Fortune bags from Isetan … only available on on 2 Jan!, originally uploaded by artchow.

In Japan, retailers participate in a traditional custom called Fukubukuro, in which they prepare small bags of merchandise, and sell them as “Lucky Bags”; in connection with the New Year’s celebrations. The buyer doesn’t know the contents of the bag until they pay for it and open it up. The value of the bags is usually rather small, and the surprise is not only what’s in the bag, but an occasional extra item the store includes to bump up the value of the bag.

I got 4 bags while my wife got only one (for her, it’s quality instead of quantity). I paid JPY20000 each for the DKNY and the CK bags and there were close to JPY120,000 worth of goods inside. The whole experience was quite remarkable.

Long queue … Krispy Kreme at Shibuya!, originally uploaded by artchow.

You will never find such a long queue in HK’s Krispy Kreme (unless they are giving out free samples of course). Most people find it being too sweet. But look at Tokyo. Pictured here is only part of the line. This shop at Shibuya is already quite big but still I think there were close to a 100 lining outside where it was only 8C.

Prada at Aoyama, originally uploaded by artchow.

This Prada shop has been around Aoyama for almost 4 years but still look impressive.

Die hard bape fans lining up at Aoyama, originally uploaded by artchow.

Bape exclusive store at Aoyama. There were still fans waiting in line around 12 noon!

May I try that coat?, originally uploaded by artchow.

Shops at Aoyama Tokyo are really nice. The design and layout of the stores are also very impressive. Seen here is the comme de garcons store. Too bad it was closed on the day we visit or else ……

japanese delicacies, originally uploaded by artchow.

The omate-sando street was partly blocked off during New Year in Japan and there were so many food stalls set up selling some Japanese delicaies on the side street. Too bad I just had lunch when walking pass but still could not resist the tempation and bought this for a bite. Taste great!