Jintonikku (Gin and Tonic)

Krissi and I started the day with a Sumida River 5km run - was slightly cooler today but still drenched with sweat only a km in.

After that we caught the train and walked the Imperial Gardens. We couldn’t get through to the palace as all the roads were blocked, but the parts we saw were stunning.

Caught another train to the Tokyo Govn Building viewing platform, grabbed some lunch and then went up to the tower. This view is completely free - and at 45 stories high gives you great views.

Small world moment. We were sitting at the bottom of the building eating our lunch from 7 Eleven and the Norwood International High School Japan Trip walked past. Ben's friends from half way around the world were 5 metres away from us in central Japan. To say he was excited is a significant understatement.

From here we walked 2km to Shinjuku and the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower (which was a bit of a disappointment- it’s all arcades and bright lights). We didn’t love Shinjuku either, it’s the first place in Tokyo where I thought we might get pickpocketed. It would look great at night with all the billboards - but during the day it’s just a bit seedy and dirty. We did see the Godzilla head and the 3D Cat billboard though!

We then made our way out to Koenji for vintage clothes shopping and record stores. Ben dropped another $160 on vinyl. 🫢 To say he was excited is a significant understatement.

Koenji didn't grab me at first - the main streets were very commercial - but the laneways were super cool and I even found myself flipping through some 80's records - and nearly bought some myself.

An hour ride on the train back to Asakusa for dinner with the kids.

They allow smoking in the restaurants here - which has taken some getting used to. I’ve not enjoyed it at all - and give how polite and considered the people of Japan are in every other way - it’s jarring to have the person next to you blow smoke in your face while you are eating.

Krissi and I finished the day in a tiny bar on the bottom level of our Airbnb.
The host only spoke Japanese so we ordered using a translate app - and we met a lovely couple travelling from Denmark.

26,000 steps and a lot of googlemaps navigating and a few drinks later we were ready to sleep.Leggi altro