Kyoto

We made it to Kyoto via the Shinkansen, the scenery was a bit of a blur but it was an efficient, clean and comfortable trip - with heaps of leg room which was a major unexpected plus.

Kyoto is such a contrast to the modern hustle and bustle of Tokyo - the cherry blossoms are absolutely amazing against the beautiful old streets.

Given the season there are more Japanese tourists than westerners - all of the temples, castles and streets are packed with tourists.  We saw a maiko (Geisha apprentice) yesterday morning just going about her business, until she was hassled by tourists. 

The Ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodation) where we are staying is really cool.  There was a moment there where I (Emma) was about to divorce Adam when I realised we had no shower in our room - until we went to the onsen (traditional baths) then everything made sense.



Our room by day...




Our room by night...


The breakfast which is included is an absolute feast - fish (which you cook yourself on a mini grill), rice, tofu soup, miso, random cream thing which looks and tastes like clagg glue, plus a heap of other bits and peices.

Breakfast = yummy

Shibuya

For all that is trendy we headed to Shibuya...

Due to the conservation of power the famous screens at Shibuya crossing were all off which made for a interesting sight  - which most people will never see.  All the same Shibuya crossing was all that is promised in the guidebooks - a throng of people crossing in every direction.  But as is the Japanese way it was thoroughly organised chaos.



Shibuya crossing - not a great pic but you can see the mass of people and the lack of power to the giant screens.

 As most restaurants can be found in ally ways either down or up stairs we picked the restaurant with the awesome looking flag with no english as a good spot for dinner...and luckily it paid off.

Sashimi fit for a king. Amazing presentation and all yummy. And the wasabi packed an absolute punch.

After wandering around Shibuya for a while - past the love hotels...

We made it home after picking up dessert at a 'Family Mart'...yum...

Yes, you read correctly.  That is indeed an 'ice burger'.

Obaida - 31 March 2011


Today we ventured out to Obaida and Tokyo Bay.  Built on reclaimed land it is a strange island.  Home to SEGA world, Fuji TV (home of IRON CHEF), a giant ferris wheel, a cat cafe  where anything cat related can be found and shopping (no Japanese suburb is complete without lots of shopping centres).

The highlight of Odaiba would have to be the enormous ferris wheel - for 900 Yen - about ten bucks you get about 15 minutes on a 115m wheel which gives 360 degree views of the Tokyo bay, Ginza and all of Tokyo. It was a pretty hazy day and it had awesome views - we were pretty grateful that there wasn't an earthquake while we were up there though, that would have been bloody frightening.

Afterward we wandered down the main shopping stip of Ginza - which is pretty much a one-stop-shop for every luxury item we a) couldn't afford and b) probably wouldn't buy even if we could afford it.

Obaida Ferris Wheel



Shutter Bugs

Shutter bug spotting.

TOKYO: Days 1-3

Five pearls of wisdom - after three days in Tokyo:

1. Meals are ordered from a vending machine - look bewildered and confused and someone will take pity on you and show you how to order.
2. Earthquakes are not good for escalators - 35% of escalators are out of business.
3. Decent wine can be sourced from Seven11 or equivalent - as can just about every other item required for survival.
4. Trains are quick, reliable - sometimes packed and always on time. Train provides a cheap alternative to a hotel for a power nap.
5. Shutter bugs are alive and well in Tokyo - best shutter bug watching can be found in all major parks next to any blossom available.