Japan Trip day 2 : Ochanomizu - Mansei Bridge - Shinjuku

Assalamualaikum~ Hello everyone!

Here's day 2 update on my previous Japan trip~ This day was very relaxing (since I'm worn out of exhaustion from the day before), more catching up stories with my friends, exploring new places together and also making new memories. Before anything, I would like to apologize for insufficient food and scenery photos (if any of you were expecting). So the day started at Ochanomizu, a university town famous for the sacred arched bridge called Hijiribashi. I've passed by this place several times while taking JR Chuo Line and from inside the train just before arriving at Ochanomizu Station, you'll be able to see the bridge. There's nothing much to see here but I'm glad I've been there nonetheless. Special credit to my dearest Hidaya for all pictures with me in it!

Lovely flower along the way

Me thinks of the bridge as my runway *raise eyebrows*

View from on top of Hijiri Bashi

My other friend mentioned about a new place called Mansei Bridge which located just a few minutes walk from Ochanomizu Station. We decided to walk there and have a look. WAAHHH so kewl (cool) !! It was actually an old train station but they turned the place into restaurants, cafes, shops while keeping the old structure. There was an information place inside the building where visitors can see the old Tokyo when the station was still operating. Such a fun new experience for us! We took our sweet time exploring the place, took thousands of pictures, hang out chit chatting..basically just spent some quality time with my girls. 

Our lunch of the day~ 

Macarons for display, REAL ONES. 

I forgot what's it called huaaa

Caramel chocolate balls. They are fruit flavored caramel. 

A glimpse of Mansei Bridge. This photo was taken outside the classic Old Mansei Station

By Kanda River with borrowed outer wear, borrowed hijab, borrowed purse

Then we proceeded to Shinjuku. Here's a question! If Shibuya has the world's busiest intersection, what about Shinjuku? Jeng jeng jengggg ahaaa Shinjuku station turns out to be the busiest transport hub in the world, connecting 11 different lines and has 36 platforms! Japan and its world title. *shakes head* One thing about this station, I HATE IT! I've lost my way every single time I need to take a bus from there to Sendai. Buses just stop anywhere along the streets around Shinjuku. ANWHERE. If you have to take bus from there, make sure you familiarize yourself with buildings, street/road names, convenience store (konbini) and sometimes if you're lucky, your bus will be waiting at normal bus stops. IF YOU'RE LUCKY.

But on this day, thank God that was not my purpose! Phewww. For the first time, I got to walk leisurely, just strolling around, went to a high-class second hand shop, stopped by the awesome Cafe Muji for another round of stuffing. Cafe Muji are everywhere but I think Shinjuku's branch offer bigger eating hall and of course, you can browse around Muji located on the same floor! 

Early light dinner. Pay one price for 3 different sides with bread/rice.

An alley in Shinjuku area

After that, we continued walking for a splendid night view of Tokyo at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. I never knew that there are a few buildings in Tokyo (not just Shinjuku) where you can access to their observatory deck and some of them are FREE! Check them out here--- Tokyo Observatory Decks

Night view from observatory deck.

I know it is super compact but still a very systematically planned town.

Beautiful night sky + skyscrappers

Peace out from Shinjuku!

So that's the end of day 2. My apologies if this post lacks information but I'll try to share as many as I can. Please look forward to my upcoming posts as I embarked into my halal food tour! yeah you can only drool~