Top Kawaii Things to do in Tokyo

Hey Subbies,

Here are list of Top Kawaii Cute and sprinkle of Family Friendly things to do in Tokyo.

Chiba Prefecture

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are the two theme parks that make up Tokyo Disney Resort, and both are considered a "rite of passage" for young Japanese people. japanvisitor.com

• Tokyo DisneySea | 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu-shi, Chiba-ken 279-0031, Japan www.tokyodisneyresort.jp
• Tokyo Disneyland | Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture 279-0031, Japan

Chiyoda

It started with cats and exploded into wide a ray of animal cafes. Timeout has updated their article with a list of cruelty-free animal cafes in Tokyo if you are worried about the treatment of the animals. Even though the one I had chosen was not on the list, it was the first one I found during my research and it had great reviews from spectators. This I guess is foreign's right of passage when they visit Tokyo.

• OWL cafe Akiba Fukurou | 101-0022 67, Neribeicho, Kanda, 神田練塀町 千代田区 東京都 101-0022, Japan akiba2960.com
• Precure Pretty Store | 1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 100-0005, Japan www.toei-anim.co.jp
• Tokyo Character Street | Japan, 〒100-0005 Tōkyō-to, Chiyoda-ku, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−１ 東京駅一番街 B1 www.tokyoeki-1bangai.co.jp

Saitama Prefecture

Every wished to meet Totoro. Well, you can once you get to Tokyo and head North West to Saitama Prefecture. 

The Totoro no Furusato Foundation
We are a legally incorporated foundation with the purpose of preserving the beautiful natural habitat and cultural assets of Sayama Hills and its surrounding areas.

• Casa da Fundação Kurosuke da Cidade Natal do Totoro | Japan, 〒359-1164 Saitama-ken, Tokorozawa-shi, Mikajima, ３丁目１１６９−１  www.totoro.or.jp
• Totoro's Forest | 雑魚入-351 Kamiyamaguchi, Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture 359-1153, Japan www.totoro.or.jp
• Crayon Shin Chan Theme Park | 1 Chome-1-1 Minami, Kasukabe-shi, Saitama-ken 344-0064, Japan

Shibuya

Shibuya, literally "Astringent Valley", is a special ward in Tokyo, Japan. A major commercial and business center, it houses the two busiest railway stations in the world, Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station

• Innisfree イニスフリー SHIBUYA109店 | 2階, SHIBUYA 109 2 Chome-29-番1号 Dōgenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 150-0043, Japan www.innisfree.com
• 6 Percent Doki-doki | Japan, 〒150-0001 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingūmae, 4 Chome−28, 神宮前4丁目28−16 dokidoki6.com
• Candy Syrup | Japan, 〒150-0001 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingūmae, 3 Chome−22−７ 藤原ビル3F www.candyesyrup.com

Shinjuku

Sanrio Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company that designs, licenses and produces products focusing on the kawaii segment of Japanese popular culture. Their products include stationery, school supplies, gifts and accessories that are sold worldwide and at specialty brand retail stores in Japan. Wikipedia

• Sanrio | 1 Chome-1-4 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tōkyō-to 160-8321, Japan www.sanrio.co.jp
• STYLENANDA ISETAN SHINJUKU | Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo 新宿区 Shinjuku, 3 Chome−14, 新宿3-14-1 伊勢丹新宿店本館2階 イセタンガール jp.stylenanda.com
• Sanrio Gift Gate（サンリオギフトゲート） アドホック新宿店 ) | Japan, 〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−15−１１ アドホック新宿 B1F www.sanrio.co.jp

Taitō

Taitō, literally "Plateau East", is a special ward located in Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. In English, it is known as Taitō City. As of May 1, 2015, the ward has an estimated population of 186,276, and a population density of 18,420 persons per km². The total area is 10.11 square kilometres. Wikipedia

• Birds House | 3 Chome-3-13-7 Yanaka, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 110-0001, Japan www.birds-house.net
• MARION CRÊPES Asakusa | 1 Chome-25-15 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 111-0032, Japan www.marion.co.jp
• Ueno Zoo | 9-83 Uenokōen, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 110-0007, Japan www.tokyo-zoo.net 

Toshima

Toshima is a special ward in Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the eight central wards of the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Located in the northern area of Tokyo, Toshima is bordered by the wards of Nerima, Itabashi, and Kita wards, in the north, and Nakano, Shinjuku and Bunkyo in the south. Wikipedia

