How many suburbs can you fit in your travel itinerary for one day? I had that question in mind when trying to schedule our Japan trip back in December 2013. With more than a week to spend in Tokyo, I wanted to fit as much as I could, without sacrificing on the enjoyment.
So on the second day, I decided to venture to Mitaka/Kichijoji and Nakano as they were located not far from each other – and we haven’t been to either of them in our previous trip to this lovely city…
Nakano, Tokyo
Nakano is only a few stations away from Shinjuku. I can’t tell you what else is in this area because I was only there to check out the covered shopping strip and anime mecca Nakano Broadway. I’ve heard many awesome things about this particular place, so I was really excited.
Finding Nakano Broadway from Nakano Station was as easy as 1, 2, 3. As soon as we walked out of the train, we saw the sign “中野サンモール” (Nakano Sunmall). Stroll along Nakano Sunmall and you will find Nakano Broadway…
Now now, I was a little peckish and a whole lot greedy so when I walked past this taiyaki shop, I knew I had to stop by and give it a try…
Not bad! (:
Then I got 100% greedy as I was 0% hungry but still bought a grape and vanilla mixed soft serve ice cream. After all, I did promise to buy every soft serve ice cream that I saw in this trip… At least that was my excuse!
We had been walking for a whole day to Ghibli Museum in Mitaka and Inokashira Park in Kichijoji so our legs were really tired when we reached Nakano Broadway. But hey, we still did enjoy ourselves. In hindsight though, I’d suggest going when you have a little more energy in you. There is a lot to see, especially if you’re a die-hard otaku or vintage anime or toy collectors.
Mandarake seemed to own pretty much the whole building (figuratively) as we walked past one Mandarake store after another. For those who are not familiar, Mandarake described themselves as this:
Mandarake was established in 1987 as a pre-owned manga dealer in NakanoBroadway center. Now Mandarake is known as the largest manga and anime shop in the world. Visitors from all over the world relates to the stream of Japanese manga and anime culture which is getting popular every year.
Yep, plenty of Mandarake stores now all over Japan, but the main store was and is in Nakano Broadway…
So of course, being in a place like this, we did some shopping. My first buy was a Gon Freecs in a suit (from the York Shin story arc) keychain. I loved it so, and for only ¥200! Sadly, I’ve already lost this as it somehow disappeared from my camera strap! Kanashii…
As the walk continued, I realised how awesome Nakano Broadway is. Rows and rows of vintage toys from Japan and worldwide. One shop would sell all sorts of anime figurines and the next random toys you’d remember when you were kids. I’m talking older than the Barbies and the Teletubbies.
Also spotted: some cool shops selling school uniforms that’s oh-so-kawaii and quirky cafes along the way. Even Pekko-chan from the Fujiya restaurant looked more vintage in its Christmas outfit.
We wanted to look around more, but our legs could almost no longer move (well, at least mine were), plus we had booked a restaurant back in Shinjuku at 7.30pm and it was time to leave Nakano Broadway…
You can decide for yourself if this place is worth a visit, depending on what you like. But yes, if you’re anything like me (not a crazy huge otaku but love anime and awesome vintage toys) then Nakano Broadway is a must.
Shinjuku, Tokyo
We arrived in Shinjuku close to our dinner time. Using Google Maps to find our way to the restaurant, we saw pretty lights and sign boards along the way… Seriously, gotta love Shinjuku at night!
The restaurant we booked is an all-you-can-eat awesome beef & seafood buffet. Yakiniku-tei Rokkasen.
This restaurant was recommended to us by a friend who had been brought many times to Rokkasen by his Japanese business partners. Can’t go wrong if you have Japanese people recommending this place for you, right?!
English menu is available on request. There’s an English version of the website so you can reserve your table before your trip. And, there are a few English-speaking waiters who would kindly explain the menu for you if you have questions. So all in all, a very tourist friendly restaurant.
So, how was the food? It was magnificent! One of the highlights of this Japan trip for the hubby.
King crabs. Blowfish (fugu). All sorts of high grade beef. All you can friggin’ eat. Oishii!!!
Apart from all the meat and seafood, you can also order other side dishes. Once we were done with our meals, we were given a scoop of lemony sorbet. Yum. And with our bills, we also received some chewing gums, perfect to get rid of all the meat smell in your mouth.
We paid ¥7000 per person for 90 minutes of glorious good quality food.
The two boys in our trip (hubby and friend) were satisfied and felt that it was a good price to pay. I personally felt that I could’ve just enjoyed a similar meal of good quality wagyu for the same price without feeling guilty for not eating more… So big eaters and seafood/meat lovers, this place is for you!
We then walked back to our hotel and did a little detour to check out this beautiful illumination at Shinjuku Terrace City.
The Japanese really knows how to create the perfect Christmas ambience…
And another thing they know how to do? Create completely useless items and make them appealing for the general public (i.e. me)!
One sits nicely on the cup doing nothing much but to look pretty. The other is an earplug (you will have to buy two to make them functional I guess).
So these two little cuties, one from the Fuchico on the Cup range (red) and the other from The Sleep Twins An & Min (blue), can be bought from many vending machines around Tokyo. They are also sold in anime stores either as a full set or separately (you can choose the ones that you want from these stores, but prices might be higher than the vending machines ones).
I know, I bought random stuff, but after a trip to Nakano, I suspect you will too…
What was the most random thing you’ve bought on a trip?