Right. I'm in Tokyo. Which means now is the time to put in any requests for interesting (or even dull) stuff from Japan*. I will be staying in Tokyo for the next ten nights before flying out on the 25th, so that's how long you've got (remember I'll need time to find it though).
So I came into Tokyo today on the Tubo line from Nikko, meaning I arrived at Asakusa station, somewhere in a north-easterly part of Tokyo. It was a bit daunting at first, then I got some food and quickly cheered up, realising that there isn't really any problem. It's no harder than any other Japanese city I've been in and I've managed alright with all the others up to now. I'm still in the same general area, having visited (briefly) the temple here and done a few other random bits and pieces.
I haven't got anywhere booked to stay tonight, but I'm planning to try a capsule hotel near here as I think it should be interesting to try. After that I've booked into a nearby hotel for the follwoing seven nights that gets me through most of my stay here in Tokyo even if it is a bit more expensive than I'd planned for.
Not sure what I'm planning to do with my time in Tokyo. Probably spend a fair amount of a time wondering around in a vague daze.
Oh well. Haven't done much today really, so there isn't a lot to tell you about. This place is in a good location near where I'll be staying for the next few days though and is quite nice and not too expensive so you'll probably be getting fairly regular updates till I get back.
* - I reserve the right to reffuse anything for any reason whatsoever including but not limited too:
1) Too hard to find
2) Too hard to explain at customs
3) Too expensive
4) Just can't be bothered
Hope the capsule hotel is good, try not to bang your head on the ceiling too much. Obviously i will have to think long and hard about my requests. Some Japanese tea would be nice but you'll have to make sure it's labelled clearly, don't want you arrested for drug smuggling now. I just thought (though it's a bit late now) you should do something like that You Call the Shots programme. People make reccomendations about where you should go and you try them out. My suggestion is to visit the parasite museum (lovely), the address is 4-1-1 Shimo-Meguro, Meguro-ku (3716 1264). Actually i got this from a guardian article that lists 10 things to do in Tokyo. The web address is http://travel.guardian.co.uk/cities/story/0,7450,423663,00.html
if you want to have a look. Sorry, very long post. Bye Bye.
The architecture critic in the Observer this weekend was enthusing about the new Prada store in Tokyo, designed by the people who did Tate Modern. You could have a look if you're around that way (far too expensive to buy anything but it is a shop so I suppose you could wander around). Apparently it's a five-sided glass tower plus a curtain wall with moss growing out of it. On Omotesando, which it says here is the equivalent to London's Bond Street.
Posted by: graham at June 16, 2003 07:50 AMHi Thomas! Just catching up with all your news after a week away in the Isles of Scilly (NOT quite as exotic as your travels!) and then a busy time here with the Bedford Park Festival. Helena and William have been mightily involved with performing musicals; photographic competition (Helena)and a Harry Potter event. Your adventures all sound to have been marvellous - hope you have taken abundant photos. and I'm glad to hear you're ending up in Tokyo for a few final days. We're all looking forward to seeing you - not too long now! and have loads of questions to ask. So: have a terrific last few days before returning to the West.
Love from us all, Pam and Andrew, Helena and William.