The day before…

Everybody was here – no more hoping there would be no flight delays, or working out times to meet and greet people.  But that doesn’t mean there’s time for rest – too many things to see and do!

Kaoru took Julia, Ella and James shopping for the day, to get some things for Ella.  Aunty Linda and Uncle Owen went out with some friends of theirs.  Brett and Naomi had a “recovery” day.  I took Mum and Dad, Julia and David, Aunty Lynette, Michael and Leila and Andrew on a Sake Brewery tour.  It took us about an hour by multiple trains to get there, and I was still under the weather, but we got there OK.  From the train station I followed my maps on my phone to get to the location, which was about a 15 minute walk, and we made it with about 10 minutes to spare, so perfect timing!  The “PA to the GM” (I think) spoke English, so she took us on a tour, pretty much reading completely from notes.  There were some beautiful gardens and buildings, and we learnt a bit about the process too.  At the end we were given 3 sake’s to taste.

We had lunch at a Japanese restaurant on the premises.  They did a set course menu so we didn’t have to think about what everything was.  A few beers and sake with it made for another enjoyable meal.  It was then a 15 minute walk to the station, and hour or so train trip back to Shinjuku.

We all (except Aunty Linda and Uncle Owen) met in the lobby and caught taxis to Gonpachi for our feast there.  We had been eating so much over the last week that we didn’t eat a lot.  Just worked our way through the Appetisers, and ordered seconds of the ones we liked.  We caught taxis back to the hotel and called it a night.

Well, as I knew, today was not looking good from the start… 🙂

Kaoru got up, saw Julie off (who wasn’t very good either), and saw Aunty Linda and Uncle Owen arrive.  They went in to Mum and Dad’s room.  Then she had to go off for some wedding things.  I got up and had a shower, and gave Simon a call to arrange breakfast.  So he came to my hotel and I took him to the cafe we had been to previously.  We then walked in to Shinjuku station, and caught a train to Harijuku – I wanted to show Simon the walk he would be doing on Thursday, to the wedding place, as he has to get there early and will be by himself.

We continued the walk down Takeshita street, and then turned around, and went back to Shinjuku.  Kaoru was in the lobby waiting for James, as we knew he would be there soon.  I arranged to meet Simon again at 5.30, and went up to get some sleep.  Not long after, Kaoru brought James in to the room, so I met him.  He dropped his bags off and then he and Kaoru went out for a bit.  They returned to the room as James was tired, so he had a sleep on the couch and Kaoru enjoyed some peaceful time.

At 3.30 Kaoru and I made a booking at the Korean BBQ for us all, and then she went to meet Leila so they could get their nails done.  I came back to the hotel, and as James was still sleeping, went up to the lounge for some peaceful time and snacks!  I went back to the room about 5 and had a bit of a chat to James – started to get to know him.  Then went downstairs to meet Brett and Naomi at 5.45.  Simon also met me down there, so while Brett and Naomi got checked in and sorted, Simon and I went to my room, and had a Beer with James.  We then all met downstairs for Korean BBQ dinner (Brett, Naomi, Mum and Dad, Aunty Linda and Uncle Owen, Aunty Lynette, Simon and I).  No Kaoru, so I had to do the ordering / arranging of things.

Brett, Naomi, Simon and I went out for a couple of drinks, to show Naomi some of Shinjuku.  By complete coincidence, Kaoru walked past the pub we were in, saw us, and came in!  So we stayed for another round, but were then ready to call it a night.

It was a planned later start today so I got to spend the morning with my wife! We had breakfast in the room and after dealing with some work stuff I practiced saying my vows for the wedding. We went up to the lounge and had tea and some cake but only for about 15 minutes. We met Mum, Julie,  Aunty Lynette and David at the lobby at 11. Dad was out at golf.

Michael and Liela were waiting for us at the bakery and we got on a train for Yokohama. We walked through China town,  led by Kaoru with her flag, and got to a yum cha restaurant. We made good use of the “all you can eat”!  We then left and walked out of Chinatown and caught a bus to the cup noodle museum. This had a history of cup noodles and David got to design his own packet,  pick the contents and have it sealed.

