Cheap as chips! That's why we flew to Tokyo via Guangzhou on a late night flight with China Southern Air. Perfectly adequate service, some OK movies, and generous leg room. We arrived very early in the morning and as our luggage was checked through all the way we took advantage of the Priority Pass and had breakfast (and showers) in a lounge before the final leg.
Tokyo (Haneda) airport was absolute chaos with long long lines winding around in circles and multiple forms to complete but eventually we made it through the wilderness, cleared customs, purchased a Welcome Suica card and set off on the final leg for the last hurdle after a monorail and two trains. There was a long long flight of stairs and no lift or escalator.
Henn-Na Hotel has robots checking you in, I don't think we need to worry too much about the android uprising just yet. But the hotel has bigger than average rooms and is in a very convenient location.
After a walk to shake out the fidgets, a dinner of things on sticks, and an early night, we were ready the next day to explore, starting by walking past the Kabukiza Theatre and a wander round the old Tsujiji Fish Markets.
Very busy and crowded and selling all sorts of interesting things - but we were not quite ready for lunch yet, so travelled to Shibuya to see the famous Scramble. I'd been told you could get a good view from the 11th flood of the Hikarie Building, however, construction works obscured the view somewhat. We did have a great lunch which was advertised as being Tokyo Specialties before we headed to our destination of the day, the Meiji Shrine and gardens. We both enjoyed walking through the beautiful gardens which were not overly crowded and very peaceful. Sadly it was too early in the spring for the famous iris meadows to be in flower.
The Shrine honours Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken who are considered to be the founders of modern Japan. It's a reproduction of the original which was a casualty of WW2. This area was crowded with worshipers and tourists. I'm honestly surprised at the amount of fortune telling and superstition which we have seen, such a contrast to my image of Japan as a modern nation.
Our final stop for the day was to see another view of Tokyo, from Yebiso Garden Tower in Ebisu. Great view but no garden bar at the top so we adjourned to the Yebisu Brewery for a wee tasting.
Kombini snacks and Kit Kats bought - strawberry and white chocolate and Mt Fuji, a blueberry flavour.
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