As the end of our trip was looming, we headed for the Koto district, next to Odaiba, to visit the famous 'Team Lab'. This interactive museum is great for all the senses. I booked the tickets online and chose a time slot in the morning, between 11.30am and 12pm. We had 30 minutes to get there, but I'd advise you to arrive a little earlier, as it's very busy.
After scanning the tickets, we're given a few explanations about the site. We have to stash our stuff in lockers and take off our shoes and socks (or tights). But why? In some of the rooms, the water came up to our calves. I must admit, I was looking forward to that! You can hire shorts for free to wear under your skirts as we walk through rooms with mirrors on the floor.
Before we go into the first room, we walk across a kind of hallway that's got a waterfall and a watering hole on one side. The water in the watering hole smells strongly of bleach, which is there to disinfect our feet before we continue exploring. When we reach the top, we find a small room where towels are available to dry our feet and get us ready for the rest of our adventure.
The first room was amazing! We were greeted by a light and sound show that was like a symphony, with a forest of glittering garlands that seemed to fall delicately from the sky. As we ventured into this magical labyrinth, we followed a carefully mapped path, captivated by the wonder of all the light dancing around us. Every corner had something new to see, and it was hard to take your eyes off it. I'd say it's definitely worth the detour for this alone!
Before we went into the next room, we had to cross a corridor where the water was up to our calves. I was a bit worried about these watery passages as I'm not usually a fan of cold things. But I was pleasantly surprised by the water temperature, which was actually quite mild and pleasant. It made the experience way better than I thought it would be.
We finally got into a room where the water was up to our calves. To get to the other rooms, we had to cross this amazing aquatic area. To be honest, I could have spent hours there because it was so magical. There were these amazingly coloured fish dancing at our feet, creating all these beautiful patterns on the surface of the water. It was a really magical experience.
After that, we moved on to another equally amazing room. The light play continues, creating a spellbinding atmosphere, but this time there are large coloured balls all over the floor and airspace, floating and rolling around us. It's like being in a fairytale, where every step and glance is captivating.
We're now off to the next room, where the show goes on above our heads. The space is lit up again with amazing light effects, creating a magical atmosphere. There are lots of people lying on the floor, totally captivated by this amazing show. It's like everyone's frozen in time, all amazed by the sparkles and colours dancing above us, sharing in this moment of pure wonder.
So, we're in the last room, and this marks the end of the first part of our visit to the museum. As we enter this space, we feel a bit of a mix of wonder and nostalgia, knowing that this unique experience is coming to an end. Every moment spent here has been a sensory adventure, and we're excited to see what's next.
Then we go into the second part of the museum, still barefoot, and find ourselves in a stunning interior garden. This room is full of bright flowers and sparkling mirrors that reflect the beauty of the place. It's so warm and cosy here, it's like being wrapped up in a soft, comforting blanket. Every step on the floor is an invitation to explore this haven of peace where nature and art meet in harmony.
Having waited our turn, we slip beneath these magnificent flowers to enjoy their beauty and enchanting scent for a few moments. Each petal seems to tell a story and we are lulled by the tranquillity of this inner garden. It's a moment of serenity, where time seems to stand still, to be savoured before continuing our exploration.
Once out of this room, which seemed to have come straight from another planet, we walked into another garden where huge coloured eggs were scattered on the floor. The atmosphere here is equally relaxing, with a soft, comforting warmth. Each egg, with its unique pattern, inspires curiosity and wonder. We take our time to explore this fascinating space, enjoying the serene atmosphere that envelops us like a cocoon.
This was the last room of the museum. After collecting our things, we took the time to admire the building from the outside one last time. The façade of the museum glistened in the sunlight and we remembered the wonders we had discovered inside. This sensory and artistic journey will remain etched in our memories, and we leave this place with a light heart and a mind full of enchanting memories.
Here's the full video of my visit to the museum:
Having experienced all this, we decided to head west, towards the unknown. On our way, we marvel at the urban view before us: the ocean on the horizon and the skyscrapers standing proudly in the background. The combination of the glistening sea and the modern skyscrapers creates a breathtaking landscape, and every step we take brings us a little closer to the exciting adventure that lies ahead.
Our first stop is the Toyosu Fish Market, where we hope to enjoy a delicious meal. The crowds are huge and finding a seat in this huge food market is a real challenge! The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with the delicious smells of fresh seafood and the shouts of vendors luring customers in. Despite the obstacles, the excitement of discovering new flavours keeps us going.
For lunch I opted for udon with crispy fried vegetables. It was a hearty yet surprisingly light dish, perfect for satisfying my appetite without leaving me feeling stuffed. Each bite was a delicate blend of flavours, with the soft noodles working beautifully with the crunch of the vegetables. A taste experience that perfectly rounded off our day of exploration.
Once we've had our fill, we head back along the coast. The temperature remains pleasant, almost summery, and the stunning scenery makes our walk all the more enjoyable. The gentle sound of the waves breaking on the shore accompanies our steps, making for a truly digestive walk. Every breath of sea air invigorates us and we take full advantage of this moment of serenity in the heart of nature.
We arrived in front of the Lalaport Toyosu shopping centre and entered through the food court. I hadn't expected the sheer size of this mall from the outside! After this lovely walk, we stopped at Starbucks to recharge our batteries.
I decided to stop at 'Jins' to buy some glasses. Once inside I took a number after filling in some personal details. I waited patiently for my turn to take the eye test. I then had the pleasure of choosing my frames and in just 45 minutes I had two pairs of glasses! All for just €128! If you have the chance to pass by this shop, I highly recommend you get your glasses made there.
After a bit of souvenir shopping, we decide to head back to the hotel to drop off our purchases. In the late afternoon, the sky begins to darken slightly, tinting the horizon with warm hues. The atmosphere becomes peaceful as we enjoy the last rays of sunshine before nightfall, eager to discover what the evening has in store for us.
We decided to return to Shinjuku to enjoy this beautiful evening and for dinner we opted for 'shabu-shabu', a delicious Japanese fondue. We chose the all-you-can-eat menu, including wagyu, and a drinks bar with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Each table was equipped with a tablet to place our orders and we also had access to a salad bar with a variety of fresh vegetables to accompany our meal. The service was excellent and the waiters were attentive and friendly, adding a special touch to our dining experience and evening.
After this delicious meal, we stroll through the bustling streets of Shinjuku, taking in the lively nightlife before catching the train back to our hotel. The vibrant atmosphere and twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere. We'll need a little rest before tomorrow's busy day, to recharge our batteries and dream of the adventures that lie ahead.
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