Nicocosity

  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Beauty
  • Art
  • Class Act Ph
Perhaps one of the most bittersweet time during our trip, our last day in Tokyo 😔 To be honest me and Ken did not make any plans for this day, except for the fact that we'll be meeting my childhood friend in Shinjuku for a dinner that night.

After checking out from our hostel, &And Hostel Minamisenju were nice enough to let us park our luggage while we spend the day out and about in Tokyo. Thanks for that &And Hostel ♡ YUDABEST!

I miss you and the nearby Santouku and Lawson ♡


Since it's our last day in Tokyo, we decided to do some last minute sight seeing of famous places you can only see in Tokyo, and one of them is...


... where you'll see this:


Sure, I have had a photo with Hachiko before already:



But whatever, I am a sucker for touristy stuff!

IDK But I look like homeless here 🤷

After grabbing some lunch at a nearby Matsuya,



Ken's gout started acting up which prompted him to go back to the hostel to rest ayaw nya mag Starbucks that time, ewan ko din baket. As for me, I proceed on running around Shibuya looking for some shoes in Esperanza...


Lo and behold, they're on sale for ¥ 3000! But sadly,  I got such huge feet, they don't have my size anymore! I have read a lot of amazing reviews about this brand, and how comfy they are- yes, even in heels form! *sigh* bawi nalang next visit... ayiiiiiieeee, babalik!

Aside from Esperanza, I also checked out some shops in Shibuya 101 to see if I could shop for some clothes that are also work-appropriate. Unfortunately clothes are SOOOOO expensive here, and so tiny! HAHAHAH! I think those cute skirts I saw in a store would only fit one thigh 🙃


After checking out shops, I decided to head over somewhere else instead and wander for 20 minutes before I go to my 2nd destination.

Such Fab, much WOW!
After just going with the flow of the people in Shibuya, admiring Japanese women in their chicest outfits, mindlessly walking around not caring where I'll end up, I take a one last look at Shibuya and vowed to come back as soon as I could, before heading to Sekaido in Shinjuku.

Photo taken during my visit in 2018, got lazy to take a photo last Feb hahahuhuhu.
Just a recap, Sekaido is art heaven in Tokyo (Yup, in Tokyo, not in whole of Japan, because there's also art heaven in Fukuoka! You can check it HERE). Here you can buy whatever art materials your heart desires, for more details on what can you expect when you visit this store, check out my post HERE! Did some last minute shopping, particularly for my side hustle, Nicoco's Pasabuys, but I also managed to nab a new set of watercolors that are discounted ✌ Will probably do a blogpost about it pag sinipag.


After throwing some of my yens at Sekaido, I decided to head back to the hostel and meet with Ken. At 7 P.M. we have a dinner with my childhood friend, Nico in Shinjuku, so we better gather our stuff, and bid goodbye to &And Hostel Minamisenju.

I just remember during my alone time in Shibuya and Shinjuku, I didn't have internet access and depend solely on my shitty memory. I know, too bold and foolish of me, but hey I have come back here in Manila to tell the tale! Hahahah! The key is to camp at the nearest Lawson or 7Eleven and connect to the wifi hahahaha! Or do it as I did by bringing a Tokyo Metro Map with me at all times, just in case my memory failed me. Ayiiie.


200 meters away from the hostel and 100 meters away from the station it started to rain, HARD! HAHAHA! We were soaking wet by the time we reached the station, and what's worse it was 8° Celsius that time! 

To distract myself from the impending hypothermia (OA HAHAHAHA), I focus on praising myself for a job well done on my nails hahahah! While I was at Shibuya 101 earlier that day I actually decided to paint my nails using the testers of nail polishes in Innisfree 🍃 HAHAHA! I know, ang squammy lang.


IDK but at that time there was a small rally in Shinjuku station 🤷
What I miss the most about Japan is the convenience of travelling anywhere in that country. Despite 2 over-packed luggages in tow, we did not feel hassled because it's simple easy to go to one place to another. We had 2 train rides from Minamisenju to Shinjuku and it took us less than 30 minutes!  Oh, Philippines, when are you going to keep up?


