Tourists

Today was the first day Pete and I were left on our own in the big city. Andrew was back at work after the holidays, and Noriko and Kio had gone on a school trip to Tokyo Disneyland. The plan was to all meet up later that evening at Disneyland for something to eat.

So Pete and I had a very exciting relaxing day. We finally left the hotel when the cleaners were banging on the doors and took off for Nihombashi for coffee as Andrew had highly recommended it, and it was certainly the best coffee I'd had so far.

From there we travelled to Asakusa to visit the street markets and the oldest temple in Tokyo. Asakusa is a very touristy place, but very interesting, part of the 'old' part of Tokyo. In 2009 when I came with Tom we stayed in a ryokan (Japanese b&b) just off the main street market in Asakusa.

Pete and I then took a boat ride from Asakusa along the Sumidagawa River to Hinode Pier, eating lunch aboard we had bought from the local convenience store, FamilyMart. Pete had read about the World Trade Centre situated at Hamamatsucho Station, usual Tokyo high rise but with an observation room on the 40th floor. So that's where we headed and spent some time watching Tokyo from a very high point. Today's photo is just to prove I really am here, as it's a self portrait of me taking a photo of Tokyo Tower, another place with an observation deck, but more expensive to go up. All done with smoke and mirrors.

We dragged ourselves away to catch the train to Disneyland and met Andrew at a coffee shop just by the station. Soon to be joined by Noriko and Kio we made our way to and excellent restaurant (unfortunately via the gift shop) called Monsoon. A huge place with a great atmosphere, the staff actually cheer you as you enter and leave. My meal of roasted seafood on burnt rice arrived at the table sizzling, something I've never seen before. It was totally delicious washed down with a shared pitcher of Kirin.

Later we made our own way back to the hotel. I think we did pretty well and only had one incident when I stepped onto a train and the doors closed before Pete could get on, ooops !