Japan Cruise

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Japan Cruise Traveler
Day 28 - Tokyo
March 16, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C
We woke to another drizzly cold day with a quick breakfast from the 7/11 next door, then off to Nakamisi Shopping Street that leads up to Senso Ji Temple. So different in the daylight. Even though it was raining the street was very busy and all the umbrellas didn't help. A quiet afternoon spoilt by Geoff and I booking a Sumo Wrestling show and meal before realizing it was $300+ EACH! Quite the discussion was had with staff about cancelling and refunds. Our quiet little restaurant find from last night was closed so we tried another close by. After shoes off and being seated we tried to decipher the menu. Even though it wasn't in Japanese it was the most complicated menu system I've ever seen. Turned out ok with nice food and our jars of wine.Read more
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Japan Cruise Traveler
Day 29 - Tokyo
March 17, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Our third day in Tokyo. Breakfast of the ubiquitous egg sandwiches which seemed to be so loved here. We started at the Samurai & Ninja Museum in Asakusa. This was a big surprise. Informative and entertaining and just good fun. We got to dress up as Samurai, wield Samurai swords, learn all about their history and practice our Ninja star throwing. Faye came a very close second in the comp. After the museum we headed towards Shibuya district on the Metro. We arrived at Shibuya, got a photo of Hachiko the famous dog and then took our chances on the notorious Shibuya Scramble. Every bit as busy as we've seen and made all the more crowded by umbrellas. Just amazing. We walked through the shopping district to Takeshita St. Famous for being able to buy almost anything. To just say it was crowded doesn't really do it justice. We found a quiet spot in Yoyogi Park for some lunch and then explored the Meiji Jinju Shrine. This was a lovely big park right in the middle of all the Tokyo craziness. From there we ventured over to the Metropolitan Govt Building to take in the views from the 45th floor, 202m up. Great views of all around Tokyo and glimpses of My Fuji as well. We were very lucky. Caught the Metro back to Asakusa and were pretty tired after such a big day. Our hole in the wall restaurant was open again so we enjoyed a lovely meal, some nice wine and collapsed back to the hotelRead more
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Japan Cruise Traveler
Day 30 - Tokyo - Kyoto
March 18, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Last day in Tokyo as we prepared to catch the Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto. Our large luggage had already been shipped to the Kyoto hotel and we were glad we did. We had booked the train for 11:00am to give us plenty of time to get to Tokyo Central station and find the platform. Tokyo Central is reportedly the busiest station in the world. Well the trip on the Metro showed just how busy it becomes. When we boarded we couldn't find a seat but it wasn't overly crowded. After one stop a couple left so Faye and I sat. We only had a small backpack and 1 piece of carry-on sized luggage. As the train travelled towards Central it became fuller and fuller until people were being pushed on at closer stations. I expected many to get off at Central so wasn't too worried. Arrived at Central and no-one moved. It was a nightmare pushing through the standing crowd to get off. Lucky to make it before the train left. Ended up with plenty of time to find our platform and have a coffee before leaving. The Bullet Train was excellent. So smooth and fast of course. We were lucky to again see Mt Fuji on the trip. Arrived on time in Kyoto, checked our bags had arrived at the hotel and went for a wander around. Found the Nishi Hongan-Ji Temple which was magnificent. Back at the hotel we checked in to the smallest hotel room I've ever seen. Lucky we could store the luggage under the bed. Dinner was at a tiny Mum & Dad restaurant nearby. Dinner story too long to tell here but it was definitely an experience.Read more
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Trip end
March 22, 2025

Day 28 - Tokyo

Day 29 - Tokyo

Day 30 - Tokyo - Kyoto