Tokyo

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Day 1: Landing at Narita, Eleanor was very excited about seeing her dad. We had seen on le news the previous night that Tokyo was going to be hit by a typhoon (well, my rudimentary French picked that up, although Tokyo could have been about to be bought by a tycoon as the predictive text on the tablet seems to think). I hoped our flights wouldn't be delayed but all was well - I think the tycoon purchased some, but not all of Tokyo! We caught an express bus to Shinjuku because I wasn't ready to take on the railways yet and that was easy. Dean was in the hotel foyer doing something unusual for a change - reading a newspaper! Surprised to see us, it was a happy family reunion. He didn't have quite the seamless journey we did in from the airport; he managed to board the correct train but it split in two and he found himself in Yokohama, a mere hour and a half away. After giving the room a once over, we headed out to acquaint ourselves with the delights of the Shinjuku area. Our senses were immediately assaulted by an overwhelming amount of advertising and information ; you couldn't ignore the signs, the sounds nor the smells. Dean led us to the Tokyo Government building for what Lonely Planet describes as the best view in Tokyo - and it's free! A bit cloudy, so no view of Mt Fuji, but it was a brilliant vista. Our first dinner was at a tiny place around the corner where we were instructed to order via a ticket machine (lucky there were pictures). Slurping noodles noisily nearby were a couple of businessmen so Eleanor and Dean followed suit. I had a little miso soup because my stomach was still angry.

Day 2: Dean and Eleanor rose early and left me (on my deathbed) to explore the Harajuku and Shibuya districts. Returning at 12ish, they regaled me with tales of their adventure and then Dean promptly fell asleep. Once the bear awoke from his hibernation and showered in our tardis-style bathroom, we set out. It began raining within minutes so we dashed into the nearest noodle place and once again ordered our meal via machine. Armed with umbrellas, we caught a train to Asakusa and wandered through the shrine and Sensouji Temple area. Heading back, Dean and Eleanor detoured through an arcade where they battled zombie pirates in what I was sure was an 18+ game but Dean said we couldn't read the sign, so it didn't count. Sure. Back in Shinjuku, we had an interesting dinner ordered via pointing at pictures (chicken livers on a skewer was a highlight).

Day 3: Breakfasted with grunting and slurping commuters. Nothing like a raw egg to start the day. Sightseeing highlights of today included the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Railway Station and Shinjuku terrace. It was a glorious day, weatherwise; you could probably see Mt Fuji, but we spent some of it enjoying the serenity of the East Gardens of the palace and a fair chunk of it walking in circles under the station trying to find an exit (I think I saw some old soldiers hiding under the stairs having been lost since WW2 trying to find an escape route). Predinner delights were sampled at the Isetan Food Hall and I can confidently say the toilets at lsetan are the best in the world. In the evening it started to rain so we ducked into a bar (how convenient for Dean) for dinner. Ordered our meal using a touch screen, taking dining to a new level. Dean loved it because you could order a beer and it was delivered within a minute. Eleanor enjoyed the chance to play waitress. I liked it because there were pictures.

Day 4: Slept in and made a late start to the Fish Market. Despite it closing up for the day, we had a lovely fresh sushi for lunch. Harajuku was next on the list. Eleanor was keen to show me all the costumes and characters I missed on the first day. Outfits for dogs stood out and when we saw a dog dressed like a chipmunk near our hotel I realised the Japanese have taken fashion to a whole different level. Dean was eager to buy a shirt (having left quite a few at home) but there aren't too many Hefty Hideaways around so it looked like he wouldn't be successful. That is, until we hit the unfortunately named Takeshita Rd where the obsession with dressing like US 'gangstas ' (fortunately they are sumo-sized) is catered for. Crossed the road at Shibuyu Crossing with thousands of others and had a delicious dinner at Shinjuku again.

Day 5: The day ended better than it began. I''ve had a sore ear for a few days (this blog won't be a documentation of all our maladies, I promise!) and I had a really ordinary night's sleep (that even crazy Japanese TV couldn't make me laugh) and woke knowing something was wrong. Scheduled to leave on a journey to Nikko we contemplated cancelling, however it's a long weekend (Sport Health Day) and the doctor closest to the hotel wasn't available until after 1 and there were no rooms available anywhere for the night. Sad times. Deciding to chance it in Nikko, we departed Tokyo on a shinkansen (bullet train)...

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Photos

The cheapest view in Tokyo
At the Tokyo Government building.

Beer on command
I hope this idea doesn't catch on back home.

At the Imperial Palace
Walking around a massive moat.

A little sushi
Tip: a lemon sour contains alcohol.

Takeshita Rd
Great costumes for people and their pets

Comments

[Nana Dee]

happy traveling
Hello Eleanor All is well here. You seem to be having a wonderful time. We liked the photos of Paris. Glad to see your mother hasnt lost her love of shopping!!!!!!!!!!! Hope your having a great time with dad now he has joined you. Nothing exciting happening here. School holidays end today. look after yourself Nana Lucy and Chloe