Osaka to Tokyo

We all enjoyed a much needed sleep in after USJ yesterday- 8am for us and 9am for Jazzy.

After a light breakfast at the hotel restaurant, we ventured over to Takayshimaya and some other shops around the area. The cosmetics area within the department store is already extremely busy 20 minutes after opening. We figured this is due to holiday season, but was actually nothing compared to the sea of people around the two subway stations (Namba and Shin-Osaka) we had to go through before jumping onto the Shinkansen at 1.34pm. The trip to Tokyo was smooth and prompt (we wouldn’t expect otherwise here). It was particularly easy this time around without having to manage large suitcases aswell.

We arrived in Tokyo around 4.30pm, and noticed several long queues when checking into the Hilton in Nishi Shinjuku. One line was for checking in, another for the airport limousine bus, and just people hanging around the lobby in general.

Our luggage from Osaka had already arrived, so we headed up to the lounge for some pre dinner drinks and snacks.
Our friends had already arrived from Sapporo earlier in the day but are staying at the Hyatt Regency (across the road from us).
We met up with them, along another couple of friends living in Tokyo, at Maruushi Meat Shinbashi Shop for yakiniku (BBQ). We had a set menu as this was easier for a large group- the portions were very generous. High quality wagyu beef for a reasonable price.
We wandered back our friends’ place after dinner as the kids were eager to meet their Japanese Spitz, Tomi. We went for walk around the neighbourhood, which is nice and quiet compared to some parts of Shinjuku.
This was a great evening, within excellent food and accomodation.’Read more