After another leisurely breakfast, we checked out of Zen and set off to Tokyo.
Arriving in Tokyo in the Shinjuku District (think Piccadilly Circus meets the red light district meets Roger Rabbit Toon Town) it was evident immediately that all Zen had been hopelessly lost. It’s a visually busy, bustling area and a far cry from our Osaka castle in the sky.
After checking in to our hotel (which is famous for the giant Godzilla statue which towers over it’s rooftop bar) we ditched the bags and zipped North across Tokyo to Asakusa. We arrived at the Sensoji Temple with 4 minutes to spare before closing!! Cutting it a little too fine, we were both quite stressed and exhausted but we did manage to grab a few snaps before it closed for the night.
What better way to relax then to hire another local to take us on an evening rickshaw tour around the area. Our guide Daichi didn’t quite have the same amazing calves as Gucci (owing to the lack of hills on the Asakusa tour) but he was equally insightful.
We visited Racoon alley, saw a statue of Rat Boy (the Japanese equivalent to Robin Hood), visited the oldest temple in Tokyo, the Geisha district, entertainment district and the oldest theme park in the world - but there was no way on earth we’d consider going on those rusty old theme park rides - eeek!
After the rickshaw we wondered around the area which was lit by prettty paper lanterns, grabed a quick Starbucks and headed back to Shinjuku for a nightcap.
We are now packed and ready to come home. Let’s hope Godzilla doesn’t spring to life in the night and eat the hotel!!!
- Hippie -
p.s. pictures will follow tomorrow.