The Travelling Wee

Morning Adjustments and Tsukiji Fish Market

Our day started with a slight change of plans as we discovered that Tsukiji Fish Market is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. But, the shops around the market open at 10 AM, so we decided to skip it. Our girls were quite tired from the earlier day’s adventures and woke up late, giving us a relaxed start to the day.

Pokémon Center Tokyo DX and Pokémon Café Tokyo Nihonbashi

We kicked off our adventure at the Pokémon Center Tokyo DX. Arriving around 10:30 AM, we noticed a standby line for the Pokémon Café Tokyo Nihonbashi. Despite the board indicating it was sold out for the day, we decided to try our luck and were fortunate enough to secure a seating for 11 AM. This early lunch turned out to be a delightful experience, especially for our daughter, a huge Pikachu fan.

The food and drinks at the café were on the pricier side and average in taste, but the overall experience was priceless. Pikachu made an appearance, greeting everyone, though we weren’t allowed to leave our table for photos. If you’re seated close to the path, you can get some great up-close shots; otherwise, you’ll have to settle for photos from a distance. The café also offers exclusive souvenirs that are a must-have for any Pokémon fan.

Shopping at Uniqlo Tokyo Ginza and MUJI Ginza Flagship Store

After lunch, we headed to Uniqlo Tokyo Ginza, the largest Uniqlo store in the world, spanning 12 floors. This flagship store offers a unique shopping experience with limited-edition exclusives, a coffee shop, and even a customisable lab where you can create your own designs.

Next, we visited the MUJI Ginza Flagship Store, which is equally impressive. This store features seven floors of MUJI products, including a diner, a bakery, and even a hotel. The store’s design emphasizes simplicity and functionality, making it a great place to explore and shop.

Nishiginza Department Store and Sanrio World Ginza

Our shopping spree continued at the Nishiginza Department Store, home to Sanrio World Ginza. This store is a paradise for fans of Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters, offering a wide range of merchandise and exclusive items.

Tokyo Character Street and Tokyo Ramen Street

We then made our way to Tokyo Character Street in Tokyo Station. This area is a haven for fans of kawaii culture, toys, and anime, featuring over 30 stores dedicated to popular Japanese characters like Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and Studio Ghibli. Navigating Tokyo Station can be a bit challenging due to its size, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

If you have extra time, don’t miss Tokyo Ramen Street, which is conveniently connected to Tokyo Character Street. It’s the perfect spot to end your day with a delicious bowl of ramen.

Afternoon Adventures: DAWN | Avatar Robot Café

After our delightful lunch at the Pokémon Café, we decided to skip Tokyo Ramen Street since we planned to have dinner near Shinjuku. We debated between visiting the DAWN | Avatar Robot Café or the observatory in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Given that one of our daughters isn’t a fan of heights, we opted for the DAWN | Avatar Robot Café.

This café, operated by OryLab Inc., offers a unique and heart warming experience. Unlike the flashy robot restaurants, this experimental café allows people who have difficulty going out to remotely control avatar robots. We had the chance to chat with the operators through the robots, making it a memorable and meaningful visit. It’s definitely worth visiting, not just for the futuristic robots but also to support those who can’t leave their homes for various reasons.

Support Inclusive Initiatives: Visiting places like DAWN | Avatar Robot Café not only provides a unique experience but also supports inclusive initiatives that help people with disabilities.

Exploring Shinjuku Amidst a Thunderstorm

Our next plan was to explore Shinjuku, but we were greeted by a heavy thunderstorm. With no choice but to stay indoors, we found refuge in a small mall by the station. After about an hour, the rain subsided, and we finally start our Shinjuku adventure.

We visited the Cat Board and the Godzilla Head, both iconic landmarks in Shinjuku. We were lucky enough to catch the mini show at the Godzilla Head, which happens on the hour, with the last show at 8 PM. The show was a hit with the kids and added a fun element to our day.

Navigating Shinjuku and Golden Gai

We attempted to explore the famous Golden Gai, known for its narrow alleys and tiny bars. But, we quickly realised it wasn’t the most suitable place for children. Golden Gai is renowned for its nightlife and can be quite crowded and smoky, with many bars having a strict no-children policy. The atmosphere, while vibrant, isn’t ideal for families with young kids.

Dinner at Tendon Tenya

We decided to head to Tendon Tenya, a tempura donburi restaurant near Higashi-Shinjuku Station. The restaurant offered a variety of delicious tempura dishes, making it a perfect spot for a family dinner. After our meal, we easily caught the metro back to our hotel, ending our day on a satisfying note.