Kon’nichiwa, this is our first update from Tokyo, Japan after spending our first 3 days. We arrived after an 4.5 hour flight into Narita airport and took a 60 minute coach ride to our hotel which is only 1.5 kms away from Tokyo Station. Well our bodies are now adjusting to a maximum 23 degree Celsius drop, with temperatures hovering at 7-15 degrees rather than 30 degrees in the Philippines.
During our time in Tokyo we have already seen soooo much, with some of the highlights being the Imperial Temple, Shibuya Crossing (for those of you connected to Helena on Facebook, she will upload a couple of videos of the mayhem), Taukiji Outer Market, Yoyogi Apark (including a Shinto Shrine), Takeshita dori/street, Harajuku, Shibarikyu Gardens and Hamarikyu Gardens. Although the ‘cherry blossom’ or Sakura is not meant to officially start until late March, we have been fortunate to see blossoms 3 weeks earlier than expected in Tokyo.
We have also been so lucky to see a Shinto wedding at Meiji Jing, which is home to a beautiful Shinto shrine. The food in Tokyo is excellent, and we have tried Tuna, Steamed buns, Noodle soup, Dumplings, Tonkatsu, 3 minute noodles! and Crepes (check out the photos). The great news is that Japan has an excellent rail system and especially so inTokyo, with the ‘Pasmo’ application being available in your Apple Wallet meaning really quick tag on and tag off. There is also a whole of Japan Rail Pass available for 7/14 ore 21 days, which has caused us some challenges as we are in the country for 43 days – the costs of the 21 day is approx 50,000 yen each (or NZ$602). There will be a special edition blog in a few days time …… so watch this space.