I am a sucker for all things colorful, quirky, inexpensive, and weird-lo and behold, I have found the mecca of all things great in Flying Tiger!

For those who are not yet familiar with this retail wonderland, Flying Tiger is a Danish brand that sells A LOT of cute stuff, ranging from party supplies, toys, costumes, stationery, and even food! For those who are familiar with the Australian brand, Typo, Flying Tiger is somewhat similar to it, but Flying Tiger doesn't have collabs with certain brands and fandoms (you can check my previous blog HERE for reference hehe). It is available in a lot of countries, unfortunately not yet in the Philippines *cue sad music*.

Me.

The first time I have stumbled upon this magical place was during my trip to Tokyo last year, specifically in the Queen's Square mall in Yokohama. Back then I was able to buy myself some seriously cute socks, a beanie for Julianna, and nifty earrings holder perfect for sashaying my Class Act Ph creations.

Like this!

So when I got back to Tokyo this year, I made sure to make time to visit a Flying Tiger store. Fortunately, while getting lost and indulging in my so-called independence in Omotesando, I found out that there's a Flying Tiger store nearby! With my aching feet, I stormed to it.

Unlike last year, I have refrained myself from going crazy with my purchases, primarily because of luggage constraints-literally, my baby luggage can't handle it anymore. I purchased only the necessary stuff, primarily things that are tagged as pasalubong.




Aside from Typo, I think the kind of local store that resembles Flying Tiger is Miniso, because everything looks so clean, functional, and both stores have expansive range of products you can choose from. But unlike Miniso, Flying Tiger has this system, or floor plan rather, that controls the flow of people's movement in the store. Unlike most stores where you can either start in the middle aisle, or whatever catches your fancy, Flying Tiger will make you go through EVERYTHING! Basically, this kind of set-up is similar to IKEA, where you have to go through all the displays and different products for your to be able to get out of it... otherwise you might as well start a new life inside the store.

Paper plates you wouldn't dare to actually use.

Bought that Clapper thing, just in case I decided to become a film director 👏🙃👏

Gumball machines for ¥ 400!

Ceramic piggy banks that you can customize 🐷🐖🐽

Overall, shopping in Flying Tiger has been a delight, that if ever you got lost in Omotesando with no idea where to head to, go to their branch HEEEEERE♡

Love Always,
Nicole

If there is something I really regret not doing from my previous Tokyo trip last 2018, it would be having a photo with the famous Hachiko statue in Shibuya.

Back then, I remember feeling discouraged to do so after seeing the long queue of tourists awaiting to have a little snippet of the faithful obedient Japanese Akita, that is Hachiko. Also, I felt that it was corny and too touristy to allot time for a simple photo.

Who can resist this bibi boi?

But things have clearly turned upside down, because for this trip I became determined to have a picture with this good boi, totally disregarding the fact that it is too touristy, because c'mon I am a tourist! Hahahaha! There's no point in trying to appear like a local by not doing these usual tourist activities, just so to be cool or something.

LOL

By the way, to those who doesn't have an inkling who Hachiko is, Hachiko is a very loyal dog to his hooman Professor Ueno, where he would meet him at a train station after a long day at the university. One day, Professor Ueno died, but Hachiko didn't know his hooman died, so for nine years he'd continue going to the train station waiting for Professor Ueno. Now, that's loyalty.

With that, for the 3rd day we went around Shibuya and Shinjuku, and basically savour the city energy by walking around interesting stops, and shop for cutesy stuff.

Pasok na tayo sa Iskuuul.

We are the 1/4 out of the whole group.

Our day started a bit late, because my cousins had a hardcore drinking session the night before, so they woke up pretty late, hence the reason we got into Shibuya station at around 1 P.M. already.

Free Origami Shurikens for kids :)

We head out to Shibuya station to take photos with the Hachiko statue, as well as take photos (and videos) of the chaotic Shibuya crossing. For those who are planning to have their photos taken, there's a kind old man who volunteers to take photos of tourists, which is a good win for those who are either travelling solo, or would want a group photo with Hachiko. I'm pretty sure that old man is paid by their tourism board, because he even gives out Origami Shurikens to kids!

Oh, and expect a loooong line, because everyone wants a snap with this goode boi 🐶


Given that we are in Japan, might as well have Japanese food, and what better way to have it than to go to Marugame Udon HAHAHAHA! I have no idea why my cousins opt for this restaurant chain that is already available locally in the Philippines! To be honest, I couldn't even distinguish any difference between the original and the franchise in the Philippines, Naks ah!





Given that Meiji Shrine is 1 train stop away, it is natural to avail of this chance and go visit that wonderful place. It's my first time to visit this place, so everything is new, and there's this magical feeling of uncertainty of what I'll see there-because I did not research about it prior our visit, just checked how far it is from the Shibuya Hachiko station 👏🙃




Because I have no idea what I'll see inside Meiji Jinju, I have no idea that we'll have to walk long distances before reaching the temple. For those people who always need a toilet in tow, don't fret, because mid-way there's a hub where you can go rest for a quick refreshment from the vendo machines (they have Asahi ones there that carries Bireley's Orange Juice!), or you can go pee-or do number 2, whatever floats your boat 🤗.

Before you get to see the temple, you can also opt to drop by the gardens, which has an entrance fee of ¥ 500, or Php 250/ $5. We did not go there anymore, because one of my cousin kept on having mosquito bites at that time huhu... but I shall visit it the next time I return to Tokyo!

I wish you the best, Bijay!

Preeeetty make-up awaits!

Tokyu Plaza

Cute alley shoppes in Omotesando

While walking around Shibuya on my own, it made me realize how refreshing it is to wander to a different place alone. Don't get me wrong, I love being with a companion or two, but there are times where being alone is just better, and I must say this is one of those instances. Also, it feels funny playing this goofy movie in your head where you are acting as if you live in that place 😉

Given that Tokyo is super safe, it is ok to walk alone even in the wee hours of the night-but still, it doesn't hurt to be extra alert 🤙

Lastly, roam with Lost in Japan playing through your earphones, and proceed having a swell time in Tokyo 😉😉😉😉

Love Always,

Nicole 🌸