Across Tokyo at 6:30 am

So according to the internet, the best time (i.e. least crowded) to go to Don Quijote is around 5-7 am. So this morning, ( as the sun rose at 5:30-making it much easier to get up that early, I will say.) I got on the Ginza line and rode the local train 17 stops across Tokyo. But it was direct , so all I had to do was get on and get off at the end of the line.
As I was walking to the station, the Businessmen were starting their morning commute as well. Some looked tired and over it. Others were younger, looking very spiffy in their slim cut pants and trim backpacks.
As I came up on the crossing walk, I saw a man curled up in a doorway, sleeping off the night before. At 1st I thought he was homeless. Then I noticed his shoes. He had the same kind that all the other spiffy businessmen had. You hear about the businessmen who sleep it off in a doorway, but this was my 1st sighting of one. My 1st thought was “His poor wife”. My 2nd thought was, “What a safe city for him to sleep there safely”. 3rd thought was, “It’s Monday morning, does he go to work now?”
People watching in the Ginza line was fun. All the businessmen, young and old. Very few women. All wearing mostly the same. Short sleeve white shirt, black pants. Lol, then I realized I had on a short sleeve white shirt and a black skirt.
So 17 stops later, I got off at Shibuya. This is where they have the famous Crossing (It’s supposed to be the busiest crosswalk section in the world). As I was walking out of the Station, it seemed they were shooting a music video or something. I stopped to watch, then continued as I think I was interfering with the shot, lol.
I had heard Shibuya was more of a tourist area. I’m starting to notice somethings in that regard. There is always more trash than in the more local areas. It was kinda stinky, like stale beer and they were sweeping up the remnants of last night, I guess.
I finally got to Don Quijote (this was a MEGA Din Quijote) and it was perfect. There was hardly anyone in the store. This is a big one with 7 floors. So I really took my time and looked at everything. I had some specifics in mind: 2 brands of sunscreen (Asian sunscreen is so light and unscented) A specific brand of lip balm (that took forever for me to find, but I did) and an assortment of other things.
I stayed in there for about 3 hours. People were starting to trickle in, and I was getting tired.
As I started to make my back to Shibuya station, the sun was out and there was very little shade. I was loaded down with bags and was able to make my way back to the station and get in the train to head back home.
I ate lunch, a spicy cold ramen from Family Mart and took a shower. I napped for a few hours this afternoon and got up around 6 pm.
I took the train a few stops over to the area I was in last night. I wanted to look around a bit more. There is a big temple which attracts lots of tourists. It was lit up , but tough to get any good pictures without 20 people all doing the same thing.
I popped into a drug store to look around. One of the things I wanted to get when I came back here was more lip balm. I found Nivea does a Japanese only style lip balm that I fell in love with a few years ago. When I went to Don Quijote this am, I searched all over for it. I finally found in in a corner, with only a few left. I took them all. So at this smaller drugstore, I found more of it. I didn’t take all of them, but I’m happier now that I’ve replenished my stock.
And if you spend over a certain amount, you can get it tax-free. The catch is they bag it up and seal it, and you can’t consume or use it in Japan.
After a bit I got back on the train and headed back k to my room. I’m getting familiar with the neighborhood and I’m so glad I’m staying where I am.
I bought these bath mixes, that mimic the Japanese baths around the country. So I’m going to soak for a bit before I got to bed.Baca lagi