In June 2015 I spent just over 2 weeks in Japan. 5 days in Tokyo, 5 days in Kyoto and 5 days in Osaka. I’ll post pictures of my trip here as I get around to editing them.
TOKYO
I stayed at the excellent Hilton Hotel in Shinjuku where I experienced my first (and thankfully only) earthquake! I had just arrived, checked in and went to a nearby 7-11 for instant ramen and a can of black coffee (sometimes I opt for cheap meals when travelling). At first, I thought a large truck was passing too close to the shop but then noticed merchandise falling off the shelves. I wasn’t too worried until the shop assistant started screaming and crying! It was 7.6 on the Richter scale and miles out to sea. Couldn’t get back into the hotel until the lift shaft was checked for alignment. Jet-lagged and cranky, I boiled the kettle, ate my cheap ramen and made it to bed.
The next day I walked to Harajuku and enjoyed watching people near Meiji Park.
At night, I walked through Kabukicho to go to the Robot Restaurant. It was the most surreal and enjoyable experience I’ve ever had.
Mt FUJI
Next, I took a day trip to see Mt Fuji and Hakone where I was to expect the following –
Avoid the stress of navigating and soak up the vistas as you travel to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station. Should the skies be clear, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji.
“Should the skies be clear” – the skies were decidedly not clear so I didn’t get any good pictures but I did have the best meal on the trip though! BTW, I have had some bad luck visiting big once-in-a-lifetime destinations. When I visited the Grand Canyon there was backburning happening so it was super smoky 🙁
TOKYO
Back to Tokyo where I wandered the streets in