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.