Last Working Day Of The Year At Yebisu Garden Place

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I’m back at Yebisu Garden Place after a year. I’ve been here with my friends last year to see the winter illumination but this time I’m alone and it’s not yet sunset. I went here after work since our last day at work was only a few hours, which included a little daily meeting, cleaning the office and a drinking lunch party. TBH I was a little tipsy coming here on my own but I managed.

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There’s no more Christmas tree since it’s past Christmas, and yes in Japan they don’t keep the tree til January.

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Some people were drinking early at this pub in the area. They probably celebrated the last working day of the year.

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I didn’t want to drink anymore and I haven’t been drinking beer so I’m off to explore the area. The illumination hasn’t started yet. Well of course the sun hasn’t set yet.

The grand chandelier is still here! They must really take pride in this one because last year I saw this here and now it’s being displayed again.

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I saw a shining small figure on it though which surprised me! I didn’t see it at first but I noticed someone was taking a photo of it and then I noticed it! It looks so cute! How I wish I could take it home!

I was curious as to where the beer museum was located so I followed the signs. I saw Starbucks and it was tempting but I didn't gave in. My expenses for this last quarter of 2024 have skyrocketed because of travels and eating outs. I promised myself not to indulge in a cup of coffee at Starbucks this time.

But when I saw a bookstore, I couldn't resist going in. They have this ranking of different kinds of books and here's what I saw for manga.

Bookstores in Japan are interesting because they just don't sell books, they also sell some other accessories like perfume, some skin care essentials and collectibles.

I found an English corner and saw some Japanese books in English, grabbed one and started reading it. The first book was about your approaches in life entitled It's Okay Not To Look For The Meaning Of Life by Jikisai Minami. I was almost tempted to buying it to continue reading the book but I reminded myself again not to collect any more books. I still have a lot at home I haven't started reading. I opened another interesting book - this time it's a book of Japanese proverbs.

I think I would buy something if I stay longer in the bookstore so I went on and found the beer museum. Sadly, they're closed this holiday season and will be back next year.

I found the statue of the known Beer King Of The East, Magoshi Kyohei. He was the president of Dainippon Beer and was responsible for opening Japan's first beer hall in Shimbashi.

I went to the upper level thinking that maybe there's a Christmas Market but it was past Christmas. I guess the market is done for the year. Maybe these white tents were from that market. I wasn't sure though.

From here, I could see the entirety of where I walked. The chandelier was also very impressive from here.

It was 4PM when I decided to go home. The bald trees have started illuminating the place. It's still sunset though so the lights weren't so impressive yet but later on, they will be. You can check how it looked from my last year's post.

I went home, not so tipsy anymore and thank the heavens for giving me the energy and passion to work hard this year. Next year, I'll do my best again! A coworker jokingly asked how many times I've been to the office for 2024. I couldn't remember though so she said 2 times. Ouch. She wanted me to come often but let's see.. I wonder what 2025 will bring. Either way, I'll make sure to do my very best again next year!