We had to rush out at the end and made the bus with about 1 minute to spare. It took us to the station, and we comfortably made a train which took us all the way to Shimbashi.  We were there about 30 minutes early so we walked to the locomotive to show David.  Then it was off to dinner and for us all to meet Ken (Dad’s friend from Japan).  When Ken booked the table, he put us on a set menu so we didn’t have to think about food.  We were also on a drink menu, so it was unlimited drinks for 2 hours.  And did me make the most of that!!!

We caught a train back to the hotel and I went to see if Simon had arrived (staying in a different hotel).  He hadn’t checked in, so I left a message with my phone number and went to the 45th floor to meet up with Michael, Leila and Kaoru.  It was very smokey and drinks were very expencive so we gave it a miss and went to Mum and Dad’s room, where we continued drinking and making quite a bit of noise – I’m surprised we didn’t get a call from reception!  Simon arrived not long after and started working on catching up to us.

We left about midnight and I thought I should show Simon Shinjuku.  So Michael and Leila, Julie, Simon and I “hit the town”.  We went to a few small bars, getting a drink in each, and had a fantastic time.  Then we ended up in a bar with 2 hours free drinks (for a cover charge) and made the most of that.  We then walked home and got back quite late, knowing we weren’t going to be too good tomorrow!

This morning Kaoru woke up and took Dad to the train station to buy all their Shinkansen tickets, and also Suica tickets for everybody.  They were unable to get David’s as they need ID, since he is getting a childs one.

We then all met at 10.00 to start the days activities.  Michael was feeling better today so joined us.  Mum had brought an Australia flag and gave that to Kaoru – our Tour Director!  We started by getting David’s ticket, and then caught the train to Harijuku.  We walked down the main street, stopping at the Daiso on the way.  We then took everybody to the wedding place so they would be able to find it when they come on the wedding day.  Back to the main street, we continued to the end, stopping at several shops along the way.

Then it was off to Kiddy Land for David and Julie to do some playing and shopping.  Kaoru and I found a restaurant that we could all eat at which was just a meat restaurant, so we all had hamburg steaks.  After lunch I took David back to Kiddy Land for a bit more playing while everybody else finished up.  We walked through Ometosando, and caught a train to Ginza.  A bit of a walk through Ginza, and David was getting bored – and I had some things to do.  So the two of us went back to the hotel while Kaoru looked after the “mob” and took them to a few more places, and then came back themselves.

Everybody came to our room and we all had some champagne.  Then we dispersed and got ready for the night, Leila came over, and we all went to Mum and Dad’s room for some more champagne.  Then Mum and Dad, Michael and Leila and Kaoru and I went for dinner, while Julie, Aunty Lynette and David did their own thing.  This was a special dinner Kaoru had organised, where Mum and Dad get to meet Otosan (they had already met Okasan at our Australian wedding).  Michael and Leila had their own special dinner in a separate area.  It was a tofu restaurant, which had me (and Mum!) a bit worried.

We arrived at the restaurant and were taken to our rooms.  They were amazing!  The whole restaurant was very Japanesey – totami mats, low doors, the style of the walls, the music…it was beautiful!  And Mum and I had completely different thoughts of tofu when we left!  Everything was so delicious (except for one dish, which Kaoru didn’t touch and Mum only got through half).  The night went very well – Kaoru was busy translating all evening and did a fantastic job (as always).  Both sets of parents were able to see how much the other loves us both, and to express how thankful they were for the support from the other.

After saying goodbye (and picking Michael and Leila up from their room), I went to Mum and Dad’s room for a Lemoncello while Kaoru had a relaxing bath.  We wanted to go to the 45th floor bar but it closes at 11 so we were a bit late.

The mayhem begins…

Mum and Dad, Julie and David, and Aunty Lynette arrived this morning.  We didn’t know what time they would be getting in, but knew it was early, so I was waiting in the lobby at 7.00 while Kaoru got ready.  Then she came down and I went upstairs to shower and have breakfast.  Not long after Kaoru called and said they were here and on their way up.  Next thing I knew, the room had us all, plus suit cases – thank god we weren’t in the Washington Hotel!

