Tokyo, Kanto, JapanDay 1 in Japan
We landed in Tokyo at about 5:30am.
We were photographed and finger-printed and then allowed to pass through immigration. Our bags didn't take long to appear on the conveyor belt, and then we were out in the main area of the airport. Our first task was to procure 3-day passes for the metro/subway, and so I lined up in the long queue whilst Michael tried to work out the best way to get into the city. Before setting off, we visited the toilets -- I was impressed with the automatic flushing system as well as the touch-button operating system for washing one's rear end and then blowing warm air on it to dry it! Some cubicles also had inside them a fold-up baby's seat mounted to the wall -- what a sensible idea in situations where there isn't enough room to build a cubicle large enough for a mother to take the stroller in with her!
Unfortunately, the woman at the information desk must have thought that Michael was asking for directions to Asakusa, rather than Akasaka. When she 'repeated' the name, Michael assumed she was correct. He'd actually started off with the correct destination name of Akasaka, and didn't realise that the woman had misheard him.
When we disembarked the train at the station where the woman had advised Michael we should change trains, we were unable to find a subway station. I approached a middle-aged Japanese businessman who looked as though he might be able to assist us. Sure enough, he spoke English, and proved a lot more helpful than the officer in the information office. He managed to ascertain from the officer that we should catch another train to the next stop and from there we'd be able to connect with the subway. Of course, we insisted on walking, much to the man's surprise. He advised that it would take us a good half an hour, but we were not deterred. Off we set, eventually locating the subway station after 30-40 minutes of walking along the main road. Fortunately, now and again, we came across maps of the local area, and so were able to ascertain that we were on the right track. Finally, at Mita Station we activated our passes and found our way to Akasaka, the area where Hotel The B is located.
The walk up the steep hill from the station was quite strenuous.
(Thankfully, we have since discovered a short cut up a long flight of stairs, but these would have been very difficult to manage with our trolley bags.) As check-in is 3pm, we changed our clothes and then left our bags with the reception staff. I put on sunscreen and my broad-brimmed hat, and we set off on a long walk to visit Ricardo, a friend of Michael's who studied architecture with him. We passed through residential areas, business districts and shopping areas. The buildings are mostly high rise with very few garden areas and trees. It took us 1 hour and 40 minutes to find our way to Ricardo's house, aided by Google Maps on my iPad). The weather was hot and humid, but thankfully it was mostly overcast, otherwise it would have been much more unpleasant.
We were greeted by Ricardo and his Japanese wife Atsuka and their 16-month-old triplets -- three little boys who were very friendly and very cute. Their house, designed by Ricardo is located in a quiet residential area with narrow streets (almost laneways) and little traffic.
We were given a tour of their 4-storey house (+ roof area) -- I was most impressed by their toilet -- not only was the seat heated, but when I walked into the bathroom, the lid automatically opened! I was also able to wash my rear end, choosing the direction of the water, the temperature, etc.!
After some nibbles and wine, Ricardo and Atsuka took us for lunch at a nearby traditional Japanese soba noodle restaurant where we indulged in a range of healthy and tasty Japanese dishes. We learned much about the Japanese culture and the life of an expat in Japan, and could have talked for a few more hours, but we had arranged to met one of our Japanese exchange students (from 18 years ago) at 4pm. We headed back to the house, past a local Shinto shrine, collected our bags, and then Ricardo walked us to the nearby railway station.
We soon discovered that our passes didn't cover this section of the line, and that we either had to pay about $15 each or walk to the next stop (where the subway line began). The road that led directly to the station in question was completely walled of as it is being reconstructed, and so we had to wind our way through the adjacent streets, checking periodically with the GPS on my iPad to make sure we were staying close to the direct route. It took about 20 minutes to reach the station, and then we were finally on our way. I was able to login to the wifi and send a message to Eri to let her know that we'd been held up, but would be there soon.
We climbed the long flight of stairs up from the station, and arrived at our hotel just 2 minutes after the designated meeting time. And there was Eri, grinning from ear to ear! We had last seen her when she was 15 years old, and she was still the bright, vivacious, cheerful and lovely young woman we remembered!
After finding our tiny hotel room and freshening up a little, we headed off with Eri to explore the Ginza area of Tokyo. We caught the subway, emerging into an area not dissimilar to Times Square in New York -- lots of tall buildings, flashing lights, expensive shops, etc. We strolled through the streets for a while, but with Michael looking a bit like a zombie (the lack of sleep had caught up with him!), we found somewhere to stop for a drink. Eri and I chatted incessantly whilst Michael struggled to stay awake.
Eri then took us back to the area near our hotel (a business area where she actually works as a sales manager) and took us to a traditional Japanese restaurant where she ordered a whole lot of different foods that were cooked in front of us.
Whilst the barbecued chicken livers were not my favourite, I can't say that the barbecued chicken sternums were much better! However, I really enjoyed the other cooked meats and delicacies. After a great feed, Eri walked us back to our hotel, happy to head home on her own (an hour away be train), reassuring us that Tokyo is an extremely safe city, even for a woman on her own at 3 or 4 in the morning!
It had been so lovely to catch up with Eri, and to learn all about her life. She confirmed what Ricardo had told us -- that Japanese men usually seek to partner up with women who earn less than they do, and certainly whose jobs are of a lower status than their own! Eri would love to marry and have children, but the men she meets at work don't tend to approach her as they see her as more superior in status. We hope she finds someone in the near future -- whoever he is will be a lucky man!
ian.watson
2016-07-24
Well, that was a very busy and eventful first day. I am glad to have met Ricardo, Atsuka and Eri. You certainly had a day full of exercise and social catching up with your friends in Japan. I feel envious and cannot wait until we in Australia enjoy the luxury of temperature controlled toilet water and warm air in toilets!
Tom Allen
2016-07-24
Well Hi from Asakusa! It seems I spoke with the same woman at the info desk.
She said "A-so... you travel with Mik san..." and gave me the directions...
I KNEW you would love the toilets Mel. Such a significant part of the cultural experience that Japan offers.
As for Eri, perhaps she might meet my son Nicholas. Nick has an apartment that he shares with another pilot. The down side is, well, being an airline pilot, he's away a lot.
I hope to catch up to the bus soon and look forward to seeing you. "Bus-u-wa do-ko des-ka?"
deebarr57@gmail.com
2016-07-25
Looking forward to enjoying your journey with you Merrilly!
melandmic
2016-07-25
Oh dear! I just discovered that I'd somehow wiped my entry from Day 1. Fortunately, Travel Pod emailed me with a back-up, as they had picked up that the entry had been deleted, and so I've managed to republish it.
Thank you to all who have commented - it's great to have you on board the bus!
OK, Tom -- we'll have to get Eri and Nicholas together...except I think she's a few years older -- is that another contraindication in Japanese culture? (Not that Eri would mind.)
Yes - I'm loving sitting on the warm toilet seat first thing in the morning - I want one at home!
Tom Allen
2016-07-25
Nick has no problem with older women... but would she mind the absences?
Did you translate my fonetic schoolboy japanese?
melandmic
2016-07-25
Tom, I think you'd better translate for us...I learnt a little Japanese from our 3 exchange students 18 years or so ago, but not enough to know what you trying to say!
So how old is Nicholas now? Eri travels a bit herself, and is very independent, and s I'm sure she could cope with a pilot as a partner.
Tracy Neldner
2016-07-28
Hey there Tom - I too have been running late for the bus but now I'm on board catching up. Not so sure about the toilets & the chicken livers think might give some of the food delicacies when were are there.