📸 It was 23C and very sunny today, so we (and most of Tokyo it seems) headed to Shinjuku Gyoen for a walk in the sunshine. Such a lovely, peaceful spot in the heart of an always-on city. I’m no botanist, but I was surprised to see several trees with fresh blossoms. Confused by the weather?
📸 I took this on my walk home in the early hours of this morning. Or the late hours? All I know is that it was after 4am, Shinjuku was still busy, and this sign seemed to burn through the darkness.
😱 It’s 4:40am here in Tokyo and I’m finally crawling into my hotel bed. Had a great night but it wouldn’t be complete without a late visit to 7-11 for an egg mayo sando for the walk home. And now, hopefully, some sleep.
🏳️🌈🍺 I once again (shocked face) find myself in a Tokyo gay bar. Where (honest face) the staff have never met me, don’t know my name, or anticipate my drinks order… 😉
👟 The very advantageous Yen/Pound exchange rate has made it almost impossible to resist some bargains while visiting this time.
Case in point: AllBirds shoes. Massively cheaper here anyway, plus a great exchange rate and tax-free shopping make for some easy purchasing decisions.
📸 Another quick snap from one of our very long walks across Tokyo this week. This one taken in Ginza, yesterday. I love how this charming building seems snuggled under a massive, ugly flyover.
🍜 Went for an incredible lunch of delicious ramen at Ippudo in Ginza this afternoon. It was everything I’d hoped for and really helped my recovery from last night!
The Muji store in Ginza is my spiritual home and I want my ashes scattered here. It also seems to be the only place in Japan not currently playing Christmas music. Hashtag grateful.
🍺 I’m ever so slightly wrecked this morning. But last night was so much fun, I have no regrets. Off to Ginza later, for some shopping. And possibly (yet another) evening bar-hopping in Shinjuku Ni-Chome.
Back to the hotel at just after 3am. A whopper of a night out in Shinjuku Ni-Chome. I’m full of excellent Vietnamese food and Japanese beer. May need a Power Nap at some point tomorrow afternoon…
Heading out for a wander on our favourite Tokyo walk: Shinjuku to Shibuya, via Yoyogi Park and Harajuku.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 →
✈️ All settled in to our favourite ever hotel: the Hilton Tokyo. Got our usual room and unpacked before coming up to the executive lounge for some refreshments. As ever, enjoying the view is a big part of the experience. The sunsets from this lounge are often incredible.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 →
✈️ Made it to Tokyo! Now on the train to Shinagawa, then on to Shinjuku and a short walk to our hotel. And guys? The sun is shining ☀️☀️☀️
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 →
✈️ Our plane for the flight to Tokyo is being prepped. And conveniently, at a very nearby gate.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 →
✈️ The Japan Airlines Lounge at Itami is such an oasis of calm and silence. Basically the opposite of every other airline lounge I’ve visited. No mobile phone calls, no annoying notifications. No shouting or loud announcements. Peaceful. Everyone being a respectful grownup.
Paradise.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 →
✈️ Enjoying a cold drink in the Japan Airlines Lounge at Osaka Itami airport. Check-in and security so, so smooth.
Next stop: Tokyo Haneda.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 →
☀️ Good morning! A very early start - especially given last night’s fun - to get ready for our flight to Tokyo. Plus a final hotel breakfast and bus to Itami airport. Looks like the weather is going to be nice in Tokyo for at least a couple of days. Can’t wait to be there again. 🗼
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 →
📸 Back to our hotel after another great night out in Osaka. Big thanks to the crew at Eagle Osaka! Would have been even later but we have a flight to catch tomorrow morning. And then, Tokyo!!!
But for now, this little hobbit needs some sleep. Good night from Japan.
📸 A very good evening from Osaka. Heading out for our final evening here. Tomorrow: Tokyo!
♨️ Off to the onsen again for another couple of hours of soaking and sweating. The weather in Osaka is phenomenal today, so I’ll be out on the rooftop baths to catch some sun. ☀️