We got towels so everybody could have a shower, and then we finally managed to hit town and go for some breakfast.  We went to the cafe across the road as Kaoru and I had enjoyed it previously.  Then Kaoru took Julie to a chemist to get a face mask as the smoke was bothering her, and I took everybody else up the Government Building for the scenic view of Tokyo.  Julie and Kaoru eventually joined us, and we left around 10.45.  We met Leila under the clock at First Kitchen, while Kaoru ran ahead to buy our tickets for the day.  Michael was feeling under the weather – he had a few flu symptoms yesterday – so decided to give it a miss.  Then we met up at the train station.  We had about 15 minutes before the train left, but we wanted to be early so we could sit together.  Finally we were on our way to Fujisawa.

We changed trains and caught one to Kamakura, where we walked around the streets (sampling food and beer along the way) and took the family to their first temple.  We then walked back to the train station.  With all the stops, this took us about 2 hours, so we were a little bit behind schedule, but it wasn’t a problem.  The train out was very crowded, and we didn’t even get on the first one as it was too full.  Kaoru made the call that we would have to skip the second stop because it would be too hard for us to get back on the train, so we went to Enoshima instead.  We walked across to the island, most of the way up the steps to the shrine, took photos, and then walked back.  We got on the train to Fujisawa, but a different line, which meant we were on the start instead of the middle.  This saved us having to try to squeeze on to an existing train.

At Fujisawa, Kaoru, Leila and Julie went to the chemist, while the rest of us waited.  Then it was off to “our restaurant” – the one we always go to in Fujisawa.  They were thrilled to have us there, and had made individual placemats for us with our names, and Congratulations on our Wedding.  The food was great, saki fantastic and company wonderful.  After dinner Kaoru, Julie and David went to the supermarket to buy some food while we took our time to leave and met them at the train station.  Then we got back to Shinjuku, checked everybody in, and went to bed.

OK, maybe I’m not invincible.  Kaoru woke up early this morning and did a load of washing, and then met Michael to buy their Shinkansen tickets for when they leave Tokyo.  She came back to the room, and I was still fast asleep.  She eventually asked if I was OK, and told me it was 8.45.  Not a big sleep in, but god knows I needed it!

I had a few work issues to deal with so took care of them.  Kaoru met Michael and Leila and took them to the Shinjuku government tower for a birds eye view of Tokyo.  I ended up back in the Luxe Lounge for some food and cold drinks (with my laptop).  Eventually I had things finished, and via Pindrop, the telephone and Skype, managed to find the guys in the shopping centre.

The rest of the morning was spend with the girls shopping and Michael and I twiddling our thumbs.  We then went to MOS burger for lunch – for those of you who have been there, you’ll know why we enjoyed that so much!

After lunch it was more shopping, and then off to Shibuya to see the busy intersection, and also the 109 building, for a quick tour.  We wanted to go to the Starbucks to watch the busy intersection, but couldn’t get a seat, so took photos and left.  We found a pub and had a beer.  Then it was off to Mio’s.

We caught a train and taxi to Mio’s house.  Kozue was already there with Yukari and Minami (because it was a public holiday), and once we had introduced Michael and Leila, it was straight to the food table.  Mio brought dish after dish to the table, and it was an extremely enjoyable evening.  Some time after 7.00, Kenichi arrived – he had been playing Tennis so couldn’t come earlier.  Mio’s bar was in full swing, and there was a point that Leila had a red wine, white wine, beer, saki and Mojito on the go at once!  So a very enjoyable evening.

We left about 10.00, after a great evening.  A taxi took us to the hotel, dropping Michael and Leila off on the way.  As early as it felt, it was good to finish early for a change!

Kaoru was awake around 5.00 this morning with wedding things on her mind.  So we were up quite early.  Michael and Leila were doing a Mt Fuji / Hakone tour today so we weren’t seeing them until this evening.  We went for breakfast at a cafe across the road and started getting our bearings.  Then Kaoru went to see whether she could use the washing machine at a nearby hotel (as our one doesn’t have washing facilities), and I went back to the room to practice writing my name in Katakana, and organise some other things.

