Shopping in Tokyo..Again!!

15th February, 2010

Today we left Tokyo but not after we hit the Ski/Snowboard Shops to scout out some bargains.

If you were looking for a new set of ski's, new boots or a snowboard then this is the place to get them...up to a third of the price that you pay in Australia!

I ended up buying a new pair of walking boots as they ones I bought from Aldi for $35 are great for walking around on soft snow but not really made for walking around the streets and sightseeing. I got Columbia Bugaboots for 9489 yen or about $100..they are so comfy and after some fiddling around with different thickness foot beds they will be perfect!!

It was then time to quickly head back into one of the Department Stores to buy some Scrap booking pens that are $4.50 ea back home for 120 yen ea.....I nearly took all their stock and had the girls behind the counter giggling at me trying to explain why I was buying so many!!

On to the train we go again and this time we are heading out to Matsumoto where we are staying the night...more about the Castle at Matsumoto tomorrow though.

Will leave you with a another decorative manhole cover...

Tokyo from above and below...

14th February, 2010

This morning we awoke and the sun was shining after a grey rainy day that we had yesterday.

We went up the to the 45th Floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It was still hazy but you could still see buildings like they were a blanket spread across the world below.

We also went for a walk through one of the Department Stores and stumbled across this Kimono Shop...these were VERY expensive ones as the prices indicate!!
207,900 Yen = $2, 150 Yikes!!!

The red one up the back was over 300,000 yen!!

But they were the most stunning pieces. Drastic difference to the ones we found in a Flea Market for 500 yen!!



This is the Kebab Van we found outside of Shinjuku Station....they were so yummy but would be great after a big night out as well!!



This van looked like it was going to fall apart but the owner didn't seem to mind.







We then wandered around the streets taking in all the sights and sounds of Tokyo at its best, we then headed back to the hotel for a decent sleep.

Fast Train to Tokyo & Imperial Place

13th February, 2010



This morning we woke up to glorious sunshine and excited about our trip in the "Shink". We got there a bit earlier than we had to be so we could get some photos before we departed.






Tom & Denise with the Front of the "Shink" - Shinkensan Fast Train












Sukuraedamon Bridge and Imperial Palace Building


These areas aren't open to the public but they will let you take photos.

Donshin bansh Guardhouse

This is one of the 3 remaining guardhouses. The Samurai guardsman kept constant watch especially on the members of a lord's retinue who entered through Ote-mon Gate.

Close up of Roof detail on Donshin bansh guardhouse

Snappy posing in front of the Hyakunin-bansh Guardhouse


This was the biggest guardhouse set up front of the
Ote-san-no-mon gate leading to the Honmaru (inner citadel) and Ninomaru (second citadel), for inspection of visitors who entered through the Ote-min Gate ( Main Enterance) in the Edo Period.


100 Samurai Guardsmand had their quarters here and they worked shifts day and night.






















Just a sample of the Plum Tree Blossom on the Bairinzaka - Plum Tree Slope.


The first trees were planted in 1478!














After we checked into our hotel we went for a walk around the Shinkjuku Train station which has many restaurants and shops to check out. Dinner was simple and not worth taking a photo of as it was a Sunday night and about 830-9pm not many things were open apart from McDonald's...hehehe



Some of the scenery on the way home from the Train Station.