MelodyMae.co.uk

9th November 2019

Pretending I’m still in Japan — Snapshots of Osaka

Hey guys!

Happy Saturday! Hope your week has gone well. I’ve actually been off on ‘holiday’ all week. And for the first time in a long, long time — I’ve done basically nothing at all. It’s been wonderful for my mind, for my body and for my skin. I even managed to surprise my mum with a visit on her birthday, which was awesome. So I’m making up for the fact I have nothing new to post about by showing off some Snapshots of Osaka!

So as I mentioned in my last post, I was away for two weeks in two parts of Japan. The first, as in the first post, was Fukuoka and the little British Fair there. The second half was Osaka — and boy, it was an upgrade!

Of course, I spent mostly all my time inside the department stall on our stand, basically getting to look pretty and smile at people. But I’m not exactly pissed — the Umeda Hankyu store was gorgeous! And the set dressing of the British Fair in particular was insanely good!

Yes, I had to take a cutesy photo of me in front of it! This face was brought to you by a nasty cold and

Now as you know, I love ancient Japanese history and architecture. I adore the old parts of Japan, even more so than the new parts. Sadly I didn’t see as much of old Osaka as I did in Fukuoka, but I didn’t miss out on glimpses of it around the city. It ended up that I only saw one shrine whilst I was there, which is pretty low in my shrine-visits.

Snapshots of Osaka

However, I did get to see the Osaka Castle! I remember seeing pictures of it growing up and thinking it was one of the most beautiful buildings I’d ever seen. It certainly was a gorgeous building, and although I didn’t go inside (frankly, the line was too long and I was too hungover to wait in the rain), I enjoyed seeing it with my own eyes.

But don’t get me wrong, there’s also the newer parts that I loved! As soon as I got an evening free, I went downtown to Dotonbori to see all the insane lights and great signages on the restaurants and shops down there.

It’s pretty busy, being the main tourist attraction of the city (so many white people). But it was still nice to see — even if the Don Quixote gave me anxiety.

And of course — Osaka’s famous Glico man. When I was younger, I used to read JRock musician’s blogs, and whenever there was a tour date in Osaka, they did the Glico Man pose. Soooo I had to get that out of the way, right? Weirdly, a bucket list item ticked off there.

I really loved Osaka, and I’m so sad that I didn’t get as much time to spend exploring all the amazing restaurants and sights. Although, to be fair, I saw a fair few bars there in the evenings after work!

Have you ever been to Osaka? Let me know in the comments!

27th October 2019

Where Have I Been? Snapshots of Fukuoka

Long time no see, friends! I’m baaaack!

How the devil are you guys? It’s been a few weeks since my last post, and if you follow me on Instagram, you’d know it was because I was in Japan! I spent a week in Fukuoka and a week in Osaka doing a fair for Vendula London, so it’s only right that I show you some Snapshots of Fukuoka to start, right?

So for those of you that don’t know, I work for Vendula London (I mean, it’s in the Disclaimer so you should know). I manage their London stores, and also act as a Brand Ambassador for them in Asia. Usually my trips to Japan are to feature on the Shop Channel in Tokyo, co-hosting a live TV show. This time, however, I was representing the brand at a prestigious department store called Hankyu, where there was a British Fair. But there will be more on that in another post!

Fukuoka is on the island of Kyushu, which is the southern-most island in Japan. We were in Hakata, the main area of Fukuoka, since the JR station had a Hankyu store situated inside. Comparing straight to Tokyo, it’s a much calmer area — still metropolitan, but quieter and with a hell of a lot less people. I actually really loved it there, the people were so kind!

Our stay in Fukuoka was mainly filled with working at the British Fair, honestly. But I managed to steal a few hours in the mornings and evenings to see the area. I adore shrines and ancient Japanese architecture, which Hakata had a lot of. The shrines were even lumped together so you can see about 10 within an hour!

Fukuoka Shrines

Spending a morning wandering around the shrines was one of my favourite parts of the trip. The fair was busy and slightly surreal, and evenings were spend checking out local bars and food spots until early hours. So the peace of the temples were so welcome. I also made friends with a lot of old ladies that wanted to touch my hair. It was a good time!

I also managed to do something I’ve always wanted to do — get a decent photo of me at an extending Torii gate. Because I’m a goddamn tourist and I’m not ashamed! It’s really difficult when you’re a lone traveller to get good photos of yourself at things. I rely on my tripod and remote, or if I’m lucky, a kind fellow tourist. The former is anxiety-inducing, because people stare at you a lot more than usual.

Snapshots of Fukuoka

It was a banging photo, though! Welcome to my new profile photo. I was even lucky enough that no one stared at me or used me as a tourist opportunity. Fukuoka, I love you.

There was also a shrine with cats. That let you pet them. I may or may not have cried when the little black kitty sat on my lap. He nearly came home with me, no lie.

There was so much personality in Hakata. People were friendly wherever you went, and there was pockets of charm and joy all over. I really enjoyed my time there, and would love to go back and experience more of the area. I didn’t get to head to the beach and see the Ohori Park, so that’s on the list for next time!

Have you guys ever been to Fukuoka?

If not, just let me know how you’ve been doing in the comments! I’ve missed you guys!

25th February 2018

Snapshots Of Tokyo – Ueno and Asakusa

Okay, I know I’m late, and usually weekends are style days. However, I’ve not shot anything because I’m so busy at the moment! So I’m going to finish up the Snapshots of Tokyo from my January trip today. My last post was about being out and about in the city, but this one is all about Ueno and Asakusa.

Whilst in Ueno, we decided to inject ourselves with Japanese Culture and Art at the National Museum! I’ve been a fan of woodblock prints for a long time – and I was so excited to see Hiroshige and Hokusai in person. Even more excitingly, there was an exhibition on Geisha and Maiko kimono and hair pieces. I bloody love a kimono.