• Francfranc DESIGN FOR LIFE | 東京都豊島区南池袋1－28－2 池袋パルコ, 1 Chome-28 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tōkyō-to 171-0022, Japan www.francfranc.jp 
• WEGO | 1 Chome-1-28-2 Minamiikebukuro, 豊島区 Toshima-ku, Tōkyō-to 171-0022, Japan www.wego.jp 
• Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo | Japan, 〒170-0013 Tōkyō-to, Toshima-ku, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−1−２ サンシャインシティ 専門店街アルパ 2F www.pokemon.co.jp 

Yokohama

Anpanman, the hero of illustrated books by Takashi Yanase, has a face made of anpan, and is a strong and kind friend of just causes. Made into a television animated series in 1988, he immediately became a popular hero with children. The long-running series continues to this day. The theme of the Anpanman series is love and courage. Standing up to Baikinman, the representative of evil, Anpanman comes to the aid of those in trouble. Another side of the appeal of the series is the appearance of many delightful characters. The number of characters was recognized as being the largest in the world by Guinness World Records in 2009.
And again today Anpanman flies on to make children’s dreams come true.

• Yokohama Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall | 4 Chome-3-１ Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken 220-0012, Japan www.yokohama-anpanman.jp 
• Pompompurin Cafe Yokohama | Japan, 〒220-0005 Kanagawa-ken, Yokohama-shi, Nishi-ku, Minamisaiwai, 2 Chome−1, 南幸２−１−５pompom.createrestaurants.com 
• Yokohama Cosmoworld |  Japan, 〒231-0001 Kanagawa-ken, Yokohama-shi, Naka-ku, Shinkō, 2 Chome−8, 横浜市中区新港２丁目８−１ cosmoworld.jp

Check out my other post if you're planning a trip to Japan: https://ashleybcm.blogspot.com/2012/12/japan-planning.html

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Produce 48 Finale: MyTwocents

Wow, I never thought I would be writing a post about Produced 48 and the latter PD101. I just wanted to congratulate the girls chosen to be in IZ*ONE, don't' like the name but is what is. Like the drama, with last season with Wannaone. I notice that these season formats and voting formats were very different causing a lot of fans to hate Mnet. I have one thing to say to Mnet if they going to be global at least have the global audience be apart of the voting or don't call them global at all. I think the final girls will do well in Korea and Japan because cute concepts do great there but internationally I don't know. If they find a nice medium they'll do great. Since watching the girl's strengths weakness I know it's going to be hard for some of them to change up concepts. I know when IOI debuted there was a lot of hate for Somi but to me Somi had a lot potential to be center. Now, people out here missing IOI as much we miss Obama in the states lol...I'm one of them. However, wasn't as invested in PD series as I am now. For those of you who do not know about PD101 here is a wiki summary:

Produce 101 is a reality television talent competition franchise created by South Korean entertainment conglomerate CJ E&M, based around the formation of a K-pop girl group or boy band. The format is noted for having no panel of judges, employing audience participation to make decisions, and for starting with a very large number of competitors, 101, narrowing that number down to a final 11. The franchise began in 2016 in South Korea and resulted in the formation of the girl group I.O.I. The franchise has since expanded to China, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam. A second season of the South Korean series titled Produce 101 Season 2 was aired in 2017 and resulted in the formation of the boy band Wanna One.

 This season:

Produce 48 (Hangul: 프로듀스 48) was a 2018 competition television show on Mnet. It was a large-scale project in which the public "produces" a girl group by voting for members out of a pool of 96 contestants from South Korea and Japan, as well as voting for the group's concept, name and debut single. The show was a collaboration between the Mnet series Produce 101 and the J-pop idol group AKB48. 

I read that Koreans fan picked the most cutest girls to be picked for the top 12, so that's we got is what we got [link]. So instead of saying my final list, I wanted to see what Ranking from overall show voting to see what should of happened. I was expecting a totally different out come of course. If you’re wonder why a girl is not here it's because the ranking they had overall and mainly due to the format of the show. This list was based on the top 6 and those who were able to reach the top 10. Those dropped from show were do not count. This is not the final line up!

