Something about Shipping from Japan

Like a lot of people, I've been buying from companies in Japan for years. And because of the Coronavirus, a lot has changed. When I returned from Japan I decided to get a few things that I wanted, because I didn't know how shipping would be in the future, or how companies would be. I knew the lack of commercial flights might impact shipping. What I didn't expect was Japan Post to stop sending packages out of the country.

 The first thing I got after I returned from Japan was a music box. The MALICE MIZER "merveilles" box set. The seller first sent it via Japan Post, but after a month, they decided to request it to be returned to them. They let me know they would be sending it by Fed Ex.

That was really great that the seller did that. The shipping by Fed Ex went smoothly and I was really happy to get this amazing item. Besides the CDs and music box, it also came with DVDs of MALICE MIZER performances. So I can say that Fed Ex took a few days to get here and there was tracking, and that this is a wonderful MALICE MIZER set to go with my other music box.

For over a year I translated and posted online the Moi-même-Moitié features in Gothic Lolita Bible. Early April I decided to get a few more issues that I didn't have. The seller was about to mail the magazines when Japan Post stopped accepting packages to be mailed overseas. The seller told me no problem, and mailed the magazines by DHL.

I had also purchased a few things through a shopping service at that time. The shopping service wasn't going to mail them, but when I got back to them a couple weeks ago, they said they could send by DHL. The cost was more but I had been waiting over a month. So I went ahead and had my Moi dix Mois cds, book and flag from Midi:Nette mailed. DHL is the fastest service, but they are expensive. 

I've also ordered a few things from Moi-même-Moitié. They, like the shopping service, offer to hold the items till Japan Post ships again. Given that I still have two packages sitting in Japanese post offices for over a month, I opted for the other shipping method that Moitié offers. I will say one Japan Post EMS package finally arrived today, but the other two, who knows when they will finally leave Japan. (Updating this to say my other EMS package did finally arrive. The registered mail package from an eBay seller has not)

The other shipping option is Yamato Transport. The cost is more than Japan Post, but for purchases over 50,000 yen, it is possible the cost will be covered by the free shipping that Moitié/WunderWelt offers. So it's either purchasing that amount, or perhaps combining purchases with someone you know to reach that amount. In the US, Yamato hands off the packages to UPS. I like the online truck tracker that UPS now has. I can tell where the truck is and see when it's near my home.

I just wanted to mention the new Bat Collar Shirts. They are made with a special paisley fabric because Mana loves paisley prints. And they are gorgeous! The fabric is like a brocade and the way the light reflects off of the fabric is beautiful. The blue color is amazing, this is now my favorite Moi-même-Moitié shirt. I happened to find a sticker I got at Sakura Con, so I couldn't resist using it in the photo. 

The other items in the photos are the Cross Arch Arm Covers, which I really like this style. It stays up well and looks nice. And the new Coffin Lace Chokers, which are really long and can be used in various ways beside worn as a neck choker.

 I also got another shirt and the Blue Jewel Mask Case. My Face Mask is still at a Saitama post office. And the Bat Cloak, which I had wanted since it came out. It's a comfort item, for these stay home times. And possibly a late night stroll when the moon is full.

So it is best to check the shipping services sellers offer before purchasing. While Japan Post has resumed accepting EMS packages to some countries, it can take time to receive what you purchased. You can check Japan Post news updates here to see the status of shipping to your country https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/index_en.html

Somewhere in Shinjuku

March 27th and the weather was gloomy. I started my day with a MR.waffle. I don't remember what flavor this was, but it was good. 

Back on the Fukotoshin Line. Definitely less riders and look, everyone had no problem social distancing. Actually, I'm sure everyone was glad to have a little extra space.

I stopped at KERA SHOP in Shinjuku and then walked a longer route around Shinjuku Station.

I wanted to visit Pure Sound. I made it there but didn't find anything I wanted.

I decided it would be good to rest a bit, so back to my hotel. Not the best photo of the setting sun but it was nice to see it reflected like this.

My treat for the day was this little strawberry cake from 7-Eleven.

They really don't have sweets like this at the 7-Elevens here. Nor the really fresh good food selection.

Even something simple like this they still made it look nice.

As for what I bought at KERA SHOP, the Moi-même-Moitié Candelabra Embroidery Shirt in black. Along with something else. Since my flight had not been cancelled again, I decided it would be okay to spend a little money. I really like the asymmetrical cuffs and the candelabra buttons. I have a couple little vintage Moitié ties so I thought this would be fun to wear like this. 