Prior to arriving here in Shinjuku, me and my friend Nico were chatting on where is the best place to meet and have dinner. At first we were thinking of Sushi, however the one that he prefers is a bit of a stretch away from Shinjuku station, and at that time as much as possible we opt somewhere near Shinjuku station so it's easier for us to go to the bus station and board for Kyoto. After a couple of suggestions, from Ichiran, Santouka, and even Famima hahaha, we ended up with Katsukura in Takashimaya, which is a stone's throw away from Shinjuku Station, and Hilton Shinjuku (where Nico is staying).

Let's just say I am currently missing that glorious pork cutlet meal with unlimited shredded cabbage and rice paired with a cheeky pint of Highball 🙁 I was expecting food in Katsukura will be expensive, given that it's inside the swanky mall that is Takashimaya, but in fairness the price is reasonable. I think for my whole meal + the drink I spent around ¥ 2,500, which is a good deal given that usually food in restaurants in swanky malls tend to be pricier. Also, their staff are really nice 👌


Sorry ladies, unfortunately may jowa nya sya hahaha!
I reeeeeally enjoyed our last day in Tokyo, because I was able to walk around on my own, shop, eat good food, people-watch, and spent it with great company 😼 Oh I'm definitely looking forward to going back hopefully next year! I have yet to conquer Tokyo Disneyland, Golden Gai, and basically all the locations in my favorite Japanese TV Shows, Tokyo Girl, and Followers 💓


And now we'll proceed on the Kyoto/ Osaka blogs 😉

LOVE ALWAYS, 

NICOLE 🤍♡

P.S.

Look at how he struggled on inflating the inflatable neck pillow 🙃




Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No Comments


Ok, fine! For someone with a lot of time in her hands, I am a failure for being to late
in posting blog posts! But as the saying goes, good things take time!

You to me
Rather than doing nothing, let me share with you guys some of the art loot I have acquired during my Tokyo trip last October! Quick disclaimer: Not all were purchased from Sekaido ☝

Goodieeees!


First item is this Pentel Vistage water brush with a medium sized brush. If I'm not mistaken, I was able to buy this for around ¥300? Which is roughly around Php 150, not bad, I must say! I have always loved using Pentel waterbrushes, because they are not too soft, yet they are easy to maneuver. Sadly, this kind of waterbrush is not sold here in The Philippines, however there are some online shops that sell this for around Php 250+

The next item is this Tombow brushpen, that still makes me wonder why I bought it when it is also sold here in The Philippines 🤔🤔🤔 I already have the soft tipped brush, which is kind of beginner-unfriendly, given that it's harder to control it. I can't remember how much this is, but it is probably a good Php 30 less expensive than the SRP here in The PH. By the way, this one has a harder tip, haven't used it yet, so I don't know if it is easier to use hahaha!



I AM A SUCKER FOR ANYTHING METALLIC AND GLITTERY! I was supposed to treat myself with another Copic marker set (which unfortunately Sekaido doesn't carry, bummer!), or get myself the most basic Holbein set (wasn't able to fully check the Holbein corner because of time constrains), so I ended up with the one conveniently placed near the escalators, this. I already got myself a shimmer set of pastel colors from Yamamoto Bumpodo during my Fukuoka trip, so I figured why not get myself in solid colors now? Hahaha! Like the Pentel waterbrush, I don't think this is available in The Philippines. This baby retails for around ¥ 1000+, which is not bad, given that pearlescent pans aren't affordable (looking at you Finetec!).


AHHHH, the only non-calligraphy art item that I purchased! This is a plastic clay, where to use it you must melt it in hot water before you could mold it. What's good about this is you can use it again and again, you just have to melt it with hot water. I actually already have one of this before, and I often use it as a mold, which is perfect whenever I have bulk orders and I can't be botherer to do it all by hand hahaha! This retails for ¥100, but you can also buy this from online sellers for around Php70-100.