1. Ga Eun [Pledis]- Leader, Vocalist (Sakura and she actually tied for this whole season.)

2. Sakura [HKT48] - Visual, Vocalist

3. Nako [AKB48] - Vocalist

4. Jan Wonyoung [Starship] - Vocalist

5. Chowon [Cube] - Lead Rapper, Sub-Vocalist

6. Miho [AKB48] - Vocalist

7. Hyewon [8D] - Visual, Rapper

8. Ahn Yujin [Starship] - Vocalist

9. Chaeyeon [WM] - Main Dancer, Vocalist

10. Yuri [Stone Music]- Main Vocalist

11. Eunbi [Woolim]  / Miru [NMB48]  - Vocalist, Sub Dancer

12. Miru [NMB48] / Miyu [AKB48] -Vocalist

I hope the girls who weren't picked for IZONE get a chance to be in there own group. There is a lot of support for "4tune8" online and a petition. The eight girls include Gaeun/Kaeun, Chowon, Miru, Miho, Juri, Haeyoon, Nayoung, Miu, Do ah, and Miyu. This whole experience reminds me of Winner vs. IKON and WannaOne vs. JBJ.

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Best Apps for Traveling to Asia

Here in the US, we love to use Google, Facebook, Instagram and other applications to stay connected. However, what about traveling abroad. Well, today I wanted to tell you all about apps that are a must when going abroad specifically to Asia. When going overseas it's important to at least read up or watch vlogs and/or State Department Tourism videos to better prepare you for your trips. Some people do a general google search and for me I like making YT playlist. Also, I would highly recommend getting a VPN if you are going to countries like China for a holiday or for longer stays. Its still boggles me that it's 2018 and people have yet to do a little research on the countries they visit. It's like just passing through and by the way, your country sucks, while your country is at war or is dealing with sketchy internal issues. The pure ignorance is I guess is bliss for them. Anyways, more positive vibes because we all know how stressful it can be to travel.

Okay, let's focus on Japan, S.Korea and little on China.

Japan and Korea have there own Tourist App backed by there governments. 

The big three apps used for each country for communicating are...

Line | Kakao Talk | WeChat

WhatsApp is another alternative to Google Hangout and Facebook Messenger.

Search Engine Ecosystems
Over the years Asia's search engines are following the same standardization as the West.  China has its own ecosystem that has followed Google to the T. Just don't search for anything in English. S.Korea has also followed suit but with its own flair.  Japan on the other hand just uses what works, I mean why break the wheel.

Translators
Other than Google Translate, it is sometimes better to use application that is native to the country. Waygo has all three languages and is available for offline use but it's really an alternative translate for Chinese. I also use Microsofts Translator which is an honestly good alternative if you can't get any internet, just make sure you download the language packages you need before your trip.

Yomiwa 

Dictionary
You could get your own dictionary but let's be real language dictionaries are really expensive. It's better to buy them when you at the destination than from back home.

NAVER Korean Dictionary

Pleco Chinese Dictionary

Mobile Jisho

Map
Where ever you go on this planet almost every place has a car rental, taxis, and a metro system. Google Maps is highly recommended in Japan but others have recommended Hyperdia to check Train and Bus schedules. China is another ball game. S.Korea is using Kakao/Naver Maps to its fullest.

Baidu Maps

KakaoMaps

Map.me

Metro / Transportation
No matter where you go on this planet almost every place has a taxi and metro system. Google Maps is highly recommended in Japan. China has Didi, S.Korea you can ride in luxury in an UberBlack, UberEats yet, Uber is still working its way into the Japanese market so you'll be stuck with the luxury and food delivery for now too. In addition, you could download Taxi apps like Takkun or Japan Taxi. Even Taxi Companies are even working to innovate themselves and make themselves just as attractive as these ride-sharing companies like KakaoTaxi/ Bus.

Subway Korea (iTunes is Blue)

Metro China Subway

Japan Travel – route, map, JR

Food Delivery
One thing that is amazing is that food delivery is way advanced and inexpensive in Asia. Food delivery is a way of life there and it can be cheap and inexpensive.

Yogiyo

Maishoku

Dianping

Trip Planners

I was recently trying to find great Itineraries I was recommended a website/app but when tried to create an account it was frustrating because my account became suck in limbo. Well, I just found out that Google has now introduced a Trip Planner called Google Trips, so no more making custom maps in Google Maps. I'm really happy about that because some of us live on Google and I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

If you need help planning a trip to Japan that here is a link to my extensive post it mostly focuses on Tokyo but I do include a planner pdf.

