Category: Japan

Weather was good today, dry and sunny. Tom and Mel went for a run about 9:30 whilst Les had shower and went to Starbucks. We walked through the Omicho fish market (大見長) and then onto Kanazawa Castle (金沢城). Lots going on there so busy but went into castle which was very interesting. No shoes allowed – the castle has been renovated as it would have been long ago. Went for lunch in town, passing through an area where Koinobori/Children’s day events were taking place. Then we walked to Kenroken Gardens (兼六園) – beautiful Japanese gardens – very peaceful despite lots of people. Lots of photo opportunities. Big pond with huge Coi carp, Kanazawa lanterns, plum trees, irises but not yet in bloom, large bonsai type trees, fountains, tea houses and more. Went back to hotel on bus and then to Tom’s via Starbucks at the station to try wifi again but no luck. Went to supermarket and Tom managed to get some ibuprofen for Les – his Japanese is amazing! Tom cooked spaghetti bolognese for us which was excellent then he went to watch football with friends and we caught the bus from the station back to the hotel.

Day 9 Tokyo (東京) to Kanazawa (金沢): Friday 4 May

Left hotel in Tokyo late morning and caught train to Tokyo station (東京駅). Bought tickets for train journey to Kanazawa (金沢). Got the bullet train/shinkansen (新幹線) to Maibara (米原) And then an express to Kanazawa. Arrived about 5 pm and caught bus to the Sky Hotel. Checked in and Tom went off to his place. He came back later and took us to an izakaya (居酒屋) for some yakitori/焼き鳥 (meat on a stick). We had a selection of dishes, which were all very tasty. There was a great atmosphere in there – very welcoming and busy.

Day 8 Tokyo: Thursday 3 May

We went to Shinjuku on the subway and train. Shinjuku station is the busiest in the world, combining 3 overland terminals and 3 connecting subway lines, 2 million commuters pass through every day. Raining heavily again but we went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and went up to the Observatory on the 45th floor. Views not very clear due to heavy rain and low cloud.

Went on JR train to Harajuku and walked to the Meijii Jingu shrine

Day 7 Tokyo: Wednesday 2 May

Early start, woke up at 4 and in a taxi by 4:30. Headed to Tsukiji (築地). Tokyo’s famous fish market. Queued up for just over an hour to get into the Tuna auction. Very strict guidelines but well worth following for your own safety, as this is a very busy and chaotic working environment.

Watched the traders give each fish a thorough inspection before choosing which fish to bid for. The auctioneer would ring a bell to inform the floor that bidding is about to begin and frantic bidding would then take place.