We spent two wonderful days in Tokyo. The first day (November 6th), was mostly spent in transit from the second Ryokan to Tokyo via Matsumata, and Nagano. The transit itself was an adventure.
I knew the bus experience was somewhat slow and infrequent, so to prepare for our journey to Tokyo, I spent the time to reserve a Taxi from Alpico. I have nothing but good things to say about Alpico Taxi services. They were punctual; as a matter of fact, the driver came 15 minutes early to the hotel. We experienced a very scenic drive from the Takayama region to Matsumata train station. The landscape was surrounded by picturesque mountains with autumn colours with rivers and streams carving through them.
Once we were at the train station, I picked up pre-reserved online tickets from the JR East ticket counters (or rather their kiosk machines) using the QR code that I received when I reserved them. We then found a nice spot to sit and relax, and Carol bought some sandwiches for lunch which I downed pretty swiftly. I am not sure what is in the Japanese bread for the sandwiches, but they are like candy!
Approximately 15 minutes before the departure time, we went to the gates. AND THEN our adventure started!
Apparently the ticket reservations that I purchased online just consisted of the “Limited Express” tickets, which by itself does not suffice for travel. In addition to the tickets that I have, we have to buy the “Base Fare” tickets. I did not learn of this until our train has left and negotiated with the customer service representative at the tourist ticket center. The other tourists were very kind and let us cut through the line, so that we can attempt to catch our train. This of course was to no avail. We simply did not have enough time to resolve the ticket situation before the train left. Luckily we were able to rebook on the next train leaving an hour after our original train, and obtained our Base Fare. This whole process took something like 30 minutes.
In hindsight, I now learned that on the screen which I booked the tickets, there was a check box which I should not have checked. It is one of those check box which I mistook for an “Do You Agree” style check box, but upon further review, it is to agree to purchase just the “additional element” to the ticket, and SKIP the base fare purchase. Lesson learned! I still find this two ticket system to represent a single fare super bazaar. Any ways, when in Rome… Always read the fine print in a foreign land! This adventure is chalked up to user error.
We got to Tokyo to meet up with a very close family friend, Miado, who you can say literally knew me since when I was a toddler. Her daughter took some time out of her busy work schedule to meet us at the station and guided us to Miado’s home. We were very grateful for her navigating the super busy pathways of the Tokyo train routes.
After our greetings, and catch up, we had a delicious and wonderful Japanese BBQ. The beef was really delicious! I especially liked the esophagus, and the tongue. They are of course rare cuts in the West. For a person who is not known to eat lots of vegetables, I even took a liking to the cabbage salad which I found super crispy, like eating chips.
The next day (November 7th), we visited the next generation Tokyo Tower which is called the Skytree, and then we went on the Tokyo Sky Bus tour. This was an open roof double decker bus tour around the central area of Tokyo. I was expecting a mediocre ride around the various skyscrapers of Tokyo, but to my surprise I really enjoyed the ride and learned a bunch about the various structures in central Tokyo. I am glad that I went on the tour, and apologize for any hesitations that I may have displayed for not wanting to go in the first place! Again another lesson learned. Just like you should not prejudge people, you should also not prejudge tourist attractions!
Below are some of the pictures that I took during the bus tour and our walk around the Tokyo Train Station (please click to enlarge).
After the tour, we were famished and wanted to have some sushi. The restaurant that we chose was originally from and well known in Hokkaido. In Japan everywhere requires a reservation. This restaurant is no exception. We had to reserve and wait for about 30 minutes, which we used productively by touring the historic Tokyo Train Station. The station was designed and built in the late 19th and early 20th century, and is one of the first modern architecture in Japan.
Once we were seated at the sushi restaurant, you can order the dishes or pickup the dishes which are made readily available on the conveyor belt. All the dishes were really delicious. We tasted different fishes and cuts that we will not find back in Canada. Checkout our stack of dishes when we’re done with the attached photos below. Once again, you can click to enlarge them.
Carol went to do some shopping with Ikue, and I went to relax with Ikue’s father and sister at a coffee lounge at Daimaru Tokyo, a department store complex near the Tokyo Station. The atmosphere was nice and quiet and it gave us an opportunity to chit chat. I really enjoy this time to catch up with Miado’s family members.
After coffee, we went to a floor filled with Japanese confectionaries. Ikue’s dad and I picked some really nice sweets. He was really affectionate in choosing the sweets for us, and took the time to purchase the N.Y.C.Sand delicacy, which is widely popular in Tokyo sometimes forming lines which you have to wait for hours. Our timing was perfect. We only waited around 20 minutes for the cherished items.
I really want to thank Miado’s husband and his daughters for taking care of us on this day. Everything that I have mentioned was planned meticulously by them. It was extremely thoughtful of them. Last but not least Miado herself spent time and effort to cook for us that evening, and we had a really delicious meal. I really love the sea cucumber, the scallops, and of course the beef!
Both Carol and I really enjoyed our stay in Tokyo. Although the time was short, but the most important thing was spend time with friends. I look forward to reciprocating their super friendly hospitality when they visit Canada!
Unfortunately all good things come to an end. Yesterday we have to say our goodbyes to Tokyo and transit to Hong Kong.
