Today was our day to explore Tokyo. The Tokyo metro (subway) was our transport of choice with Lachlan, armed with the metro map, our chief navigator. The subway is so easy to use. Even though there are dozens of lines, each line and station is clearly marked in English, colour coded and each station is numbered. Buying tickets is all by vending machine and all so easy and cheap – Y160 or Y190 ($1.70 -$2) depending on how far you are travelling.
First stop was the Tsukiji fish market – the largest fish market in the world. We weren’t energetic enough to get up for the 5am fish auctions where they sell the big tuna, but the wholesale and retail fish market was amazing. We arrived before 9am, and had to wait till 9 when the market opens to the public. It was a hive of activity with electric carts zooming everywhere. The place was huge. We only managed to go up and down a few rows, covering 5 percent of the area at the most.
We then headed for Asakusa, the old town of Tokyo. Here there are traditional buildings, temples and shrines, as well is lovely little parks and gardens. The big temple here is Senso-ji, a Buddhist temple. Although very touristy I didn’t hear a single “Hello, Hello, Rolex, Hello”.
Our next step turned out to be a bit of a mistake. We decided to walk to Akihabara – the electronics and manga centre of Tokyo. It was a great area when we eventually got there, full of colour and life, but was so much further to walk than the map made it look. Lesson learned: take the subway!
We then headed to the Imperial Palace gardens, which was a fascinating mix of traditional garden and old Imperial Palace fortifications.
Exhaused, he headed back to the room for a break. The kids caught up with friends on the hotels free wifi, while Carol and I relaxed for a while. (Actually, Carol washed some clothes and I typed this!)
After dark we walked down to Tokyo Tower and had a light dinner in the Observation deck resturant. We were going to catch the metro back to the hotel, but forgot to take a mapand therefore couldn’t find the station, so we walked. Big day.
Wow what a lovely surprise from gus and akiko i know they would have loved to do more ….. And you git cherry blossoms – congrats – bloody brlliant ….. Cant wait for the next installment xxx
Hi there family! My house keeper has been keeping me up to date with the blog; sounds like you are all having great fun. All is fine here – I suppose this person you’ve left with me is OK, though she won’t let me supplement my diet with all the wonderful things I sniff out on our walks: not the mushy sausage roll, or the cold hot chips, not even the weird squashed thing I found in the middle of the road which looked like some of the food you’ve taken photos of! Which reminds me, you’re keeping us updated on all the things you’ve seen, but what about all the wonderful smells? Well, I’m off to see if I can con a quick game of ‘tug-o-war by starlight’ before bed. Keep having fun. Love Domino
Domi, Good to hear that person is OK. You would have loved the smells in China, but the smells of Japan are not so interesting. Say Woof to Laurinda from us.
Cool stories so far….looking forward to more.
RM
Good to hear you are all noting the contrasts between Japan & China – no touts, toots or louts 😉 But I’m curious about the monkeys! Wow, I have never seen that – are you sure they weren’t Justin Bieber’s unwanted pets 😉 !!
It just keeps getting better – hope you are all keeping up the pace. Sounds like a week of catching up on rest and sleep will be in order back at home.
The photos all tell their own story, fantastic shots from everywhere.
I particularly was fascinated by the expanse of theTerracota Warriors in China and your observations of the vast contrasts between the two countries. Keep the descriptive blogs coming.
Luv ya all.