interactive flashlight game creating plenty of fun as guests search for hidden monsters throughout Monstropolis and discover their ride photos at the end of the adventure.
While there, I booked myself into one of the restaurants called Blue Bayou which overlooked the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and was very well themed. For dinner and the food was amazing. It was deffo fine dining with a £38 price tag.
Enjoying an elegant dinner during the journey through Japan, with a beautifully presented seafood course showcasing prawns, mussels and seasonal vegetables as part of a memorable evening dining experience.Enjoying one of the standout main courses of a special dinner in Japan, with perfectly cooked roast beef, seasonal vegetables and rich accompaniments creating a memorable end to a day of sightseeing and exploration.Finishing a memorable Disney-themed dining experience with a special Tokyo Disneyland 40th Dream-Go-Round dessert, combining colourful sweets, seasonal fruit and celebratory touches to mark the park's milestone anniversary.
If you were to ask me which was the best park, well even though I couldn’t get on as many rides in DisneySea, that was the best one in my opinion, and it was especially helped by that fact that the park is the only one of its kind in the world.
Next time I will be in Iwaki! See you all next time and hope you are all enjoying the blog.
