Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is large - 12+ million people large. Two more heads were added when we arrived on August 12th - our first port of call. After nearly 24 hours of travel, 'twas immediately off to the hotel and bed.

Devin in our large hotel room in Tokyo - 'New Koyo Hotel'

Relatively refreshed, we took to the streets...via subway and foot....finding our first 'Japanese meal' (most likely Japanese fast food), visiting the Tourist Information Centre (twice) to figure out our route / lodging (in Japan it is expected to book in advance...), and wandering (which Emily does well) about in general.

Two women at the Tourist Information Centre helping us book lodging - each working on a different city.

They were amazing!

Old vs New: The moat around the Imperial Palace and Tokyo

(NOTE: No camping on Palace grounds.)

Bridge over moat surrounding the Palace.

I got a fever...and the only cure is a big Sapporo.

Delicious! Sashimi fresh from the Tsukiji Market.

(Largest fish market in the world - we didn't see it. Boo. Next time.)




Night lights.

Initial observations:

a) Tokyo is CLEAN - seriously, 'eat dinner off the sidewalk' clean.

b) Public transport (trains / subway) kick big ass.

c) The city is sleepy... Two jeg-lagged early risers had Tokyo to themselves until 9am.

d) Coffee is expensive: ~$6 for a regular cup.

e) Beer is available in vending machines....and it's perfectly acceptable to consume on any train.

f) Neon.

We realize that it is hard to get a feel for one of the biggest cities in the world after only a day and a half... Next time.