Third Time's a Charm - The Idiot Returns to Japan

[Noel Mugavin]

Last day of my JR Pass and last ride on the shinkansen down to Tokyo.
Off at Ueno, bags in a locker, and out into a glorious sunny day.














Back on the train and a stop at Takanawa Gatreway. Lot of construction going on

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Short walk and I was at Sengakuji Temple, and the graves of the 47 Ronin












Walked up to Shinagawa Station, then on the train to Shibuya


On the trail of a ticket counter to check out a baseball game the following night. Followed instructions, but no ticket counter. No biggie.
Walked through Shibuya and Yoyogi Park on my way to Shinjuku

 

[Noel Mugavin]

What's left of the old Harajuku Station building.


Drive by of Takeshita Street

Walked the back streets to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, looking to get some views of the city. Line was way too long, so back on the Yamanote Line, picked up my bags then on to Asakusa and my hotel



Prostyle Ryokan

Semi outside bath



Balcony and a partial view of the Sumida River

Relaxed, had a soak, early dinner from Cocos Curry, then a wander.
This poor bugger was knackered

View from the Asakusa Tourist Information Centre

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Strolled down Nakimase Street



Headed to the Asakusa View Hotel to organise an Airport Limosuine ticket for use in a couple of days. Love the art on the shop rollers.









Walked to Ueno Station, jumped on the Yamanote Line and had another crack at the Metropolitan Building. No line, no decent shots either.

Omoide Yokocho, next to Shinjuku Station and also known as Piss Alley

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Through the train line underpass on my way to Golden Gai




Way too crowded in Golden Gai to get any decent photos. Much prefer it when I've been there in winter with few people around.
Walked back to the station through Kabukicho




Piss Alley again

Near the Ginza Line platform at Ueno

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Nakamise Street a lot more enjoyable with no one there.








Tokyo Tower shot on the way to the hotel

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Last full day, early start, and a visit to tsukiji outer market.
Rest area at the ryokan

Buddhist temple near the market













My plan was to go to Yasakuni Shrine to see what all the fuss was about. First train was fine, then walking to the platform for the transfer, knew there would be trouble when I sighted the dreaded white gloved ushers on the platform. Train came in, and a big no for me, absolute sardines.
Plan B, back to Ueno and have a look at Ameyoko Shopping Street.
Too early for much going on here.
Strolled back to Asakusa, and Nakimase was just waking up

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Went to the local Don Quijote to pick up some omiyage, then strolled back to the ryokan.


Picked up a ticket for the Skytree from the Ryokan and a shortish 15 minute stroll had me there. No waiting, straight in and straight up.






Not the clearest of days, so no Fuji

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Treated myself to a pair of Onitsuka Tigers from the shopping centre at the base of the tower, then headed back to the hotel.
Flying carp being string up across the river



Late afternoon jumped on the Ginza Line down to Shubuya. Updated terminal.





Dinner at an olden era themed yakitori place.





Headed to Uniqlo and picked up some socks, jocks, shirt and jumper. Long travel day ahead the next day and just makes me feel a bit fresher with new gear on.
Walked through Shubuya and up to Omotesando Street.


Jumped on a train and strolled through Roppongi

 

[Noel Mugavin]

A nice surprise appeared





A last stop at Tokyo Station for some night shots, then back for a last sleep

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Early morning walk to the Asakusa View Hotel Limo Bus pick-up, and a deserted Asakusa.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Plenty of room, bus only got to about a third full after the 4 or 5 pick-ups.
Advertised as an 80 minute journey, and loyal to Japanese efficiency, it was an 80 minute journey.


Quite busy in in the termnal, and I stupidly joined the end of a rather long line. Took me about 10 minutes to realise that it was the security line, and I probably needed to check my bag in with the airline first.
Attempted to check in at the DIY kiosk, however that was a no go. So in to line I went, and an hour later I was checked in. Aisle seat confirmed, asked about the Singapore - Perth leg, and sorry only a window seat available. That put me in a bit of a downer, was sure I pre-booked an aisle seat. Consoled myself that it was only a hour and a half hour flight, so suck it up.
Security didn't take long at all; the line was about a quarter of what it was an hour ago.
Through to airside, and not much on offer at Haneda to get rid of your yen. Not much open at all, did manage a coffee, and from a severely stock-depleted 711, an egg sandwich and some chocolate bars to get rid of some coin.
JAL flight boarding was by bus out to the plane, and while seated and putting my passport and boarding pass in my bag, noticed on my boarding pass for my Singapore to Perth flight, the letter J, and the seat 5K. You beauty, my upgrade had come through and the mystery of my aisle seat booking was solved. More upbeat now, quick conversation with my Japanese seat mate who had gone to uni in Sydney, plenty of room in the 787, 2 - 4 - 2, and the roomiest toilet I've seen on a plane.
Flight passed uneventfully, was a quick transfer to my Qantas flight, and I was closer to home.






Spruiking the new Onitsuke Tigers

 

[Noel Mugavin]

2000's style amenity kit bag

Some spotting as we made our way out of Singapore










4 and a half hours went by quite quickly, watched a couple of movies.
Entree was a Thai salad, wasn't great. Ordered a beef curry for mains, as meals were being served, message from the coughpit all to be seated re turbulence coming up. A fish dish was placed on my table as the flight attendant ruched to it down. About 20 minutes later, after crew were able to move around, the attendant noticed I hadn't touched the fish. Asked me if it was what I ordered, let her know that it wasn't. I wasn't too fussed to be honest. Attendant came back a few minutes with the curry, apologising profusely, let her know it was no big deal and I wasn't all that concerned. Curry was okay.
Landed on time, bags out quickly, ubered home and first overseas trip in 3 years was done.

Did enjoy this trip, albeit a different one away from the major cities that my previous 2 trips centred around. Driving was relatively easy, although I'm not sure that I would want to drive in any of the cities. Mask wearing was at around 90% tourist numbers were quite low, apart from Shinjuku. A definite absence of Chinese tourists, however a tourists from the subcontinent were well represented. Tohoku definitely well worth a visit, as is Wakayama.
Anyone thinking of having a crack at the Shimanami Kaido - do it. There's nothing hard about the ride - no huge hills, little traffic and always close to food, drink and shelter.

That's it for me until a coupe of months when I'm off to South Korea - more of a challenge on the bike this time - Cross Country Path Incheon - Busan

 

[love_the_life]

A nice surprise appeared
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A last stop at Tokyo Station for some night shots, then back for a last sleep
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We often stay at the Tokyo Station Hotel - has a certain ambience. Sadly haven't been back for a few years.

 

[RB]

Thanks for another entertaining report. Looking forward to reading about your Korean adventures

 

[craven morehead]

Really enjoyed following this TR. Many thanks for making the effort Hopefully heading over there in August