A Birthday at Manmaru

It was tough. There are so many places I want to dine at in Tokyo. Yet it was March 27th, 2020, and worries about the virus made me think twice about that. It's why I didn't go back to Vampire Cafe and a few other places. Or try new restaurants. At least I didn't have to travel far to one of my favorites, and it is a very small restaurant with good ventilation. Has to have that because of the charcoal grills.

Yes I was back at Manmaru, with Pick Happiness sake again.

That perfect pour. I really need my own sake cup set.

Beatles' music playing and an older couple next to me celebrating one of their birthdays. He gave her a lovely watch locket that was a lot like one I have, and she gave him a beautiful blue tea bowl. So sweet!

I had not stopped thinking about that tomato.

So yes, I did get it again. And it was wonderful tasting once again. Ripe, sweet and thin skinned. A tomato grown to be eaten like this.

Of course there was grill unagi. I'm finally getting really good photos of it!

My unagi don. The miso soup is also very good at Manmaru

The celebrating couple ordered this lovely little block of cold tofu. I could not resist asking for one myself. Creamy, salty and a little sour topping with heat from the wasabi. So good.

That cup of hot tea. And my left over rice. What shall I do?

Into the bowl the tea goes. I am learning. This was the end of another "pushuu~" meal.

One last moment from Manmaru. The Beatles "Birthday" started to play. I did my best to tell the birthday couple that this song was on. They were so happy! I wished the man "Happy Birthday!" and both of them were very nice and also waved good bye as I left. It was a wonderful moment that I got to share in their birthday fun. 

Back at the hotel I enjoyed a little Kit Kat, thanks to the local 7-Eleven. It's nice not having to buy a big bag.

And a couple photos of the monaka that I got at Rikugien.

Sweet and crisp, they were like little rice macarons. Really nice treats!

Daikoku Shrine in Komagome

Across the street from Komagome Station, there is a shrine.

It's a shrine for one of the Seven Lucky Gods, a form of Daikokuken. See the mallet emblem on the metal gate? 

The shrine is 大國神社, Daikoku Jinja. While everything looks rather new, the establishment of this shrine dates back to 1783.

Daikokuken is one of those gods that people pray to for good luck and wealth. I'm sure getting fortunes here is popular. The bad luck fortunes are left at the shrine.

A natural stone chozubachi. There is something appealing in this mix of streamlined modern and natural elements.

Of course there are the guarding komainu.

One of the bonuses of going to Daikoku Shrine at this time of year is the sakura.

The color of the blue sky when viewed through sakura is amazing.

Daikoku Jinja is a Shinto shrine for personal worship of one form of Daikokuten. That is the god Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, a descendant of the god Susanoo. 

The Komagome Bridge is next to the shrine. It spans the rail road tracks below.

The bridge has a couple interesting details like the metal work flowers for fencing, with Mt Fuji above them.

Another view of Komagome Bashi.

One Last Look at Rikugien

Did I mention that Rikugien has a lot of old trees? And some are sakura trees? They do. 

Rikugien also has many amazing views. Because it was created that way. 

Even though the water flowing through the river into the pond is salt-water, there are fish swimming there. 

With the flowing waterways, there are a number of elegant bridges.  This is Yamakage Bashi. The walk there is called Sasa-no-michi which means Cobweb Way.

 The river is Zenkei no Nagare, Mountain Stream. 

 And hidden in the leaves are beautiful little tea houses, placed to give the best views of Rikugien.

It really did feel like walking along a mountain stream flowing through a forest. Very relaxing and calm feeling. 

Up on Tsukiyama the view was gorgeous. You can see how spare crowds were, even before Tokyo shut the gardens. I hope they will reopen, perhaps just limiting the number of people who can go in. It was a welcome relief to visit here.

I tried out my iPhone's panoramic camera. I think it turned out okay. 

Meanwhile back on lower ground, I headed towards Naka-no-Shima, the island in the pond. 

Two large stones make up Togetsukyo bridge. The name comes from a Waka poem about viewing the moon moving across the sky. Yes it is the focal point of one of the 88 views. 

There was a guard rushing people across the bridge, but I still had to take a photo of Daisensui pond with Naka-no-Shima in the middle, while I was crossing.

It is amazing the variety of views that can be found in Rikugien. 

No question that they achieved creating 88 beautiful views. 

Rikugien is definitely one of the best Japanese strolling gardens that I have visited. I'm glad I went during the day. It was a beautiful walk that uplifted my feelings during this time.