Our second day in Tokyo began with a sense of uncertainty as Typhoon Shanshan threatened to derail our plans to travel to Fujikawaguchiko and Kyoto over the next couple of days. Despite the rain, we managed to turn what could have been a washout into another day full of exploration, delicious food and all round good vibes… just with very wet feet!
Breakfast at Katane Bakery, Nishihara Street in Shibuya
Our first stop was Katane Bakery, nestled on the charming Nishihara Street in Shibuya. This quaint residential street, lined with small cafes, boutique shops, and local businesses, perfectly sets the scene for Katane’s cozy, neighbourhood vibe. We indulged in their homely breakfast sets and savoured a cup of coffee, before picking up some extra baked goods to enjoy later.
With breakfast done, we hopped on a train to see the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The area was alive with flashing billboards, construction and a sea of umbrellas.
The rain continued to pour, so we ducked into nearby malls to stay dry. Inside, we explored the endless floors of high fashion boutiques, restaurants and a rather creepy robot café.
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
In the afternoon, we visited the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum where we explored all three exhibitions on display. The first exhibition, while interesting, felt a bit odd and amateurish. However, the second exhibition more than made up for it, featuring classic works by legends like Abuget, Weston, and Man Ray and contemporary Japanese photographers like Chen Wei and Terada Mayumi. The third exhibition was a fun interactive experience based on light and movement by Japanese children’s book author, Iwai Toshio.
After the museum, we tried to find a place to grab a beer but many places were closed. Instead, we picked up some beers from a nearby 7-Eleven and enjoyed them back in our room. A quick nap for one of us then it was time to head out for dinner.
Dinner was at a nearby gyoza restaurant with a samurai theme. The food was delicious, but the experience was a bit odd. We started with a scoop of mashed potato as a starter, which felt out of place. We were also the only customers for a while until other tourists gradually filled the place. It wasn't exactly what we were after, but the gyoza were interesting enough to make up for it.
To end the night on a high note, we wandered the streets of Shinjuku and stumbled upon Bar Logue. The bar had a cozy, intimate atmosphere, and the cocktails and Japanese whisky were excellent. It was the perfect place to unwind and reflect on our time in Tokyo before heading to Fujikawaguchiko in the morning.
