Well the good news is that they survived their fugu dinner last night, and from all accounts it was a wonderful experience. What was more dangerous and difficult than eating the fugu, at least for Mick, was getting into the room they had booked for the event.

He had to crawl in on his hands and knees after taking off his (remaining and last pair of) shoes. Why he went first is beside me! I was sent a video of the exit manoeuvres, but I’ll spare you that. Safe to say it was not ‘dignified’.

The fish were in an aquarium at the front of the restaurant and the diners were able to select which fish they wanted – within a certain degree of difficulty for the fisherman. (video – 6 seconds)

They ordered the 8 course ‘meal deal’ which included sashimi, boiled skin, hotpot and fried fugu, and obviously much more.

They all very much enjoyed the food and the experience, but I’m not game to ask how much that activity cost.

After such a feast, Mick and Bernie headed back to their hotel room to allow their dinner to settle, for Mick’s knees to recover, and to rest up for their final full day in Japan.

The pairs went their own way earlier this morning, and while Tom was a little worried about how Mick and Bernie would manage on their own, without WIFI and without any Japanese, they did not seem bothered at all.

It is obviously warmer in Tokyo as Mick has his sweater slung over his shoulders (you need to look right at the centre, back of the photo to spot them). But at least he was not wearing shorts. They were heading for the Imperial Palace, but they were a day late for the Emperor’s party. And by the looks of it, there was not another soul in sight.

Mick was very impressed by the statues they saw today – this one is of a famous Samurai Warrior.

His name was Kusunoki Masashige and he is known for helping the Emporer Go-Daigo return to power for a brief time.

Smithsonian Magazine

Then it was time for lunch and it was here that things became a little chaotic. The restaurant was very small, and perhaps it was really more like a cafe. The waitress could speak no English and they had no idea what they ate. It is a good thing they have cast iron stomachs!!

They caught a cab back to their hotel to have a little rest before their next activity.

Tom and Emma went in a totally different direction, adding lots of steps to their fancy watches, and seeing some quite different sites of Tokyo.

Surely those blossoms are not real!! But they do look amazing.

During the afternoon, all four travellers re-grouped and headed out to Kitchen Town (Kappabashi). It is a street in Tokyo which is almost entirely populated with shops supplying the restaurant trade.

Now this was obviously where Mick was going to spend some of that yen he had in his wallet. According to Tom, they all bought a few bits from the best knife shop in Tokyo. But he added that I needn’t worry, as Mick couldn’t find the knife with the handle he liked, so he only spent $100.

Mick’s version was a little different. But I do wish he would clean his camera lens – everything is always a little blurry!!

Obviously Tom had a wonderful time in this shop.

Mick said that the knife he was after was out of stock, but he bought some “lovely kitchen nick nacks which will be very nice”.

I am a little worried, as we have been quite earnest in our efforts to de-clutter before our big move into an inner-Brisbane apartment in a few months. Oh well – it is the thought that counts.

Tomorrow is their last (part) day in Tokyo before they fly back to Brisbane, but I am 100% confident I will get some good photos and material for what should be the final post for this journey. And my job will then be done.