Tokyo Free Guide (Yes, its free!)

I've always relied on research and just try to "wing it" once I get there. But there are times when I wished that I was with a guide especially when I get lost in translation.

During our last day in Tokyo, we managed to squeeze in a guided tour courtesy of Tokyo Free Guide. Check their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/tokyofreeguide. A few weeks before our trip, I booked through email. You need to fill out a form and they'll assign you with a guide. We were lucky we got Nana Tsukada. She was very helpful and she even took us on a guided trip to Ometesando, Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine all in one day!  

While most people would like to do their own DIY itineraries (I did ours), having your own tour guide is a nice way to get to know the culture of a place and discover places in Tokyo you normally can't find on your own (yes, finding Design Festa was an impossible feat given our limited Nihongo skills). 


Nana was a very accommodating guide. She showed us around and was very knowledgeable (with a few trivia on Japanese history and people). Really had a wonderful time during the whole tour. She picked us up at Citadines and our first stop is Meiji Shrine.

There are sake barrels (and in the picture, wine barrels from France) in the shrine's entrance. An article from Japantimes states that, "In Japan, sake has always been a way of bringing our gods and people together,” Tetsuo Hasuo of the Japan Sake Brewers Association. Shinto shrines and sake manufacturers maintain a symbiotic relationship, in which the shrines conduct rites to ask the gods for the prosperity of the brewers, and — this is where the barrels come in- the brewers donate the grog that shrines need for ceremonies and festivals."

There is a ritual one needs to observe before entering the temple. You need to wash yourself at the purification fountain near the shrine's entrance. Use the ladle to fill with fresh water and rinse both hands. Then transfer some water into your cupped hand, rinse your mouth and spit the water beside the fountain. You shouldn't transfer the water directly from the ladle into your mouth or swallow the water. 

Afterwards, we headed off to Yoyogi Park. It's very near the shrine so its nice to just take a stroll and look at the displays and people during their Sunday festivities (sports, walk the dog, etc). There is even a huge display of organic items and hippie goods. Like a H-U-G-E Legazpi Sunday market!

Harajuku street! Its super chaotic on Sunday. People in their cosplay outfits. Kids shopping for kawaii items. Its packed with teens.

Any trip to Japan wouldn't be complete without visiting Daiso for cheap loot. I got a patterned fan with The Great Wave off Kanagawa print for quite a steal.

Walking around the neighborhood, you will encounter really flamboyant displays and fun pieces (that I'll never ever pull off). Check out this rainbow-colored skirt:

Hungry from all the shoopping and sight-seeing? There are a lot of options for snacks. Just a few blocks from Daiso, this creperie is an institution.

But since we had our mind set on having lunch at a place near Design Festa, Nana took us to Sakura-tei. While I already had my fare share of Okonomiyaki during my stay in Tokyo, it was my first to try Monjayaki. Diners can mix and cook it on a hot gridle! 

Monjayaki Set: we got the set where there's a ton of cheese and mochi!

Some westerners get queasy at the sight of this. But we are pretty much used to yummy/ugly things. 

There were a few exhibits (and you can buy cute trinkets from artists).Design Festa is very near the resto.

If you are not really interested in arts, go here for the Monjayaki and for photo-ops. The place has funky fixtures.

On the other side of the street, you will see a bunch of well-known "hip" brands such as BBC/Ice Cream, BAPE, APC, Chapter, Neighborhood. Ez and I just want to stuff ourselves with APC goods, if only we had a ton of cash to spend. Plus, its the store with most tasteful music playing. :)

Tokyu Plaza Ometesando has an all-glass covered store front! 

We then explored Ometesando Hills to explore the shops and checked out Kiddyland (beside Maison Martin Margiela!). 

Fans of Studio Ghibli will be pleased that Kiddyland has floors dedicated for anime fans.

There's even an aisle of Totoro stuffed toys.

Further ahead is Oriental Bazaar. If you are looking for souvenirs for moms/aunties/officemoms and what have yous. They have those usual stuff you bring home to furnish homes (decorative pieces, kimonos, sandals, t-shirts).

Maisen Tonkatsu's pork sandwiches to cap off the day! Shared a box of this while chilling at Family Mart for free wifi. :))

Thanks Nana! Definitely one of the best ways to explore Tokyo.