Tokyo Dreamin'

As the days fly by me, I find myself constantly dreaming of the three weeks I'll be spending at home with the family.  The holidays always make me homesick as friends talk about plans with family, decorating their homes, and holiday movies start playing on TV. I am blessed in that I get to go home to see my family and friends in a few weeks, but doesn't change the fact that the only way I can talk to them at the moment is through Skype, e-mail and iMessage (thank you Mr. Jobs!). So, in order to torture myself more, I decided to post some of my favorite places I can't wait to return to with some of my favorite people.

1. My beautiful home

The photo is a little blurry but it's still one of my favorites. We had to downgrade to a little tree this year because of the new puppy, for the fear that he would eat the tree and decorations (!!!). Either way, the familiar smell of my home the minute I walk in the door after getting back from the airport is the best smell in the world.  Seeing my mom and dad when I walk out of baggage claim is also the best sight ever.

2. Shibuya

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

Nothing beats coming home to the messy, craziness of Shibuya's scramble crosswalk!

3. Futako-Tamagawa

Image Courtesy of A Year in Japan

I can't wait to see this street in front of Futako-Tamagawa Station all decorated for Christmas! The old-school Takamashimaya is still a favorite, but I am also excited to see more of the new shopping center, Futakotamagawa Rise and Dogwood!

4. Yokohama Lalaport

Image Courtesy of Weboo! Returns

Lalaport is another one of my favorite malls in Japan - it's also where we got our puppy, Alfie :) I love that they have Zara, H&M, Forever21 all in one place! Their prices are a little bit cheaper than in Tokyo so that's always a plus. 

5. Franc Franc

Image Courtesy of Franc Franc

My absolute favorite furniture store! They have the cutest, most modern and quirky things there. I wish nothing more than to have this store in the States, as everything I want to buy is either breakable, or too bulky to bring back. I could literally spend all day in here :)

6. Roppongi

Image Courtesy of Tokyo Ezine

Home of Tokyo's famous Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, fun, quirky restaurants, as well as its "Red Light District" where my friends and I frequent often on our nights out. Definitely cannot survive as long as they do, and am in the comfort of my bed by 4 AM, but it doesn't change the fact that I always have a blast. 

7. Omotesando

Image Courtesy of Tokyo Five

You know all those street fashion photos you see? They're mostly taken right here, in Omotesando.  A few blocks away from the more quirky fashionista neighborhood, Harajuku/Takeshita St., Omotesando is a haven for all those fashion lovers out there.  The streets are lined with Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and more. 

So, my homesickness has passed its peak so I think it's time to take a break. Off to one of my favorite study spots in Hawaii, Kissaten! Look for a review for it soon :)