Visiting Japan wasn’t on the agenda for this travel bingo card but I couldn’t pass up the chance to meet two of Sligo’s finest.
Go on holiday
While already travelling
Ah yeah, sure why not?
30 Minutes Over Tokyo – one of the last enjoyable episodes imo
The Journey
Contrary to popular my belief, Japan isn’t that close to Vietnam, and there was no direct flight from Da Nang. However I did get to briefly return to South Korea, almost a year to the day from when I was over for Luke and Bora’s incredible wedding.
Da Nang airport is just 10 mins from the city by taxi and it’s a handy airport to get through so the whole process was grand. Layover in Seoul before another flight over to Tokyo Narita – all overnight so I slept well. So a much smoother journey than those I was planning to meet over here!
Got in to Shinjuku station and stroled up to the hostel. Didn’t have jetlag or anything but had an early morning so had an early night.
Settling into Shinjuku
Had one of my trademark action-packed Saturdays (which is almost always followed by a lazy-day Sunday)!
First I got the train out to one of the many Tokyo Parkruns – my first in Asia. A beautiful spring morning for it with the cherry blossoms in the park. Bumped into a lad from Galway there and all!
After a shower I went exploring Shinjuku. The hostel was close by to one of the main fun areas, although Tokyo is huge so there are a bunch of these. Hadn’t really looked up a whole pile of things beforehand so it was some shock seeing the massive Godzilla head that adorns to hero image of this post.
From here I strolled over to the observation deck of the government buildings – free in and some great views of an expansive city.
Back to the hostel to put my feet up for a bit when a friend I met in Vietnam put me in touch with his friend who was in Japan. So popped along to a cool metal bar and drinks and craic was had. You bought a drink then got to pick a song – thousands of CDs in the pub and the barperson woudl come back with the album. Was loving it!
Sakura Season
Sunday was indeed a lazy day, but I did get down to the nearby park before it closed for a lovely lap and take in the cherry blossoms. I’ve touched on that more in the Sakura Season post.
Popped across to a sports bar in the evening to see Liverpool lose their second game of the season but had another big day on Monday so had an early one.
Mt Fuji
Booked a day tour to Mt Fuji using Klook. It left from Shinjuku station and – despite my early night - I slept in so had to rush down to catch the bus. It’s about 2 hours away. Despite being a clear day, Fuji itself was pretty cloudy. Winter is the best time to visit for the views, and summer is good as you can hike up it. But I was still blown away by it to be honest.
Our first stop was the lake, where Fuji was particularly “shy”, as our lovely tour guide described it. Next we drove around to a traditional village, where Fuji emerged briefly, a class moment. Final destination was a massive shopping centre – not really my thing – but to my absolute surprise and delight, an alternative option was a hot spring bath. So I just perched there for over an hour!
Catch-Up & Craic
After arriving back into Tokyo I met up with Tinney & Foley who had arrived from Kyoto. This gave me an opportunity to try the Shibuya scramble crossing, a social media dream! We all got the train over to the other side of the city, Sumida, where we were staying. Then did what Irish people who haven’t seen each other in a few months do best, had a few pints!
In one of the bars we met a friendly American who joined us for karaoke – the videos never to be watched again! A late, great, night. Some hungover days followed.
The next day we checked out the amusement areas which was fun. The maid cafes were contemplated but didn’t bother in the end. Some tasty gyoza and a couple of pints had although and early night for them as they were go-karting in the morning. Looks like great craic, and definitely something to do next time!
”We Want a Catcher, Not a Belly Scratcher”
On Wednesday we got the train down to nearby city Yokohama for a baseball game. My first time at one – good fun!
Lots of asking Cormac the rules and what was going on but seen a few home runs so that was good. I think the highlight for myself and Aisling was the steamed American “commentator” behind us.
Skytree
Our final touristy thing came on Thursday, up the Tokyo Skytree. After some initial confusion on where the entrance is we made it up to the top. Cool views again, this time from the night.
Said our goodbyes at the bottom of the tower as we both depart the next day. So great to see them, and to think they came all the way over here just to see me! (Forgiveness please).
Sayonara
Left my capsule hostel bed and made my way to Narita airport on a crowded train. Passed by tons of souvenir shops, selling everything from Dragonball A to Dragonball Z – alas, I travelled light so couldn’t get any gifts (oh no).
Unfortunately I strained something in my chest prior to the visit so wasn’t in the best of form – having to munch on painkillers throughout – and tt the time I felt I didn’t make the most of things, but reflecting on it I did a lot and it was a brilliant week. That being said, I know there’s so much more of Japan to see, and I look forward to retuning one day.
DavAI SummAIriser
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