Tuesday April 21, 2015
Boulder, Colorado
Beautiful Spring Day
My nephew took his first solo international trip and visited me in Tokyo from March 15-21. It was all very exciting for all of us (Billy, me, my sister and brother-in-law). Meant to blog about it earlier but as they say, better late than never!
Day 1: Sunday March 15. Billy arrives solo at Narita after travelling about 14 hours (Birmingham- Atanta – Tokyo)
We took the train to Tokyo station and then a cab to my apartment. Of course, he was starving so we went to the Shabu Shabu place at Akasaka Sacas which is about a 5 minute walk from my apartment. He had his first draft Japanese beer and Japanese beef.
Day 2: Monday March 16. First stop was my office where I introduced him to many of my colleagues. After I attended a meeting, we then took off to the new Sky Tree building. Japan's tallest building. It's a broadcast, restaurant and observation tower and reaches about 634 meters in height. Before we went to the top, we had lunch at a delicious udon restaurant where Billy had another cold draft beer.
It was hazy but we did see a good view of Tokyo!
A bit scary for me as I don't like heights.
Next stop was a short train ride to Asakusa – Senso-ji Temple. One of the most popular temples in Tokyo. Lots of shops dotting the main road to the temple.
Then it was time for dinner. But before dinner we went to Bic Camera so I can by my new Fuji XT1 camera! So esciting! Billy was treating me to dinner, so I took him to DTF (Din Tai Fung) at Takashimaya. He loved loved loved the shanghai soup dumplings!
Day 3: March 17, St.Patty's Day! We started at Tsukiji where Billy got to see many different types of fish and shellfish.
And had fresh sushi for breakfast
Then it was adventure time: We went looking for the nursery and apartment Billy lived in when a toddler. A good sign, we found his families favorite French restaurant.
And after many wrong turns, found his nursery!
And the apartment!
We then took a taxi to Omotesando for a Mos burger break
We then walked to Shibuya but made pit stops at a hat store and a T-shirt store. We found Hachiko and took an obligatory photo.
After exploring Shibuya and Shibuya crossing, we rested a bit and got ready for our night out in Roppongi. First stop is to listen to the Beatles at Abbey Road. The performers were fantastic!
And since it was St. Paddy's day, time to celebrate! We went to several Irish bars I left Billy at 11pm and he continued to 630am! God knows where he went but thank god he came home safe!
Day 4: March 18: Next day we took it easy as Billy really didn't have much sleep. After a ramen lunch, it was time to go to Shinjuku red light district to enjoy the infamous Robot Restaurant Show!
Day 5: March 19. We had an early night where we ate fried food on a stick. The next day we had to get up early to take the 7am bullet train to Hiroshima. Billy enjoyed the train ride and had tuna salad onigiri's for breakfast.
Upon arrival at Hiroshima, we first checked in the hotel where we got upgraded to a suite at the Crowne Plaza which was fab!. Then we went for lunch for Hiroshima Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes loaded with veggies and seafood)
Then it was time to sight see. First sight was the Peace Museum. It was my second visit but Billy's first. He learned about the history and impact the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima and the world.
After spending a somber time in Hiroshima , it was time for Billy's first Michelin star experience. We went to Tenko Honten, a 2 star tempura house. It was definitely the best tempura we had. We also had local seafood that we never experienced before.
Day 6: March 20. We had an early night as we had to get up early again and go to our next destination which was Miyajima (about a 1.5 hour train ride from Hiroshima). On the way, we made a mistake of taking the tram which took us an additional 1 hour. But at least it was fun. At Miyajima, we explored the beautiful Istukushima shrine, which I believe is the most beautiful shrine in Japan.
After thoroughly exploring the shrine, we headed back as we needed to catch the bullet train back to Tokyo. We had delicious pizza at Sawoy in Tokyo and went to be early!
Day 7: March 21. For Billy's last full day in Japan, we explored the neighborhood and met with relatives. Below is a beautiful photo Billy took of me and Yuki.
We went to my neighborhood shrine Hie Jinja:
And walked around the Imperial Palace including the East Garden
We met with my cousin and kids at Beacon in Omotesando where Billy had a huge Australian beef burger.
And then explored Harajuku
We got home and rested a bit before heading out for our last dinner together. But not before treating Billy to his first martini made with Grey Goose Vodka at the Ritz Carlton.
And dinner was at Robataya where Billy had Kobe beef, delicious fish, and freshly grilled veggies.
The week went by so quickly. It was my best week in Japan ever! I miss him so much and can't wait until our next trip together (but next time Jackson is coming too!)