The odd one out! This Sailor brush pen is the only item I did not buy from Sekaido, in fact I got this when I purchased make-up in Tokyu Hands. I really did not intend on buying this, because I see no need for another brush pen, but hey you're not always in Japan, so YOLO! I think this is retailed at ¥150, and yes unfortunately it isn't available in The Philippines.


Last but not the least are these nibs, which are worth every cent! I got each for ¥70, or Php 35 only!!!! This is a major steal, given that you cannot find reeeeally affordable nibs at this price point in Manila. Aside from the fact that is affordable, it's also a delight to use it. I still can't believe that with that price, it really punches on the performance!

And there you have it, a quick Tokyo Art Haul! I swear if I was given more time, I could have bought more, especially mop brushes! There are a lot of beautiful goodies that you can buy in Japan, that I will never ever stop telling people to go there, because Japan = Art heaven 😇

Love Always,

Nicole 😙❣
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
2 Comments
Just when I thought Heaven is only located in Fukuoka, particularly Yamamoto Bumpodo, imagine my kokoro when I discovered the 5 story worth of Art items in Sekaido!

With special participation of Jhude's cap.
Prior to going to Tokyo, I have already researched, and even allotted quite an amount for my trip to Sekaido. Basing on how much I have spent in Yamamoto Bumpodo last August (hi, Copic Markers), I braced myself with the high possibility of losing my control over my credit card!
Me.ME
So first things first, where is Sekaido? From what I have researched, they have different branches all over Tokyo, but their main one is in Shinjuku. As I have mentioned above, it has 5 floors sprawling with different Art items, from pens to paints, clays to wood, papers to nibs and even frames! They have everything! I want to buy everything!

But since I was travelling then with a big group, I wasn't given the luxury to stay there the whole day, instead I had only 10 minutes to fully explore, and figure out what I wanted to buy (in the last minute, I decided to keep my options open haha). Anyhoo, let me just share with you all the photos I took during my speedy shopping spree!

PEEEEENS GALORE!
MARKERSSS!
Way more affordable than the ones sold here!

I got one!



OOODLES OF PAINTS!


Nibs galore!


Washis!




The following photos made my heart skip a bit, only to break it after *cue Adele*

POLYMER CLAAAAYS!





Soooooo, here are some notes, little quips, and things I think people who would like to go to Sekaido should know:

1. Allot a budget for it! I swear, if you are like me, who wouldn't think twice choosing to go hungry over getting a new paintbrush, it will be painful if you go there with an empty wallet! So, save up!

2. Allot at least an hour or 2 when you go here! There's 5 floors full of heavenly delights in every corner, it would be a shame if you won't be able to see all of its glory! Also, if you have more time, you'll be able to compare prices, and brands!

3. The nibs sold here are waaaaaay less expensive than the ones sold here in Manila. Though, there are still those that costs a lot, but c'mon, where can you see nibs as inexpensive at Php 30+ in Manila? NOWHERE! SO BUY SO MANY NIBS, I TELL YAH!

4. I wasn't able to see any Copics during my visit, and I'm not sure if they don't have Copics or if they are stowed away in a fancy cabinet somewhere in the store. But I doubt that they are stored anywhere that is not within the reach of customers, because brands such as Holbein and Sennelier are readily available for people to check out.

5. The queues can be quite long. Have patience, my friend.

6. They accept credit card payment! But I opt for my Yens instead.

7. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance! They are very friendly, and will go out of their way to help you- even if 70% of the time you'll get lost in translation.

8. They have different brands of polymer clays, and even air dry ones, but they are soooooo expensive. I don't know why, since I was expecting the Modena ones to be less expensive in Japan, but it's the same price as the ones sold online here in The Philippines. As for a 50g Staedtler clay, they go for 400+ Yen, or around Php200+! That's expensive, ok?! I ended up not buying any clay that day *cue more sad songs, louder!*. Might as well just ask my older sister to buy me clays in Michael's or Jo-ann's when she goes to NYC soon.

