Japan Trip : Ikebukuro - Ebisu - Omotesando Hills - Meiji Shrine

Assalamualaikum and hey there!

I'm back with more photos from my last trip exploring non-cliche parts of Tokyo! I've compiled day 3 & 4 together since I walked with 20kgs luggage up and down subway stations in day 3, resulted in almost zero photos to share! hah. Actually, I was busy satisfying my tummy on day 3 by myself lol. First was Ikebukuro~ hmm what to say about this place? It was known for a rather 'slump' area in Tokyo and I'm not quite sure why..one thing for sure, if you would like to experience capsule hotels, HERE IS THE PLACE! Ikebukuro hosts a lot of capsule hotels; basically a 'room' for you to feel what its like to be in a coffin. *evil smile* It's called capsule because of the size & shape. You can see for yourself  if you just google "capsule hotel". I won't share pictures from google, just so you know. ;)

For Malaysians who miss home food, I think you'll have one legit reason to go there; there's a reasonable and delicious Malaysia ethnic restaurant called Malaychan located just 5 mins walk form Ikebukuro JR station. 

Dumpling soup & Popia tempe recommended by darling Hidaya

Erm..it's kind of embarrassing to say but I actually went to have a very nice halal hamburg in the evening and I don't have the picture. But you can view it on my instagram here, it's private though so you might need to follow me to view it. LOL see what I did there? Actually it is the first ever halal Italian restaurant called Pran Prone, run by a Muslim Bangladeshi. I invited myself to what supposed to be a closed halal hamburg party and luckily I was able to had one! It tasted soooooo good! Would definitely revisit again some other time!

The next day, I again went around to find a halal steak don (rice bowl) that I vouched to eat before my flight to Tokyo. I'm THAT determined and so off I go. I saw the ad on FB, figured out the place which was at Mitsukoshi in Ebisu. It's kind of like a tasting event for rice bowls with fresh ingredients from all over Japan and a halal beef steak was one of them. The meat was so tender it MELTED. I swear any grandpa would have no problem with it. The black pepper sauce, slayed! I was literally moaning while having it alone, unleashing the pervert side of me hahahahaha *facepalm* I'm pretty sure they still do this kind of promotion so I seriously recommend this to EVERYONE! 

Hey you sly devil you! YOU! Why so good?

After the oh so good lunch, I headed over to Harajuku and met my friend there. Later she brought me to the place I've been longing to go, Omotesando Hills! Yeah..I have no idea why I never stepped on that area though it is just next to Harajuku. Seriously no idea! Believe me, if you are visiting Tokyo and would like to bump into famous celebrities, here is the place. Luck was not on my side on that day, or maybe they were around and I'm just too ignorant. Hmmph. It felt surreal to finally walked along the high end brand stores, chit chatting at organic garden cafe and to just strolling around that area accompanied by the perfect weather!

Ginger tea & tofu cheese cake

To calm my tummy before the next incoming food, we walked a few hundred meters to the famous Meiji Shrine. Wow. Just wow. Just what I needed to escape from the heat! I just cant believe that they have a thick forest in the middle of Harajuku! Meiji Shrine located just next to Harajuku JR station and yes, it was my first time as well. Duh. Please visit the link for more info about the shrine. Don't get me wrong, I admire the place for its beautiful landscape and lush greenery. I'm sure all of you are not close-minded people who thinks that Muslims should not visit other religions' sacred place, right? If you are, you're going to have a tough time travelling Japan since shrines and temples are EVERYWHERE. Just remain faithful to your beliefs and stop judging. Peace&love~

Main entrance gate 

Sunset at Yoyogi Park

Later at night we joined my other friend who's working in Tokyo for a small gathering. It was great to catch up with each of our lives after graduating, reminiscing good old times when we were preparing to fly back in 2008-2010 and of course, GOSSIPING! We went to an izakaya called Isomaru Suisan. I love the ambiance, so Japan-like. The best thing is we can order fresh seafood at a very reasonable price and grill them all you want, by yourself! Now here's a humble confession; I had a misconception about kani miso (crab innards) this whole time. Kani miso that I had there, MIND-BLOWN. No eewy smell with creamy texture mixed with a slight taste of crab meat together..oh God I'm salivating already. Other menus were equally delicious! Satisfaction guaranteed.  

Dinnahhh for you to swoon over. Bad Kina. ;)

All photos were taken by me or Hidaya.

Thanks to a packed day, I slept soundly that night. Stay tuned for more updates~ xoxo