We went to the Luxe Lounge on the 34th level of the hotel – this is something that comes with the room we are staying in, and has snacks, tea, etc.  So it was just working from a different environment.  Then at 11.00 we left and started the days activities.  We walked around Shinjuku and found a wedding book (for people to write their names and messages in), and then caught a train to Harajuku.  We went to the Daiso and bought an umbrella (as it was raining today), a clothes hanger and pegs, a couple of bowls and spoons (so we could have breakfast in the room).  Then we went for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

After lunch, it was off to the wedding venue for a 1.00 meeting.  The afternoon was spent seeing a number of people – the co-ordinater, photographer, florist, reception planner, room planner, music….with 5 minutes or so between each person.  So it took until after 5.00.  Kaoru told me that this was the same process that has happened each time she has been there.  They obviously want to spend lots of your time so it makes the cost more justified!  I’d rather just pay somebody and let them do what they do best!  At least I managed to work on my speach and other things while we were there, and Kaoru just translated relevant parts to me.  We also had to sign our vows, which meant I had to write my name in Katakana.  I had been practicing this for a while – it even had to be done with a brush pen!  Hopefully it came out OK.

We finally got back to the hotel and went to the Luxe Lounge for a drink and some food.  Michael and Leila were on their way home from Hakone, and came to the hotel once they were ready.  They came up to our room where we had a beer and admired the view, and they told us about their day.  Then it was out to Korean BBQ for dinner – something I always enjoy, so we had to share it with them.

There was a 45 minute wait so we left our name and number at the door, and went to the “Kirin Club” (a bar chain) for a drink.  They called us about 20 minutes later, so we finished up and went back to the restaurant and enjoyed another fantastic meal.  After paying we walked around Shinjuku for a while and then to a convenience store for dessert, and said good night.

I don’t know how I’m going to do this – the alarm went off at 2.45 this morning, and it’s now after 11.00 tonight.  We’ve had a few days worth of adventures today, so here goes…

After a quick shower, we met Michael and Leila downstairs at our hotel about 3.15, to get a quick breakfast at the Lawsons.  We then hopped in a taxi for the fish market.  We arrived there around 4.00, and it took us about 10 minutes to find the entrance we had to go to.  At one point we saw another couple running past us – we knew there were limited places, so we started running too!  It was turning in to the Amazing Race!  We found the entrance and were given our green bibs, indicating we were amongst the first 60 people to arrive.  The next 60 were given blue bibs, and the last was handed out before 4.30.  I’m sure there were more people outside who were rejected because it was full.  We then waited until 5.20, at which point we were taken through to the main floor to see the fish inspection and a few auctions.  We had no idea what was going on, but it was still an amazing experience!  We were on the floor for about 15 minutes and saw several fish go in that time.

We walked around the market for a bit, and found a sushi restaurant.  There was a long line out the front, so Kaoru went for a wander and found another one just around the corner (that was *sure* to be just as good, but with a shorter line), so we moved to it.  After about 20 minutes, we were finally eating breakfast number 2 – about 4.5 hours after waking up.

We walked around the markets a bit more, and then caught a train to the palace.  Kaoru and I had been there before, but not Michael and Leila.  So we took a few photos.  There was a section of the car park that was closed off (I should point out there was not a single car in the car park).  Kaoru asked the security guard why, and she was told “because it’s not 9.00 yet”!  Can’t argue with that logic!

Back to the train station, past the park which was full of homeless people.  They looked like felled trees, under the “bonsai pines” – pine trees that had been beautifully manicured.  We got on a train to Ueno (I’m sure we stopped for some morning tea somewhere around here), and walked around there.  We saw our first Cherry Blossom tree which was beautiful.  There were several that weren’t in bloom yet, but a couple were covered in pink buds.  We then went to a museum which had a full size model of a few houses from the Edo period.  We asked for the English guided tour, which had an elderly gentlemen walking us through the exhibits and explaining a bit about it, which was great (and gave Kaoru a good rest!).  On our way out, he gave us some oragami constructions – the girls got little boxes, and the boys got spinny toys on a toothpick.

Another train station (or two) and we arrived at Asakusa.  We opened up there with a Mr Donut (those who have read my previous blog entries would know about that place!).  Then we wandered around and saw the plastic food you can buy.  I was blown away by a double-double cheese burger, for over AU$700!  Michael and Kaoru looked at some knives but weren’t good enough value for money so no purchases were made.  We then managed to find our lunch spot for the day.

