Sayonara

On our last night we were keen to have a special meal as we had loved all the food we had eaten in Japan. We went to 9th floor in the Ikebukuro Station where we had eaten before and knew there were many restaurants. Penny had very high standards and wouldn't let us stop until we had reached the 13th floor where we found a buffet for 1600 yen (about $20) each. We had wanted to try a buffet but had only seen very expensive ones. This was delicious. Our neighbours at the table were so friendly and could both speak some English. There was even an icecream show! All in all a wonderful experience.

Some of the main course offerings and Dessert!

We also had a lovely view and beautiful sunset.

At Haneda Airport.

The end of a wonderful holiday. Japan is a great place to visit. Penny's small amount of Japanese was very helpful. The culture is very different and interesting. There is a huge variety of delicious and interesting food. The people are so helpful and friendly. The scenery is lovely. The weather was good but very hot - 27 degrees celsius overnight and 34 to 38 in the daytime and very humid. Next time I'd like to visit in the Spring or Autumn as the gardens would be especially lovely then. Sayonara!

Traversing Tokyo

Over several days we visited many areas of Tokyo.

In Shibuja we were amazed at the number of people and the crazy shops and fashions we saw in Takeshita Street. In contrast to Takeshita St but only on the otherside of the railway station is Yoyogi Park which is next to the Meiji Shrine.

This is the entrance to Meiji Shrine which honours Emperor Meiji who led Japan through political, social, and industrial revolution in the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century to change it from an isolated, feudal country to one of  the world powers.

We visited the Origami Centre. It is amazing what can be made out of paper. 

There are many huge Anime shops. It is very popular in Japan.

Penny chosing her lunch and then buying a ticket for her choice which you take

 into the shop to get your food.

We hired bikes for 200 yen and rode all round Tokyo.

The Tokyo Skytree. The tallest tower in the world.

We visited the Sumo Stadium at Ryogoku and the little museum there.

Traffic in Ryogoku.

Near the Imperial Palace.

Riding in Tokyo.

It was so hot the Baskin and Robbins icecreams were very welcome.

The Tokyo Metro Map and ticket machines.

A close up of the map and ticket machines.

Some of the millions of vending machines we saw in Japan.

The night view from the Metropolitan Building.

Honey Toast - literally half a loaf of bread warmed with honey and maple syrup in the middle. Delicious!

Snack shopping in Ikebukuro after midnight.

Visiting Tsukiji Fish Market. It is the largest seafood market in the world. Remarkably didn't have a fish smell. It was massive with a huge range of fish and other seafood.

Buying more food tickets.

At a 100 yen shop in Ikebukuro.

Where is Mt Fuji?

The likelihood of seeing Mt Fuji in July is 3 days out of the whole month. So our chances of seeing it were not high. Neverless we set off on the train hopeful as it was a bright sunny day. It was an interesting trip starting with a train to Hakone for 1 and a half hours. Amazingly Penny was sitting next to a Canadian so had  nice chat on the way up. Next we had to change to a bus, then boat, then several cable cars, then cog train and finally back on the train to Tokyo. As we travelled closer to Mt Fuji the mist and fog appeared so sadly we didn't see Mt Fuji.

We went on a pirate ship!

Mt Fuji is behind Penny.

Do you like our hats?

This is what we should have seen.

We ended the day with a Teppanyaki meal which is where the food is cooked on an iron plate while you watch. Pen had her favourite yakisoba.