Machida

Another fun day of exploring another city in the Tokyo Prefecture with tons of shopping, eateries, and things to see and do! This was my first time, so I didn't really do much research ahead of time, but I would say It was definitely worth the trip and I will be going back in the near future...like maybe next weekend!

Arrived: Approximately 2pm
Departed: About 8:30pm
Total exploration time: 6.5 hrs

Well it was a Sunday...and I was totally expecting huge crowds and packed trains, but I guess we were lucky. (Sunday=Japanese day..which also means ridiculous traffic, crowds everywhere you go, and packed trains) We actually had a seat both times we were on the train.

Machida sort of reminded me of NYC in many ways except I didn't really see street vendors selling goods and food. It had more of the metropolitan feel to it with large buildings, wide streets, and clusters of multilevel shopping malls attached next to each other. You will also find lots of side streets so it was very easy to get distracted. There are malls that have stores with very reasonable prices and others that cater for more upscale clientele, but I did not see anything in the high fashion department (Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Gucci) like you would find in Ginza or Shibuya nor did I see a Forever 21 or H&M which is usually found in larger shopping districts.

I'll post some of the pictures I took on on my android phone with captions to explain where I went and what I did! There is so much more to see and do but here's a glimpse!

Shopping plaza near the train station 

Heading straight out the station on the second level

A French Bakery I would definitely like to eat at next time I go back.
Located right outside the train station. 

You can access most of the malls on this upper floor to avoid
crossing through traffic. 

One of the many multilevel shopping malls 

another one

The first shopping mall I went into...and really liked!

3 Coins - One of my favorite discount stores where everything is 315 yen or sometime 50% off that

Remember to stay on the left side so people can pass on the right! 

The entrance I exited out of

Huge arcade for kids 

across the street from Cats Eye was another arcade place that had Pirakuras

The screen inside the booth

The screen on the outside the allows you to decorate you pirakura

I always forget about these sometime, but you can hang your purse instead of putting it on the floor!

decorating!!!

waiting for our picture to pop out! 

Its ready!

Kawaii!

1st time trying Mister Donut...ironically!

Make sure to grab a tray and a pair of tongs

An insane selection

further down the line...

Somewhere near Mister Donut is this pathway that you MUST check-out! It really reminded me of India in a way...It was a narrow ally way with all sorts of vendors selling all types of things like authentic Japanese foods, shirts, kittens and puppies, I think I even saw a seamstress shop. It also had several food places, very small but very authentic looking...a Thai restaurant, Hawaiian , and more! The food looked amazing at each place. Don't skip this place over...we almost did! 

Traditional Ramen shop 

Yakitori to go! 

Butcher Shop 

Mens store with an awesome sales rack outside and pretty reaosnably priced clothes inside. If your looking for stylish Japanese mens clothes...this place was pretty awesome! The prices were a little on the pricer side, but the quality matches the prices! 

Courtyard area in front of another rmultilevel mall that had performances and shows with random acts...this guy was juggling tennis rackets! 

Grab a cushion for your tushy! That's what I'm assuming these green foam things are for

another Cat's Eye...or it just may be the same one on the other side, not sure...but you get the idea...lots of arcades! 

Whats so special about this 7-11? 

It has a slurpee machine!!! Which is quite rare...especially having a melon or white soda slurpee
...don't think you'll be finding those in the states! 

Another popular arcade 

The coolest place I discovered today...then found out there are several of them all over Tokyo, and maybe even around Japan. The concept is a place to relax that you can have to yourself or share with one or a few friends. You can rent your own cubicle and depending on what you want to do...rent a movie or two they have there, play video games, listen to music, use the computer/internet, eat & drink from the many vending machines, and so much more.They even have massage chairs!  

Horrible photo...but it's a Hot food vending machine

Another multilevel mall...this one is quite popular...I've been to the one in Shibuya!

You know your approaching Liz Lisa when you can smell the perfume as your coming up the escalator

Baby Shoop - "Hip-Hop" Clothing store 

Japans Victoria Secret 

Not sure what you want to eat because there are too many choices to choose from and your absolutely starving?
Either of these restaurants will fix that...I've tried both, and while they may not have the absolute BEST food in Japan to eat...both restaurants definitely have variety to choose from and it is pretty good, fast, hot dishes. Both have lots of pasta dishes to choose from and the prices are pretty great.

Bowling Alley?

There is no way you can be board in this building..They have everything!

My purchase for the day. 1 store = 3 Coins. Spent less than 1300 yen :)