Our last day in Tokyo and we just had to go back to Harajuku to buy some gifts for people and some sneakers. At the entrance to Harajuku under the Teakeshita(!) sign I managed to flatter a lady by asking if…
Day 8 – Tokyo
Since we missed our chance to get up high the day before at the Tokyo Skytree we thought we would try the free view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (aka Tokyo City Hall). But before we did that, I needed a…
Day 7 – Tokyo
Started the day around the corner from our hotel with some Segafredo coffee and croissants, which was ok, but the thing that sucks about Japanese cafes is also what makes them authentic – it’s still ok to smoke in them.…
Day 6 – Hakone to Tokyo
Woke up to a beautiful sunrise out the window, we ate breakfast in our private dining room and then squeezed every last moment we could of the spa in the room before checking out. Instead of taking the van back…
Day 5 – Osaka to Hakone
A nice breakfast in the Swissotel Club lounge, which included sausages and tomatoes. Then we were back on the Shinkansen heading for Odawara, which was a transfer station to get us to Hakone. On the train we encountered some…
Day 4 – Kyoto to Osaka
Knowing that we were leaving Kyoto for Osaka later in the day, we got up early, had breakfast, checked out but left our bags at the hotel and headed for the train station. We weren’t heading for a bullet train,…
Day 3 – Kyoto
Today we had decided to attempt Japan Guide’s Eastern Kyoto’s Full Day Itinerary. But before heading out we went down for our free breakfast at the Ibis which was our first look at the types of items on offer at…
Day 2 – Tokyo to Kyoto
Sleep came easily at the Courtyard by Marriott near Tokyo Station, but we knew it had only been a short stay when the guy who checked us in also checked us out. It takes about three and a half hours…
Day 1 – Sydney to Tokyo via Brisbane
I have flown a lot of flights in my lifetime (especially in the past four years) and nearly every time in has been in economy. Walking past the business seats seems to emphasise how tiny the cramped seats and you…
Day 6 – Montreal to Ottawa
Another awesome continental breakfast at Le Petit Montreal and then we checked out of the hotel, making use of the valet option given that it is so expensive in Australia and a real treat for us. Claire and I don’t…