Kaoru and I had previously been to this lunch spot.  It was an Okonomeyaki restaurant where you cook your own.  It was a fantastic atmosphere, and we enjoyed our first beer for the day, despite being going for 9.5 hours!  It was great to sit down and enjoy (more) food in such a relaxed place.  We got a table as soon as we arrived, but within 15 minutes we could see a queue forming outside, so we just arrived in time!

After lunch, it was off to Akihabara.  We arrived at a different train station to what I’m used to (we were on Tokyo Metro, not JR) so I didn’t have my bearings at all.  Eventually we found the JR station, and then the main part of Electric City.  I had spent a bit of time on the internet, and taking several photos during the day, so my phone battery was down to ~30%.  Because it was ~1 year old, I wasn’t getting a good battery life, so I wanted to buy *something*.  I saw a solar powered pack, but ended up buying a 5200 maH pack for ~$35.  And as soon as we were out of the store and I plugged it in, it started charging my phone, so it came pre-charged, which was a bonus!  We then went to a “Maid Cafe”, because that’s what you do in Akihabara.  There was literally no line (2 people in front of us), but for some reason we were kept waiting for about 15 minutes.  Finally we were greeted with “Hello Master and Princess”, and taken to a table.  There are several different plans you can choose at these cafe’s, but we didn’t have a lot of time so took the most basic – which mean no cover charge, and we could only stay for 15 minutes.  We were taken to our table by a young girl dressed in….well, I don’t know how you could describe it, other than a Maid’s uniform!  We placed our orders and were amused by what was going on around us – single girls / guys / couples being entertained by these ladies.  Eventually our drinks arrived, but it wasn’t as easy as that to start them.  Leila’s was first (a coffee).  She wanted milk in it, but had to do a “cute” hand signal and make some squeaking sound when she wanted the maid to stop pouring milk!  Then Michael had an iced coffee, and had to pick what picture he wanted drawn in it.  He let the maid decide, and obviously her favourite is the cat face, as that’s what was drawn.  My hot caramel was the same, although I elected a dog face.  Kaoru’s hot chocolate was served as it was.

After paying, we went back to the streets of Akihabara, and Leila and Michael had a look for some more gadgets, while I had to do a little bit of work in a cafe.  Then we met up, and boarded a train for Shinagawa.  Being in such a familiar place again was good.  However I had hoped we would get to go back to the hotel before the evenings activity, and get a jacket, so I was feeling a little cold.  We stopped at the Uni glo and I bought a thermal skivvy to put under my shirt and jumper to help stay warm.  We then power walked to the pier, and boarded our boat for the dinner cruise Kaoru had organised.

This cruise was superb!  We were treated with (another) magnificent feast of sashimi, and Tempura, and all we could drink – and after such a long day, we could drink quite a bit!  After cruising up the river a bit, we anchored with a fantastic view of Tokyo Skytree and took some photos.  Then we cruised back and ate and drank some more, before finally pulling in to dock.  We walked to Shinagawa station, and boarded a train for Shinjuku station, where we said good night to Michael and Leila, and we then walked to the Washington Hotel to get our bags.  Then we had to take them to Keio Plaza Hotel, where we are staying for the rest of the Tokyo leg of the trip.  We were finally up in our room about 11.00, exhausted, and extremely happy after a very busy and enjoyable day.

Once again Kaoru was up with the sparrows and in the bath.  I got up about 7.00 and had a shower, and then decided a 5 minute soak wouldn’t go astray.  We met Michael and Leila for breakfast at 7.30, which was the usual feast.

We went to our room and packed up, and met again just before 9, to catch the free shuttle to Nikko town at 9.05.  In town we walked around the (open) shops for a bit, and then made our way down to the train station to catch a 9.40 train out of Nikko.  We had a 16 minute changeover en-route, and were then on our way back to Shinjuku. Had a call from Dave along the way – a problem with his DNS entries that I had changed on my way out the door on Friday to come to Japan.  So a lot of the trip was passed by me trying to fix that.

