Birthday Trip: Part 2
Day 2- Thrift Shopping Steals, Lucky Cat Art Exhibition at Hotel Gajoen, Asakusa
But first… Thrifting
As I got to know Desiree on Day 1, I think our time was better spent introducing her to the world of Japanese thrifting. So I made a slight improv on the itinerary.
She too, is a thrifting enthusiast and decided it was time to re-vamp her wardrobe reflecting her “adult” era. Pay a fraction of the price and help the environment at the same time… why not?!
If you’re going to thrift, I recommend Tokyo, the fashion capital of Japan where the fashion influencers with disposable income live who get tired of last season’s items. Most things are kept in pristine condition.
She scored some new outfits and this COACH bag!! Almost like new!! Ahhhh!!! Nice steal!
*I cannot disclose where this location is… it is my secret spot and I always get lucky here… #ifykyk hehe
The Lucky Cat Traveling Through Time Exhibition at Hyakudan Kaidan
Open Mar 20 (Thu.) - Jun 15 (Sun.), 2025
*Closed on May 7 Wed (for changing exhibits)
More info on official website - book tickets online 1600 yen per adult
They are proud owners of two cats, so I thought they might enjoy this :)
Desiree has a background in art, art history, and museum design so this was right up her alley.
Hotel Gajoen was actually demolished in 1988, but the 100-step stairway was the only part of the original design. If you love architecture and interior design, I highly recommend going and researching the history before coming!
Hotel Gajoen was also an inspiration for Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
Just the ceilings in each room alone is a work of art. This exhibition showed Japan’s obsession with cats and how it’s been incorporated to the culture over time.
Kimono Rental
Gave my neutral third-party input to the ladies in helping them pick out kimono that suit their personalities.
Don’t they look great in pastels?
Green is her favorite color, but a pastel green would match her beautiful silver hair and Desiree’s pink kimono better!
Solo shots!
Okay, now full body shots!
Street foods in Asakusa
Strawberry milk smoothie & Strawberry soda
Melon bread w/ vanilla ice cream
Kappabashi “Kitchen Town”
If there’s anything that’s a popular item to get, it would be the fake food replicas!
