We had a bit of a sleep in, and went downstairs for breakfast about 8.30. The included breakfast wasn’t as good here as it was at the Toyoko Inn in Hirosaki, but the price was right. After some food, we went back to our room, got our bags packed, and checked out. Then it was off to the train station, to Shibuya.
We put my suitcase in a locker at the station. Then, Arisa had told Kaoru about Shibuya Sky – but tickets were sold out. We went there anyway to check it out, and we at least got to see the view from the 14th floor. The cafe’s / shops didn’t open until 10.00 so we had to wait 10 minutes or so. After a walk around we went in to the cafe and I had a Macha G&T, and we took some photos of Shibuya Scramble. There were noticably less people than in the past. I also spotted a few groups of Mario Karters, which was interesting as I had heard they were no longer doing that. Obviously it was back on.
We walked around the 14th, 13th, 12th and 11th floors. But they all only showed views out the same side. Not sure what’s out the other side, but you have to pay to see it!
We went back down to street level, and walked up to Don Quiote – basically to pass some time, and it’s always fun to have a look around there. Then it was back to the station, got my suitcase and then made a 12.10 train to Sakura-Shinmachi, and the 25 minute walk to Mio’s house.
It was (obviously) quite warm, so I wasn’t going to hug anybody when I saw them. I had a quick shower and put on a clean shirt, and then came and gave everybody a proper greeting. Mio had a beer out for me almost immediately. We exchanged some presents, and after not too long, our lunch arrived. Mio had organised some food, rather than us all going out. Being a Thursday, Youichi was home (his day off work), and being school holidays, Arisa was home. So I did some English talking with Arisa to give her some good practice, and she showed us the things she is learning.
Kozue and Minami came over after lunch. Kenichi was in Israel for work, and had taken Yukari to give her an experience. So we didn’t get to see them. Kozue and Minami stayed for about 10 minutes, which was a shame as it would have been nice to spend more time with them.
Mio opened a bottle of scotch whisky, but it was really too hot for it. So I only had the one (which she had poured while I was on the toilet) and then washed it down with another beer. I got my bag all packed, and at 5.00, we all (except Arisa) went to Haneda airport to drop me off. We met up with Michael and Leila at check in, so they got to say a quick hello to Mio and Youichi. I checked in, and then we said our farewells to Kaoru, Mio and Youichi, and went through immigration. I walked around for a while with Michael and Leila, and did a small amount of duty free shopping, and then went in to the Sakura (JAL) lounge. Unfortunately my Qantas guest passes didn’t work for the Sakura lounge – only Qantas lounges – so I couldn’t get Michael and Leila in this time. I had some Japanese Curry for dinner, and a few beers, and boarded the plane about 8.30.