And lastly...


9. Yup guys, pay your items on its designated floor. You can't pay for all the stuff  you got when you go back down to the ground floor.

I am proud to say that I did not blow my budget, and was only able to spend a max of 3000 yen! Although, to be honest I allotted 10,000 yen for this trip, but since I only have 10 minutes to wander, I just got things that look sparkly... and yes, no Copic Markers *cue Adele again*

Pasok Adele!

Will share my loot in my next post *wink*

Love Always,

Nicole




Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
2 Comments
Older Posts

About me

Hola! Nicole Alejandro here with her random musings about travel, arts, and life- all for the benefit of her future kid ;)

Are you looking for something?

Want to Collab, Sponsor, or You Have a Great Idea?

You can reach me at nicocosity1993@gmail.com ♡

Labels

  • NicDoesArts
  • NicDoesBeauty
  • NicDoesFashion
  • NicGoesToPlaces
  • NicTheBookWorm

recent posts

Blog Archive

  • ▼  2024 (1)
    • ▼  January 2024 (1)
      • What I Did In 2023
  • ►  2023 (11)
    • ►  October 2023 (2)
    • ►  September 2023 (4)
    • ►  April 2023 (2)
    • ►  March 2023 (3)
  • ►  2022 (2)
    • ►  March 2022 (1)
    • ►  January 2022 (1)
  • ►  2020 (32)
    • ►  December 2020 (3)
    • ►  November 2020 (1)
    • ►  October 2020 (2)
    • ►  September 2020 (1)
    • ►  August 2020 (1)
    • ►  July 2020 (3)
    • ►  June 2020 (3)
    • ►  May 2020 (7)
    • ►  April 2020 (3)
    • ►  March 2020 (5)
    • ►  February 2020 (3)
  • ►  2019 (34)
    • ►  December 2019 (3)
    • ►  November 2019 (1)
    • ►  October 2019 (7)
    • ►  September 2019 (2)
    • ►  August 2019 (2)
    • ►  July 2019 (3)
    • ►  June 2019 (3)
    • ►  May 2019 (4)
    • ►  April 2019 (2)
    • ►  March 2019 (2)
    • ►  February 2019 (3)
    • ►  January 2019 (2)
  • ►  2018 (29)
    • ►  December 2018 (2)
    • ►  November 2018 (5)
    • ►  October 2018 (3)
    • ►  September 2018 (2)
    • ►  August 2018 (6)
    • ►  July 2018 (1)
    • ►  June 2018 (2)
    • ►  May 2018 (5)
    • ►  February 2018 (2)
    • ►  January 2018 (1)
  • ►  2017 (17)
    • ►  December 2017 (2)
    • ►  November 2017 (7)
    • ►  October 2017 (6)
    • ►  March 2017 (2)
  • ►  2016 (2)
    • ►  July 2016 (1)
    • ►  June 2016 (1)
  • ►  2013 (8)
    • ►  April 2013 (7)
    • ►  March 2013 (1)
  • ►  2012 (42)
    • ►  December 2012 (1)
    • ►  October 2012 (4)
    • ►  September 2012 (1)
    • ►  August 2012 (1)
    • ►  July 2012 (3)
    • ►  June 2012 (5)
    • ►  May 2012 (6)
    • ►  April 2012 (8)
    • ►  March 2012 (7)
    • ►  February 2012 (3)
    • ►  January 2012 (3)
  • ►  2011 (40)
    • ►  December 2011 (3)
    • ►  November 2011 (4)
    • ►  October 2011 (13)
    • ►  September 2011 (8)
    • ►  August 2011 (5)
    • ►  July 2011 (3)
    • ►  June 2011 (1)
    • ►  May 2011 (3)

Created with by BeautyTemplates | Distributed by Blogger