Day 9 - Tokyo

 . . . . . We're Baaaaaccck!!!


Well - we had to say bye-bye to the Kyoto house today . .  . and I miss it already!  But, after just 4 and a bit hours, we are in Tokyo - and it feels like we've never been away!!!!


We . .  oops sorry Scott - found the new apartment very easily.  He had worked out the route last night, so he knew which lines to get on and which stations to use.  He's a pro with the Tokyo train/subway system now!!!


When we got off the train, we had forgotten just how hectic it can be in Tokyo . . . .  there are a lot more bike here and they fly all over the place and there are a lot more cars and people than in Kyoto,  but you have to expect that being in a large capital city which is the most populated city in the world (approx 13million people - give or take a few)!!!


The apartment is quite close to the Asakusa station, so apart from having to lug our bags up and down a mountain of stairs, the apartment is very close to transport links (we might have to find the lift when we go home on Friday . . . . there were a lot of stairs!!!).


Anyway - the directions we got to the apartment were perfect and we are now settled into what is our new home for the next 6 days!!!!  The apartment has all the mod cons . . . but most of all - the chairs and beds have legs, so no more sitting/sleeping on the floor!  As traditional as it is to sit on tatami mats and sleep on futons, us westerners are not made for sitting on our legs, and we've been a bit uncomfortable at times in the Kyoto House.  Scott is especially pleased - his knees can't take anymore!!!


The apartment is quite a big space - compared to hotel rooms and we are on the second floor of a nine story block of apartments.  There are people all around us, but we haven't met any of them yet.

 Bedroom (bed with legs!!)

 Sitting room

 Kitchen (Scott putting on the kettle)

 Loo . . .  it's a separate loo, but the toilet seat opens up when the door is opened!  

 Buttons to push - whoo hoo!!!

I don't know if you can see this very well, but on top of the toilet, there is a sink . . . when the loo is flushed, the water runs so you can wash your hands!

 Wet room . . . 

View of the apartment from the front!

We also have a view!  This is something we haven't had in any of the apartments we have booked in Japan.  At the moment, I am overlooking the Asahi Beer Hall!  This is one of the Ashai Brewery Offices in Japan and the building is iconic in Tokyo.  The building was designed by Philippe Stark (the man who did my lemon squeezer) and is in the shape of a beer glass.  We are also looking directly at the Asahi Flame but that is usually referred to as the golden turd!!!


Anyway - it's what we can see out of our window!  (actually, this is a view from across the river, we are veryclose to the Asahi Hall and I couldn't get the whole beer mug/flame effect in one frame!!!)

So, after a quick cuppa, we went off to explore the outside.  It was starting to get a bit dark, so we headed down to the Sumida River area as there seemed to be a lot going on there when we passed earlier to get to the apartment.


And yes - there was a LOT going on!  The Cherry Blossoms have come out in force in Tokyo and there was a festival atmosphere by the river.  All the Cherry Blossoms along the route are lit up and everyone is in a party mood, sitting on mats and tarp under the tree with food and beer.

They all look like they are set for the night . . . some people had little BBQ's, some had grilles . . .  there were even a  couple of tents up . .  but everyone was wrapped up warm (it's a cold cold night tonight) and hoping the alcohol jackets would kick in soon!!!


We walked along the river for ages looking at all the Blossoms and watching the boats on the river.  The River cruise is obviously very popular as there are loads of boats all lit up!

Oh, I forgot to mention . . . . outside our apartment we can see the Tokyo Sky Tree.

The Tokyo Sky Tree is the new communications tower in Japan and at 634 meters it is the tallest structure in Japan and the tallest tower in the world.  It was 'supposed' to have opened in March, but now it will open on May 22nd . .   so poo - I'll miss it!

So, after quite a long walk, it was back to the apartment for food (we hadn't eaten all day and we were starving!!).  The Tokyo extravaganza starts tomorrow . . . .  whooo hooo!!!  It's back to the Sensoji Shrine - one of my Tokyo favourites!!!

And finally . . . today - in celebration of is being Saturday night (and I'm not drinking my usual vodka with my brother and sister-in-law) and the fact that we overlook the Asahi Beer Hall, the blog has been brought to you by a can of Asahi Super Dry and a box of Almond Pocky!  A cracking combination!!!!!

So - until tomorrow  . . . .  love n hugs xxx