Choose another map, showing:

• Honshu
• Japan
• Asia
• Eurasia, Africa & Pacific
• The World

Other entries in Tokyo

In a different league.

Japan is VERY far away. Took us close to 23 hours traveling to get here, but let me tell you it was worth every minute! The worst part wasn't the fact we couldn't sleep on the flight, or the hours of waiting around, but the bloody polyester pillows and blankets you have to cover yourself with, arrghhhhh! I was supercharged by the time I arrived in Japan, every time I moved, I went 'tzzzzzzzz'. My hair was like something from a 'before' picture on a hair ad.

So our hotel. Wow! We didn't want to wait around for the limousine bus from the airport to our hotel, so we decided to go it alone on the subway from Tokyo Central. An hour later we made it to the 'Tokyo Park Hotel' after navigating the warrens of tunnels and overpasses - there is not just one rail system, but 3, all interconnecting, it's like nothing I've ever seen before. The hotel lobby is on the 25th story, and the rooms are on floors 26-32. Our room is small but perfectly formed and the view from our room is breathtaking. We can see Mount Fuji from the lobby! We even have a fancy electric toilet with a heated seat - so no matter what time you go, day or night, it's like someone has been there right before you!!!  There are buttons on it too for bidet and shower function. Great stuff!

 The Japanese people are in a completely different league - the first thing that struck us was how perfectly groomed they are - their manners are impeccable, they're classy and sophisticated, and they go out of their way to show respect to their elders and to their co-workers. They're very eager to please. It's hard to get used to the bowing (even the luggage guys in the bus station bow in unison as the bus pulls away), and two-handed giving and receiving, but it's a far cry from home. The majority of the men in the city wear sharp black suits, and the women are very well presented all the time with high heels, matching leather/designer handbags, and conservative suits. No jeans, tracksuit bottoms or even casual trousers. In fact, I don't think I've seen any one look less than smart the whole time I've been here. Can you imagine how out of place we felt on the train with combats, dusty rucksacks and 2 sweaty heads!? But of course, they're too polite to stare!!!!  

So after a badly needed and best ever shower (we avoided taking a nap and decided to 'power through'), we headed out to hit Yodabashi camera store in Shinjuku to buy a new camera - it has to be the biggest camera place I've ever seen, and we managed to pick up a small Canon for about 100 quid less than home.  Our first meal was a takeaway sushi-box from a small restaurant in the Station which we ate on the side of the street (see, we can be classy too!). 8 pieces of melt-in-the-mouth fish for less than a fiver. Fabulous. Dinner was in a Tempura restaurant - just delicious. And to be honest, I don't think this place is as expensive as everyone makes it out to be - sure you can spend silly money if you like but we're getting meals for less than we do at home, and the food is WAY better! 

About 9pm, I stared to fade very quickly and my body was ceasing to function, I couldn't even speak, and Kenny was having a good laugh at me. I hardly remember getting into bed but got the best 12 hours sleep ever! I even got lovely japanese nightwear in the hotel to wear so felt right at home!

Pics to follow - we haven't quite worked out how to use the Mac! 

Photos / videos of "In a different league. ":