Once we arrived in Shinjuku we walked to Michael and Leila’s “house” for the next 10 (or so) days.  It was a nice little apartment in Shinjuku, and close to the station, as well as our hotel.  They got their bearings, and then we went for lunch.  Kaoru had found a “taco rice” place in Shinjuku, which was the other side of the Washington Hotel (where we were staying, and all our bags were, so gave Michael and Leila a good sense of direction).  Lunch was really nice – it was kind of like a taco, but with rice instead of a shell.  It looked large but went down very easily.

We walked back to the Washington Hotel, and Kaoru and I checked in, and got all our bags out of storage.  Michael and Leila then walked backto their house, and Kaoru and I went to our room.  I had some work to do (setting up email on a temporary computer for Brett, as his decided to shit itself), and the hour we had went very quickly.  We then had to leave to meet up with Michael and Leila for our next activity – massages!

Kaoru had found a place and booked us for a 4.00 massage, for an hour.  So we turned up and filled in the forms, and went with our masseuses.  I have had a few massages in Tokyo before but none quite like this!  There was a lot of manipulation, and moving me around throughout.  It wasn’t as relaxing as previous ones.  But after all the walking we had been doing the last couple of days, I was happy to see what it does.

After the massage Kaoru and Leila went to buy some items from the chemist.  I’m seeing things through new eyes having Michael and Leila there, as they are noticing things that used to surprise me – like how noisy the chemist is!  We then walked in to the Pachinko parlour “for the experience”.  As expected, it was extremely noisy, and smokey.  We walked around in awe for about 5 minutes, and then left.

It was only 5.45, but we started looking for an Izakaya for dinner.  We needed an early night as tomorrow will be an early start.  Eventually we found one, which had touch screen ordering from the tables.  The drinks were going down too well, and the food was nice and simple, in small serves.  So we stayed for a while, but eventually had to call it a night.

On the way home, we stopped at a convenience store and got dessert.  We said good night, and went our separate ways for the night.  Kaoru and I re-packed our bags, and called it a night about 9.30….with an alarm set for 2.45…

As tempting as a hot bath was this morning I decided to go with just a normal shower. Kaoru was naturally up early and in the bath by 6! We then met up for breakfast at 8 o’clock. This was a traditional Japanese breakfast with several plates of food, and took us nearly 45 minutes to finish. Back to our rooms to clean teeth and we were leaving for the days adventure about 9.

The person at the ryoken desk told Kaoru there was a free shuttle to town where we could get a discount all day bus ticket. So we rushed out to get the shuttle but after 5 minutes it hadn’t arrived. Another person from the ryoken then drove us in their own shuttle, which was great! When Kaoru got the ticket she paid 1000 yen instead of 2000 yen. She had to give our names and they were checked against a list… So an offer only available to people staying at certain places.

We caught the bus to the ropeway and had a hot drink to defrost. The view from the top was fantastic and I played around with some photospheres and panoramic shots. We could see the lake Kaoru and I stayed at last time we were here.

It was then back to the bus which took us to the lake. We went to the Kegon falls lookout and took more shots. Then it was time for some lunch. While walking we came across some monkies. They were quite cute too watch as they walked on the footpath. But when there were 8 or 9 of them following us it was a bit concerning… especially when they took a swipe at your leg!

We found a place for lunch and then caught a bus back to Nikko town. Our next destination was another shrine further up the mountain. We were wondering about the path a bit as it was covered in snow in places and had some fallen trees on it. But we went on and were rewarded with some great views. We found a shrine that was under renovation – however there was a hole in the covering attached to the scaffolding so people could still drop their money in to pray. So we did, and it was my first for this trip.

A bit more walking and we were back to town. After some photos of the red bridge we found a “pub”…I use the term loosely – it was more like a small shop that had food,  ice cream and beer. So after a wind down drink we waddled back to the Ryoken about 530, ready to relax for the night.

Kaoru and I had a bath and we all meet up foot dinner at 630. For a bit of fun we all wore our yukatas (kimonos) to dinner. Again we had an amazing feast of 10 or so different things. We were back to our rooms about 8, happy and tired after a long enjoyable day.

