The typhoon hits Tokyo early this morning and the rain is coming down. There is some wind where I am but not too much. The city seems to be going about its usual business. The forecast for sunshine this afternoon looks highly improbable from this part of the day but surprisingly its correct. The rain stopped and the clouds parted. By lunch time the sun was out in full force. Where is my hat?
First thing to do today is to organise my rail pass. The best way for foreigners to access Japans rail system with its famous bullet trains is to purchase a rail pass before you enter the country. I purchased my 2-week pass in Singapore. This gives me access to the bullet trains (except for one that is the most luxurious and fastest) without purchasing tickets. Despite seeming expensive (cost $620), these passes are a great deal. Rail travel is expensive if purchasing tickets in Japan. With my pass, I can get on a train to any part of Japan, quickly. I can’t wait to try it.
We go back briefly to Sensoji Temple to get some photos in the sunshine. Then its onto the monorail to Tokyo Harbour. The harbour area provides great views and has a lot of grand shopping and restaurants.
For dinner we go into Shinjuku, which is a part of Tokyo regarded for its shops, restaurants and night life. We meet an English fiend of Toshi here who is a noted landscape designer. Andrew travels the world, including Australia, designing landscapes and gardens, as well as judging at flower shows. “I’ve only met the Queen once” he says before recounting the experiencing at one of England’s (and the world’s) best known flower shows.
angusmccoll 