An early arrival

Saturday AM. Tokyo is 8 hours ahead of the UK so at 2015 UK time and 0415 Tokyo time we landed around 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Our hand luggage only decision meant we were out of the airport in a record 15 minutes or so (and most of that was walking from the gate to the terminal). However, as we'd landed early the first train was not until 0517 so not much of a time saving unfortunately.

Into town on the Tokyo monorail to Hammamatsucho and switch to the famous Yamonote line 1 stop to Shinbashi. Checked into hotel (we'd booked from the previous night) and time for a few. hours of sleep.

Up and out at 1pm for a wander round the local area. We headed for Ginza which is just a few minutes walk from Shinbashi where we are staying. Careful navigation took us to a big toy store first ... cue Emma being very excited. Awwww cute Totoro plush toys (what do you mean you haven't seen "My Neighbour Totoro"? A few hundred yen later we moved on to other shops including the massive and very smart Mitsukoshi. After this and a few other shops we gradually worked our way back towards the hotel checking out some small restaurants around and under the railway arches of Yurokochi JR station for some eating options for later in the week.

With jet lag hitting us we didn't really have the energy for a restaurant meal and discarding McDonalds as just too safe we ventured into the local Lawsons (like 7-11) for some instant noodles (well at least it was Japanese food!).

Time for b ....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.Read more