Odaiba and Robot Hotels

After a 2.5 hr bullet and a subway train, we were back to Tokyo and checking into our automated Henna hotel (the name literally translates to Strange Hotel!). It was a bit strange and underwhelming to be honest as I was hoping for actual robots but the rooms were clean and air conditioned and most importantly, separate! So we were all happy.

After some Freshness Burger goodness, Paulie and I grabbed some whisky and sat in the cool, surprisingly serene rooftop sitting area. For the middle of Toyko, it was pretty quiet; no honking horns or locals yelling. Plus the Sky Tree was a kaleidoscope of beautiful colours. Mesmerising.

The next day we started with a mixed buffet at the hotel, then shopping locally and around Odaiba, Japan's man-made island in Tokyo Bay. The island has an interesting history; it originated as a set of small man-made forte islands in the late Edo period (1603-1868) to protect Tokyo from marine attacks. In the 1980s, a massive landfill created the island which now functions as a popular shopping and entertainment district.

The kids wanted to shop and skate so this is what we did!

Stell found some sweet bargains at her new favourite chain 2nd Street and Noah found half-price Halfcab shoes. Just as well, because his only pair had walked north of 100km by now and were literally falling apart!

A late lunch at Diver food court of delicious pork tataki and we were onto Teamlabs fora few hours before returning to DiverCity. We wanted to see a few landmarks, including the giant automated robot statue of Gundam lit up and moved to music to celebrate its 40th year.

Noah popped up to the top floor of the shopping centre for a cheeky skate, then after running up and down rainbow stairs, we walked over to look at the mini Statue of Liberty; a monument in honour of France, placed in such a way in front of the Rainbow Bridge, so it looks to scale.

The night was clear, bright and the whole feeling was safe and and fun. Its a great final memory to hold of Tokyo.Læs mere