Hey y’all! Maya here, fresh off the plane from Austin, TX, and currently obsessed with Japan. Yesterday was a whirlwind in Shibuya – think neon lights, trendy crowds, and a serious case of sensory overload. Today? I traded the hyper-modern vibes for a little more… everything, in Shinjuku. And let me tell you, it was a day.
### Morning: A Quiet Start Amongst the Skyscrapers
After Shibuya’s craziness, I needed a little grounding. I started my day at the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Seriously, who knew you could find this much serenity smack-dab in the middle of a bustling city? It’s a gorgeous mix of Japanese, English landscape, and French formal gardens. It felt like stepping into another world, a little pocket of peace. I spent a good hour wandering the paths, just breathing in the air and trying to process everything I’d seen so far. It’s a bit of a walk from the station, but so worth it. Honestly, a perfect antidote to Shibuya’s energy.
### Lunchtime: Omoide Yokocho & a Ramen Revelation
Okay, history and gardens are great, but let’s be real, I came to Japan for the FOOD. And Shinjuku delivered. I stumbled into Omoide Yokocho, this tiny alleyway packed with yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) stalls and tiny bars. It’s seriously atmospheric. It felt like stepping back in time! I squeezed into a tiny stall and ordered a set of yakitori and a beer. The chicken was incredible – smoky, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. It was a *little* intimidating at first – super crowded and everyone speaking Japanese – but the owner was so friendly and welcoming, he helped me pick out the best skewers. It was a truly authentic experience!
### Afternoon: Shopping Spree & People Watching at Takashimaya Times Square
After lunch, it was time for some retail therapy. I headed to Takashimaya Times Square, this massive department store complex. It’s HUGE! Seriously, you could spend a whole day here. They have everything from high-end designer brands to traditional Japanese crafts. I ended up splurging on a gorgeous silk scarf – a little souvenir for my mom. But the best part about Takashimaya wasn’t the shopping; it was the people-watching. The whole place was buzzing with locals and tourists alike. I saw everything from impeccably dressed salarymen to teenagers in colorful cosplay. It was fascinating to just sit and observe the different cultures blending together.
### Evening: A Random Encounter & Golden Gai’s Charm
As the sun started to set, I decided to check out Golden Gai. It’s this network of tiny, incredibly quirky bars, each with its own unique theme and personality. It’s seriously a maze! I ended up striking up a conversation with a local artist named Kenji in one of the bars. He was super cool and gave me a little insight into the art scene in Shinjuku. He even drew a little sketch of me as a thank you! Golden Gai is definitely not for the faint of heart – the bars are tiny, crowded, and a little rough around the edges. But it’s also incredibly charming and authentic. It’s a place where you can really feel the pulse of the city.
**P.S.** My feet are *killing* me, but it was 100% worth it! Time for a long soak in the hotel tub and a good night’s sleep. Sayonara for now! ✌️