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Tokyo Disney Resort, is worth it?

Hey Guys,

I'm sick yet I'm typing this post because  I'm tired of my bed. Anyways, as you can see by the title you came to find out is worth it. I never thought about going to Disneyland in Tokyo. In recent years every YT vlogger and blogger has been talking about their amazing  day at the parks. Even my so-called  high school best friend wants to see it. I'm going, to be honest, I haven't been to a Disney theme park  since high school grad night but I was lucky enough to go on the Disney Cruise on the Wonder but that was years ago too lol. They were literally announcing their new boat I think Dream. So is worth the hype?

There definitely many reasons why you should at least visit the parks at least once and there are definitely ways to budget it into your trip. When I go to themed parks I usually end up getting key chains or charms, cups/mugs, the occasional plush and possibly a shirt. I like to buy things I can use. There are sites that provide great discounts to both parks only if you spending more than a week in Japan it would be worth it.

Ticket | Transport ¥5 - ¥15 | Meals + Snacks - $60 (~ ¥70) | Shopping $25

*Disney Popular snacks include Turkey legs, Popcorn and Buns are a popular line snack. 

Tokyo Disney Resort which includes Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Park is located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It about less than a 30 minutes trip from Tokyo Station (Tokyo Civic Center) via the Keiyo line (runs every ~15 minutes) to Maihama Station and from there you can hoop on to the Tokyo Disneyland "Monorail" or take a 7-minute walk to the entrance gate. Tokyo Disney resort is operated by The Oriental Land Company (1960). Both parks act as sister parks to of course Disneyland and Disney California Adventures but with overall theme/ride differences. Tokyo Disneyland opened in April of 1983 yet, is about 30 more acres than the Disneyland (1955) park. This park also shares some rides and themes with Disney World as well. I would recommend this park for just the family or kids.

The park has seven themed areas:

• World Bazaar a.k.a Main Street U.S.A.[South of Enterance]

Four traditional Disney lands:

• Adventureland [North of Enterence]
• New Orleans
• Jungle Area
• Westernland a.k.a "Frontierland" [Northeast]
• Rivers of America
• Fantasyland [South]
• Small World
• Cinderella's Castle
• Haunted Mansion
• Tomorrowland [Southwest]
• Space Moutain

Two mini-lands:

• Critter Country [East]
• Splash Mountian
• Mickey's Toontown [South]
• Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Tokyo Disneyland is the top-ranked park of the Theme Park Resorts. 

Now, Tokyo DisneySea which opened in Septemeber 2001 and is also listed as the fastest top-visited Disney theme parks in the world. The park is 121 acres compared to Disney California Adventures 72 acres. The reason why I compared these two parks is that they have a shared history, you can learn about it here.  Anyways, the park gates are about a 20-minute walk from Tokyo Disneyland gates. If you are taking the train and bus then be advised to exit the Keiyo line one stop before the Miahama station that is the Kasairikin Station where the Kasai Seaside Park, Tokyo Sealife Park, and Aquarium are located (An alternative to the Disney Resorts on it busiest of days). Then you take the "Ring 7 Express: Shuttle Seven" that runs every 20 minutes. The other option is just to go all the way to the Maihama Station and jump on the Disney Resort Line "Monorail" which runs every 13 minutes and it also accepts IC Cards. Okay now, this park kind of reminds me of Epcot's World Showcase and I've heard many say it is a great park for Adults. 

There are seven themed areas or "ports of call": 

The entrance...

• Mediterranean Harbor
• Venetian Gondolas
• Fortress Explorations

Opens up to six more nautically themed ports: 

• American Waterfront [East]
• Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Mania 
• Lost River Delta [Southwest]
•  Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull
•  Raging Spirits
• Port Discovery[Southeast]
• Aquatopia
• Nemo & Friends SeaRider
• Mermaid Lagoon[West]
• The Little Mermaid
• Flounder's Flying Fish Coaster
• Arabian Coast [West]
•  Sindbad's Storybook Voyage, 
• Jasmine's Flying Carpets
• Mysterious Island[Center]
• Mount Prometheus: 
• Journey to the Center of the Earth
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Now, that we got that out of the way. I'm interested in when to go too. Most people know when kids are out school it's vacation time, so I looked up when Japanese schools are in session which starts in Spring, mid-April to late July; May is usually when entrance ceremonies are done. The second semester starts in early-September to late-December for Fall/Autumn. And the last Semester is from January to March; late-January entrance exam usually takes place. From there, I looked at TripAdvisor to see if anyone had any complaints about the parks which the consensus is that it is Too Crowded a.k.a. Line-Con and say bye bye to those Fastpasses. But what I really wanted to know is when do Japanese citizens visited the park the most. I also looked at other websites [1]and blogs, which were really great. However, the website that tracked and foretasted the crowd matched what I was finding from the latest guest on TripAdvisor than the blog sites. Don't @ me if things change in the future. Also, expect it to be crowded when the season changes because of Disney fans who want those collectibles.