There was also these little bell dudes. Do I know what they are? No. Do I care? No. Do I love them very much? Yes. Yes I do.

Areas around Ueno are pretty amazing. We took a wander around and stumbled upon the famous Ameyoko Street accidentally. Much like my feelings towards Akihabara – I really don’t get the fuss. But we saw a giant fish and some grassy pandas. That, in my mind, was worth it!

We also found this beautiful little temple, Kiyomizu Kannon-Do. Turns out it’s the oldest temple in Tokyo, too!

Making friends in Asakusa! There’s a tiny little temple that has these slightly horrendous Tanuki statues, and I LOVE THEM. You may think they’re terrifying, but these little dudes are my favourite. I was also asked by this gorgeous girl to take a photo together. It’s quite amusing to me that her style is the epitome of beauty to me, and yet she loved the way that I dressed!

I say that Harajuku and Shibuya are my favourite areas in Tokyo often. However, I really think that Asakusa is my true favourite. Even when it’s full of tourists it seems calm, and I adore temples SO so much. I think this is my favourite photo of myself in a while because I look truly happy.

Lastly, Asakusa at night might be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I mentioned in my Snapshots Of London recently that I loved lights at night, but this was another level. The Kaminarimon Gate lit up in all golds and red was gorgeous. And Nakamise Street leading up to Sensoji was what Tokyo does best – metropolitan versus traditional.

I miss Tokyo quite a bit at the moment. Have you been? Or maybe you really want to go? Let me know in the comments!

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31st January 2018

Snapshots Of Tokyo – Out And About

Okay, you know by now that I love my little work trips to Tokyo. And I was lucky enough to go again for a teensy little trip. And this time my darling Ellie was over with me! So for my Snapshots Of Tokyo (see the other posts here and here) for this trip I wanted to show you some fun things I got to experience!

You can probably see by my face that I’m always so happy to be in Harajuku! It’s not quite the fashion mecca it was in the early 2000s, but as a J-Fashion alumni it’s still dear to me.

POKÉMON! I don’t know what it is about Tokyo that makes me want Pokémon everything. Maybe it’s my incessant trips to the Pokémon Centres on behalf of my brother and sister-in-law? All I know is I get very excited about Magikarp and Mimikyu things now.

I love food in Tokyo. Mostly, I love Japanese snacks! I get anxiety ordering food when my Japanese is so terrible, but I can handle ordering snacks! By far, the Magikarp taiyaki from Kurikoan in Akihabara was my favourite – I mentioned I loved Magikarp things!

We went to a flea market at the Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku (thanks for the tip, Lonely Planet!). This is so worth a look – I bought a brand new kimono and a vintage haori jacket for less than £30! It’s a great place for second-hand kimono and antique Japanese collectibles.

They also had a little stall of just Tanuki. And we all know my feelings about these weird little guys.

Even graffiti in Tokyo is good. I love the mixture of ugly faces on the adorable Hello Kitty! We were very clearly excited by it!

Speaking of Hello Kitty – how amazing is this Kitty Gundam in the Hello Kitty Café in Odaiba? She’s still as popular as ever in Tokyo!

Gacha is the main reason I’m poor after Japan trips. I don’t know what you call them in English-speaking countries, but the whole point is your Yen disappear and out come surprises!

This is my top tip for seeing something REALLY cool in Tokyo – The Unicorn Gundam in Odaiba! He’s sixty-five feet tall and hourly gives off a light show that you really aren’t going to see anywhere else in the world!

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8th August 2017

{ Travel } Snapshots of Tokyo Pt.2

I am the luckiest person right now. After posting my Snapshots of Tokyo, I actually got to go back AGAIN! We had a second show to do at Shop Channel, so I had to just pop over again to host!

Hamming it up on live TV as always!

Sights and sounds of Akihabara – Which frankly isn’t my favourite place. I can handle busy when there’s something to see, but most of Akiba was somewhat boring. And filled with creeps. So it looks cool, but not my place.

Asakusa is most definitely my sort of place though! Filled with tradition and the gorgeous Senso-Ji temple, it was a beautiful area. Many young people turned up in brightly coloured yukata, too – which was a delight to see.

The Nakamise shopping street that leads up to the temple is wonderful, too! The shops are filled with little trinkets and tourist tat, which is my favourite sort of tat.

I spend most of my time in Tokyo drinking coffee (jet lag is a bitch) and wandering around shops. I have now visited every Pokémon Store in Tokyo in order to buy things for my brother and sister in law, but I also did a bit of fabric shopping for myself at Okadaya in Shinjuku!

These are some of my favourite photos from the whole trip – and yes! That’s the first signs of cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen, which has to be my favourite place in Tokyo so far, it’s so peaceful!

7th August 2017

{ Travel } Snapshots of Tokyo

Happy New Year, loves! I wanted to share a few photos from my biggest highlight of my 2016… I went to motherflippin’ TOKYO.

Depending on how long you’ve known me, you may or may not know that in my very early teens I became obsessed with Japanese music and fashion. Because of that, it has been a dream for the longest time that I would get to see it with my own eyes!

So off the back of going to China, I was pretty excited when I got to go to Tokyo for a week with work! I was there to present our show on the Japan Shop Channel, which was terrifying and exhilarating!

This is an actual screen grab of me being cheesy on actual TV. I’ve never done TV work before, so firstly having to pay attention to which cameras to look/talk at was confusing. Secondly, paying attention to a translator and responding is not an easy job!

However, I got to talk about the products I love and enjoy the experience!

The infamous Takeshita Street! This is the main Harajuku shopping street – where all the lolita and visual kei shops originated. I’ve spent so many years loving these fashions and brands that it was so strange to see them in person.