Day 6 - Sunday 31 May

Nikko.

We caught 4 trains to travel 125 kilometres north from Tokyo to Nikko.

We immediately caught a bus, which climbed a most spectacular winding road to Lake Chuzenji. We first viewed the Kegon Falls, before going on a boat cruise on the lake.

We then returned to Nikko, where we went the World Heritage-listed temples (main temple is under restoration) in the Nikko National Park, the Shinkyo Sacred Bridge, and then to Dragon Art Studio, where Lynaire had a painting commissioned.

On our return train journey to Tokyo, we caught our first Shinkansen (bullet train).

Day 5 - Saturday 30 May

Tokyo.

We began the day by returning to the Tsukiji Fish Market, to have brunch.

 

We then went to Hinode Pier, to catch a Sumidagawa River cruise from Tokyo Bay to Asakusa.

After having a photo taken with the Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Breweries Building in the background, we walked down to, then down Kappabaski Street (kitchenwares).

After Paul & Lynaire departed, we met up with my cousins Tobias, Cecil & Julia (unfortunately Tobias' wife, Kumiko, and their youngest, Angelica, were unwell, so were unable to join us). We first went to the Sensoji Temple, and then to Ueno Oshi Park, where we had dinner.

After saying farewell to Tobias, Cecil & Julia, we had a quick look through Ameyayokocho, before returning to Paul & Lynaire's.

Day 4 - Friday 29 May

Tokyo

We thought we'd see what we could follow from "Tokyo Drift".

Despite arriving at the Tsukiji Fish Market before the recommended 5 am time to attend the tuna auction,we were advised that the 120 available spots were filled by 3.30 am - maybe another attempt on another morning!

After a catch-up nap, we headed down to Ginza, where we had a wonderful dining experience at Alain Ducasse's 2 Michelin star restaurant - http://www.beige-tokyo.com/en/ - on the top floor of the Chanel Building - Di finished lunch with a very fresh herbal tea.

Since we were in Ginza, it would have been remiss of us not to look through the shops, and see some interesting sites.

In the evening we were invited to join Paul & Lynaire for dinner with their friends - Jayney, Kim, Pauline, Mike, Mike & Jim.

Day 3 - Thursday 28 May

Tokyo.

We started the day by visiting the local International Supermarket, where Di found a heritage vegetable.

Late morning, we attended a Tea Ceromony at the Okura Hotel - very interesting.

Next stop was a delicious lunch at Nobu - http://www.noburestaurants.com/tokyo/experience-2/.

We then went to Meiji Jingu Shrine at Yoyogi Park.

We then spent the afternoon walking around Omotesando, where there are many fashion and design shops, and other interesting sights.

We had dinner with one of Paul's colleagues, Allan, and went to the local Korean barbeque - Yaki Niku.