Low (30 mins) | Moderate (60 mins.) | Moderately High (120 mins.) | High( 180+ mins.)

• January [New years week]
• February[DisneySea]
• March
• April[DisneySea]
• May[DisneySea] 
• June
• July[Tokyo Disneyland]
• August[Festival Season]
• September[DisneySea]
• October[DisneySea]
• November
• December[Tokyo Disneyland]

My Personal Blackout Dates or Dates to Avoid:

(This will, in general, applies to Tourist and the Visiting.)

Jan. 1-8 | Feb. 10-13 | Mar. 21-23 | Apr. 28-31| May 1-7 | Jul. 15- 17 | Aug. 10-17 | Sept. 16-25 | Oct. 7-9 | Nov. 2-4, 22-25 | Dec. 20-31 |

Here is a link to Attractions and etc. Closure for the year.

Tips: 

• Be aware of National and Local Holidays.
• Every ride narrative is done in Japanese, like duh
• Buy your Tickets beforehand; Lawson/ Family Mart (video about Convenient Stores), Tokyo's Disney Stores, and Tokyo Disney Official website Online.
• Go during the Week.
• Get to the parks at least 30 minutes to an hour before opening.
• Fastpasses are a literal term because they do go fast. Try to get the popular ones before Noon.
• The oldest trick in the book: Go on the rides you want during Parades.
• Go to rides that allow single riders, it’s much faster.

FastPass - FP |  Single Rider - SR | Lottery - L | Show - S

Itinerary

Tokyo Disneyland

• 9:00 AM Star Tours (FP)
• 10:00 AM Monster Inc. Ride (FP) - you can make this the last ride of the day.
• 12:00 PM Space Mountain (FP)
• 1:00 PM Gadget Coaster
• 2:00 PM Lunch
• 3:00 PM Pooh Hunt (FP)
• 4:00 PM Splash Mountain (FP|SR)
• 5:00 PM Big Thunder Mountain (FP)
• 6:00 PM Western river railroad
• 7:00 PM Dinner
• 9:00 PM Pirates of the Caribbean
• Other Popular Attractions:
• Haunted Mansion (FP)
• It's a Small World (FP)
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (FP)
• Once Upon A Time (S | L) 
• Minnie oh Minnie (S)
• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Shop: World Bazaar Shops

DisneySea

• 9:00 AM Raging Spirits (FP | SR)
• 10:00 AM Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull (FP| SR)
• 12:00 PM Big Bang Beat (S) / Out of the Shadowlands (S)
• 1:00 PM Tower of Terror (FP)
• 2:00 PM Lunch
• 3:00 PM Journey to the Centre of the Earth (FP)
• 4:00 PM 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (FP)
• 5:00 PM Venetian Gondolas
• 6:00 PM Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage
• 7:00 PM Dinner
• 9:00 PM Toy Story Mania (FP) (extremely popular)
• Other Popular Attractions:
  • Aquatopia
  • Fortress Explorations
  • Flounder's flying fish coaster
  • Jasmine's flying carpet
  • Carousel
  • Mermaid lagoon
  • Nemo & Friends SeaRider (FP)
• Shop: The Sleepy Whale Shoppe 

Lastly, DisneySea has its own special character called Duffy which is very popular. The bear is available at most of the parks but it's especially popular at Tokyo DisneySea with its very own store and people will rush to get those special collectibles that is one of the reasons why the parks are more crowded on certain days of each season so be aware of that. Another reason to beware of Anniversaries because both parks will release special items even if it just one park that's having the Anniversary.

Most collectibles come out around New Years/ Christmas, Halloween, Valentines, Easter, Festivals, and/or beginnings of each season: February, May, August, and November.

If you want to more idea or help for your trip to Tokyo or some basic info about Japan here is my older post.

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