Gotokuji Temple, Harajuku & Shibuya Day 3
In contrast to Day 1, it’s time to show the Zimmermann’s the modern side of Japan, my favorite part of town where I usually hang out.
But first, cats.
Gōtokuji Temple | 大谿山 豪徳寺
Famous for the lucky cat figurines, (maneki neko in Japanese) this temple is located in Setagaya ward, a residential area. It is an off-the-beaten path, but well-worth the trip.
Gotokuji Temple is famous for their right-handed cats.
There is a Japanese garden, pagoda, beautiful architecture and peaceful sitting area to reflect and ponder.
Right-hand is success in relationships. Left-hand is success in business.
We believe good relationships will amount to good business.
Make a wish!
The office were minutes away from closing for their one-hour lunch break! As soon as we arrived at our destination, I booked it and got in line for the tiniest cat for them. Mission complete!
Beautiful ajisai (hydrangeas) during the rainy season in June
What do I do with these cat figures?
Pick a cat. Make a wish.
You can bring it home to remind you of that wish (or you can even leave it at the temple) Up to you!
When the wish comes true, bring the cat back to Japan and put it with the rest of the lucky cats and then get another one. Repeat the cycle.
Pro Tip: They only sell one cat per person, so best to bring a buddy who can give theirs up for you if you want an extra one!
Anakuma Cafe for Introverts
Since X loves animals, how about just a bear claw?
Ana means hole, kuma means bear in Japanese.
The kids enjoyed interacting with the bear claw and playing games while they waited for their drinks. This self-serve concept cafe is designed for introverts who don’t like to interact with actual humans.
Isn’t this Little Red Riding Hood boba drink so darn cute??
Harajuku Girls
We were lucky enough to take photos with Harajuku Girls! Yes, they still exist! (not so much as before).
“What should I wear to the Taylor Swift concert?”
After Japan, they’re off to the T-Swift concert in Sweden! SUPER J!
Z & Grace got me this bunny! So kind!
What to do in Harajuku??
CREPE!
the ferret is just sleeping, don’t worry!
PURIKURA BOOTH!
PET CAFE! This is a fox
KAWAII SHOPPING!
hedgehog
Harajuku Kawaii Zooland | 原宿かわいい動物園
Pet cafe was highly requested, since X is a lover of animals.
I chose this specific pet cafe shop for him because this has the most variety of animals that you can pet at one time. The kids had the option to play with the fox, meerkats, monkey, ferrets and hedgehog. They had a blast! You can select an hour or 30 minutes (walk-in only).
During the one hour pet cafe, the parents were able to sneak out again and have couples time. They got nostalgic as they reverted back in time and strolled down memory lane from 16 years ago on Takeshita Street. They celebrated with Mexican burritos nearby.
Shibuya Sky
360-degree unobstructed view of the city
The observation deck has 47-floors located directly above Shibuya Station.
Construction first started in 2014, with its completion and Grand opening on the 1st of November 2019.
Landmarks you can see: Shibuya Crossing, the new Olympic Stadium, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Skytree to the east, and Tokyo International Airport and Tokyo Bay.
On our way to dinner where I dropped them off, we passed by the famous Shibuya Scramble and Shibuya 109 Fashion Building. It was crazy as always!
The Zimmermann’s could not believe how chaotic it was just to cross the street. It was sensory overload with all the flashing billboards, music and TV monitors. I grabbed Z’s hand tightly and yelled, “This way!!”
I’m glad we safely made it to the other side in time!
The Last Supper in Japan
The Zimmermann’s only had 4 1/2 days in Japan, and I really can’t believe they let me tag along for the whole 3 days! It was really hard to say good-bye at the end of the tour.
Now to eat Omakase sushi in a private room for their last supper in Japan!
(Yes, we even make reservations and accommodate requests/food allergies for our guests).
I will never forget the fun times we had during the past 3 days. Too much fun! Keep in touch! <3
(Shout-out to Faith for connecting us!)
