It was quite a challenge to get into the centre of Tokyo, in rush hour, with a large, heavy suitcase and I’m rather pleased I managed most of the journey unaided. Matt came to my rescue at Shibuya Station, otherwise I’d never have found our hotel.
By 10am, my suitcase was abandoned and we were on the tube to Ueno Park to see the Bentendo Temple on the island of the Shinobazu pond with a street market as an added bonus.
It’s been a warm, humid day and we walked across to the Kitchen District in Kappabashi Street. Matt was keen to buy a Japanese knife and today was the day! Who knew there could be so many shops, in one area, selling quality knives and I wouldn’t take a single photo?
We were both tired and hungry so stopped for okonomiyaki in a little restaurant away from the main road. Not only were we crossed legged on the floor but we had to cook our own meal. It was very tasty, even though my hips and knees are still complaining about the seating position.
Next stop was the Nakamise shopping street, leading to Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It’s a quaint bustling street filled with small stalls and geishas providing photo opportunities for tourists.
Then it was the Asahi Sky Room for a well deserved beer before a brisk walk back to Senso-ji for a quick photo in the dark.
Our day ended with noodles in a back street restaurant with proper seats and dinner was cooked for us too!
Tomorrow, we’re off at 7:30 to catch the bullet train to Osaka.
