I started the day with a shower, and then went to have the included breakfast. This was a set meal at a cafe a couple of doors down, so I got a toasted sandwich and a drink. I went back to my “room” to do my teeth and then checked out and made my way to Kaoru’s hotel. She had already checked out and was waiting for me in the lobby. I put my sponge bag into my suitcase to keep my backpack light – Kaoru had filled my camelback with ice and water, so that went in my backpack. And we made our way to the hotel we will be spending the next couple of nights in, to leave our bags. It was still early so we decided to sample the cakes and drinks at the cafe to kill some time.

We went to the train station and caught the train to Shin-Yokohama. I bought some paracetamol in case my leg started playing up again. I had taken more tablets during the night for it, so I wanted to be prepared. We then met Paul and Lyn in the lobby of their hotel, and after a quick chat we made our way back to Yokohama, and to our hotel, to drop Paul and Lyn’s bags off. It was already starting to warm up, and we could tell the day was going to be warm. So it was now their initiation to “Traveling with Daz and Kaoru” – OK, more Kaoru when it comes to organising where to go!

So, back to the train station, and after a few stops we got off, and caught a bus to Sankeien, which was a beautiful garden. We paid the 900 yen to get in and see more of it. Paul and I had cold soba for lunch, and Lyn and Kaoru had cold Udon. On a day like this, it was perfect! We spent more time walking around the grounds, including seeing a “pop up” bonsai display.

We went out the main exit, and caught a taxi. It took us up a narrow, windy street, and we had no idea where Kaoru was taking us. It was actually a tin toy museum! The toys in here were amazing – such old school!

After half an hour or so of looking around, we headed out and walked to the rose garden. It was a bit late in the season for them, so things were starting to die, but it was still very pretty. And because we were up so high, we had a great view of Yokohama. It was really getting warm though.

We made our way down to the road, and then to the train station, and back to our hotel…with a small detour….

We checked in and went to our room. OH MY GOD! I think this would be one of the best rooms we’ve been in. The hotel only opened about 8 months ago, so everything was new. Looking at the floor map, we were in the biggest room on the floor (a corner one). Paul and Lyn had the same room on the other corner. A large entrance, which then opened up to a massive room, big couch, ample bathroom area, and even a proper wet room!

Kaoru had really done an awesome job with this booking! We had a hot drink to unwind, and then joined Paul and Lyn in their room briefly, before going to dinner. We ended up in a restaurant in the food area of the shopping centre – it was a tonkatsu restaurant, so had a pretty nice tonkatsu meal.

We the introduced Paul and Lyn to our evening ritual, of going to the convenience store for sake / beer and dessert. We went to their room and chatted for a while, before going back to our room for a wash and bed.