Back To Tokyo

And so, back to Tokyo, via the obligatory Shinkansen - passing a bright and snow capped Fuji-san, for a few days before returning home.

I switched location from Akihabara to the more sedate and relaxed Shinjuku - still a busy part of the town, but not quite as mad and full on. After spending 3 1/2 weeks travelling, and walking (according to Google Maps) 103 miles, I needed a rest and so most of the first day was spend in the Onsen, or watching incomprehensible TV which was therapeutic.

Had lunch with an old (ie: long standing) friend, and then revisited the Meiji-Jingu , one of the better and more populated shrines in the metropolitan area.

I then discovered Asakusa! - a bustling, touristy , food and trinket emporium , with a very well preserved Buddhist temple. Lots of people, tourists and locals alike, come here in traditional dress for pictures and I would say that I'd probably base myself here, when I come back. Very close by is Kappabashi Dougu street, from which it is possible to get artisan made cookware and knives, some of which are eye wateringly beautiful, with matching prices!

And then a quick return to the obligatory Shibuya, past packed Pachinko parlours, for a back-street dinner and to capture the bright lights and action of this captivating city.

All of this is much more relaxing, in hindsight, because having been to Tokyo before , I didn't have to be 'thinking about things' all of the time which also meant that the fatigue mentioned in Nagoya had gone , so the camera came out again!

A great finish to an amazing trip!