To start, I think this was pretty cool. We left Calgary Canada mid afternoon, chased the sunset across Alaska down to Japan & it was setting as we landed at about 4:30pm.
Here is the full gallery of photos
After chasing the sunset about 8000km landed at Narita, took the Skyliner to Nippori station and then the subway to Shinjuku station. The train systems are amazing & easy to use, even school kids use it without issue – so obviously I got lost in Shinjuku Station, I was down there for almost 30 minutes, thought I was going to be living there.
I got a hotel in Shinjuku at an APA, it was close to the Godzilla Head and seem to be in an interesting area – boy was it. It was right by the red light district of Shinjuku known as Kabukichō, it was a great choice, the area is pretty amazing! It’s safe, with lots of restaurants, bars & stores. I was hassled a bit at night by a certain group to go into bars, but aside from that its like walking around Times Square, but interesting.
First day in town, I had plans to knock off a few things, first was to walk down to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and check it out. On my way to the park I planned to see Hanazono Shrine. There are lots of shrines but they never get old to me.
On the way to the Park I came across the Samurai Museum Tokyo. I bought a ticket without question & went in. I was really lucky, was the only person in the time period I booked, so it was a 1 on 1 tour. The first part of the tour included lots of interesting information (some new things to me) and seeing actual Samurai Armor & weapons – see the full gallery of photos for them all. The second part of the tour was playing Ninja. I got to throw ninja stars & practice a Katana kata and actually learn proper blade technique.
After the museum I went to the Imperial Palace, it wasn’t open unfortunately so I only got to see the outside. Next up was the Graveyard of the 47 Ronin. The graveyard is in an active temple so there is plenty to see in the area. To visit the graves you buy a pack of lit incense and place them at each grave marker.
I was really looking forward to eating in Japan, so many amazing things to try. I actually didn’t get to eat nearly as much as I wanted, from restaurants being closed at the time, line ups or just out-right booked full. I’ve said before how much I loved the food in Peru, the reason food in Peru is so good is because of the Japanese who immigrated there.
I did a food tour in Tokyo, it was pretty fun, not only went to a few restaurants but walking around got some local information & colour from Will our guide. After the food tour, got a new tattoo piece on the arm of a Koi fish from Locos Tattoo. It’s a pretty amazing looking piece & I am so happy to have it.
Christmas night I went for Christmas dinner, found an amazing place Yoshida Sushi. It is an Omakase sushi place so you eat what was presented by the chef. I had a couple new things like Oyster (yes I know) & Monk fish liver during the appetizers.
I also went to ICHIRAN Shinjuku Kabukicho one morning for breakfast. This was a pretty interesting experience, you order at the entrance then get seated in the little booth, a little blind raises, you fill out a piece of paper … then your ramen is passed through.
And finally some random shots before I head off to Kyoto. I walked around Shinjuku a lot, its really nice, clean, people are courteous and a lot of interesting things to see.