The 4 of us slept very toasty with the wood stove going all night. Kaoru was putting more wood in during the evening which kept it going. Kaoru had her usual early start to the day and Michael, Leila and I woke around 730 and made our way to the main house for breakfast. Okasan made her usual feast and it took about 45 minutes to get through it! Then it was time for Michael and I to get to work…Otosan had some wood that needed splitting and his knee has been bad. So we were obviously wrapped at being able to help out. So we brought the hydraulic splitter round the back where the wood was already cut to length, and got to work. Because of Michaels experience cutting wood with an axe, he was great at being able to finish the bits up. Then we came across some that were too long for the splitter. So I got the chain saw to do the first split of them and Michael did the other 2 cuts to make them thin enough.

After a shower, we said goodbye to Okasan, and Otosan drove the 4 of us to the train station. We grabbed some food and hopped on the 1200 train for Nikko. We had to change en-route and arrived about 145. We then caught a taxi to our accommodation. Our rooms were complete totami rooms! They looked awesome! But we didn’t  have long until things were closing so we had to make a move. We went to the Toshogu Shrine-a place Kaoru and I had been to before but it was still great to see again. We spent about 90 minutes there, looking at the 3 wise monkeys, being prayed for in the shrine and all the other things to do inside.

Back at our Ryoken, we all came in to our room and had some nibbles and drinks. Then it was time for Onsen! There are two large ones here -a men’s and a ladies. I found the water too hot so didn’t stay for too long. But then it was time for dinner…

This was an amazing feast! Photos possibly to follow if I remember… It was shabu shabu, with more extras than you could poke a stick at! I couldn’t finish everything but it was all delicious!

Walking up to our rooms Michael was talking about being ready for bed…I think we were all thinking the same thing. Then we saw it was only 830! We looked in the shop for a bit and said goodnight. Then Kaoru went for her bath as she didn’t to when I did before dinner.

We started today with the alarm at 730…well, that was the intention. People leaving their room at 600 meant we were woken up quite early. After a shower and packing our day packs, we headed downstairs to check out. After waiting over 5 minutes for the lift, I used the phone on the floor and called reception. They said there was a problem and to catch the staff lift.

Michael and Leila were already downstairs. We put our suit cases in the storage room and walked to Shinjuku station. We bought Suica for Michael and Leila, and got some breakfast, and then went to catch the 920 train to Nasu. After a short train change we arrived about 12, and got in a taxi. We met Kaoru’s parents at a restaurant for lunch. Then Otosan dropped us at the farm place where we walked around and had some food. It took us about 30 minutes to walk to their house, but at least we didn’t have any bags to carry!

We sat and talked for a bit and then all had baths before Okasan served a spectacular feast. Beer, saki and champagne accompanied chicken, sushi, potato stew and salad. We had some great laughs and Kaoru did a fantastic job of translating for us all. There was more food than we could possibly eat but we had a good crack at it. Then we went up to the other house to make our beds and unwind. Kaoru taught Leila how to assemble the oragami sakura balls. Michael and I thought we would be helping best by keeping out of the way.

It’s been a long time between posts…but this trip warrants a blog…

About 1230 in the morning, Michael, Leila and I boarded a plane for Hong Kong….we got a little bit of interrupted sleep on the way and landed on time. After a couple hours we boarded the plane to Tokyo. A movie and a couple drinks later we landed. We power walked to immigration to get ahead of as many people as possible. It was a good thing too, as it meant we only had to wait about 15 minutes. 5 minutes later the line behind us was over twice as long!

Once we had our bags we caught the airport limuousine to Shinjuku, where Kaoru was waiting for us at the Washington hotel. So we checked in and relaxed for 10 minutes, and then it was time for our first night out.

We were quite hungry and it was 545 so we went to a sushi train. As expected it was ab delicious and the 4 of us ate for <au$40, including a bottle ok saki! We walked around Shinjuku and had trouble dragging Leila out of Don Quiote… but then we were off to what Kaoru referred to as an “awkward” place – Robot Restaurant! It was an amazing show which included a bento box (not very nice).

After the show we walked back to our hotel. Leila and Kaoru both went to their rooms and Michael and I went for one last drink to wrap up a long and enjoyable day.