When the holiday plans were being made, these guys did not realise they would be travelling across the country on a very significant public holiday.
On the 23 February 1960, (63 years ago) Emperor Naruhito was born. And each year, Japan celebrates this happy event by shutting shops and attractions and holding celebrations for the Emperor’s Birthday.
From what I read, this event is moveable in so far as it will change when Emperor Naruhito is replaced following his death.
Like with most holidays, some days are simply spent getting from one place to another.
By the time you get to the airport and then wait for the rituals of boarding before flying, then landing, and all that entails, a 95-minute flight has become almost a full day.
And that is what happened for these travellers.
But all did not go smoothly!!
The flight they were booked on had been overbooked.
When they arrived at the airport after their last train trip on this holiday, the airport was very busy – locals taking advantage of the public holiday I’m guessing. There were only two seats on the plane for the party of four. This time, those two seats were given to Mick and Bernie, and Tom and Emma offered to wait and see what happened next.
Luckily – two seats became available before departure. While not seated together, Emma and Tom happily boarded the plane (with Mick and Bernie) bound for Tokyo.
They will spend two nights at the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku, where they stayed at the start of their trip. According to Mick – this is the best hotel of their holiday.
Shinjuku City encompasses the buzzing clubs and karaoke rooms of neon-lit East Shinjuku and upscale hotel bars and restaurants in the Skyscraper District. Tokyo Metropolitan Building has a popular observation deck, and Mount Hakone rises over tranquil urban parkland.
Wikipedia
I’m not sure if karaoke is on the list of activities before they head home, but I do know they have a few ‘top things to do in Japan’ planned in the last 48 hours. They are off to a restaurant that specialises in fugu. I have to say I am not thrilled about this choice.
I did some research about eating this fish and was a bit less concerned once I saw the statistics. The preparation of fugu is strictly controlled by law in Japan. Only chefs with the recognised qualifications and experience are able to prepare it. And I certainly hope the chef that prepared theirs was having a good day.
During the afternoon they visited the famous shopping district of Ginza, which is packed with brand-name boutiques and fancy cocktail and sushi bars.
According to Tom, this is the top end of town, and while not meaning to be too disparaging towards Mick and Bernie – he thought they looked a little out of their comfort zone.
Before they headed out for dinner they had a drink in one of the hotel’s lobby bars.
I’ve mentioned earlier that I track Mick’s bags using an AirTag, and I also track his financial transactions.
Now before you get too concerned with me doing that – he has the capacity to do exactly the same with me and my financial transactions, but he chooses not to!! Learn how – that is!
Anyway, I noticed this morning that he had withdrawn just over $500 AUD – with less than 3 days to go. And based on his previous spending pattern in Japan, this was going to be hard to use. I didn’t want to judge, so I asked him if he thought he could spend it all before they left.
He very thoughtfully offered to buy me some towels like the ones in the hotels. He even sent me a photo of one.
He knows that I prefer small towels (ever since we hosted our Japanese exchange student who explained how they used towels in her home). It makes more sense to me.
But, I declined his offer and suggested he get himself something – perhaps a knife or two.
Mick now has an important task for their last full day in Tokyo tomorrow – to try and not be left with too many yen.
It is not a bad position to be in I guess. Perhaps he will shout dinner tomorrow night.
Jane and Mick's Holiday Adventures 