Day 14 and 15 - The Final Countdown, du der-iti do, du deri-ti do…
Filed under: Living in Japan
Well my last few days in Japan, and I have to admit that even though the first week was hard and filled with disappointments and hurt, it has only got better. I have a great time the last two weeks seeing at least a few of the many sights and enjoying the utter contrasts and variety that greats me in this most unique of places.
So On Monday I spent my morning in Shinjuku trying to get my tablet sorted, ended up just getting refund, but at least I got my money back. After that I decided that since it was a nice day (its not been muggy the past few days just very hot, I think the low to mid 30’s) I would go and take a trip down Tokyo Bay on oe of the boat services. So after getting to the port I chose the longest route (that I could see, as the tour wasn’t running at that point) and at the appointed time boarded and enjoyed around 50 minutes of boat journey, as you can see from the photos… which are manly only of the first half as I had leave the top deck as it was high tide and the bridges were quite low.
After docking at the Shinagawa Aquarium I looked around and saw that the last boat was about to leave and I would not make it back to the dock in time, so abit lost I wandered around until I found a map at the opposite side of the aquarium which showed that there was a JR railway station about a bit of a walk away (I seem to recall the number 20 beside it, I think). So I took the opportunity and embraced my lost-ness and went looking for this railway station. After probably more than 30 minutes I found the station and headed home. Not exactly exciting I admit but it was a pleasant day.
Tuesday I had allocated for a return visit to Akihabara and then central Tokyo and Ginza. Unfortunately I slept in and so didn’t get going until later than I wanted and as I had to grab an extension cord for my new headphones I didn’t get to Akihabara until nearly 12noon. Anyway I explored the area a bit further this time walking around the surrounding area for over an hour before deciding I should head back to the flat before heading to Tokyo. This was due to a couple of reasons, one of which was that I wanted to drop of the Gundam model kit I had bought.
Anyway it was quite late before I got to central Tokyo so I had to head home before exploring Ginza, but I’m not too bothered as I understand its more expensive shops so its not like I could afford anything.
Tonight is my last meal with the Yoshida’s as they are away tomorrow and Thursday, I will miss them greatly as they have been amazingly hospitable and kind to me these past two weeks. Hence, I don’t think I’ll be updating the blog (or able to check emails) until I get back home to the UK on Thursday at around 3pm (UK time).
So until next time, remember wasabi is your friend!

September 5th, 2006 at 8:12 pm
Hey again,
Good to see you making the most of the last few days. Did you get to see the sony building (its kinda and exciting prospect but just 7 floors of advertising). If you do get this before you get back then i hope you have a good flight (evil long haul things). See you when you get back.
Wasabi is evil and destroyes the mouths of the unsuspecting.
September 5th, 2006 at 11:51 pm
Sci-Fi wasabi? Cibo Matto? Perhaps not.
See you when you get back, if all goes well and you get an Edinburgh job you could join the DC game… …I have much evil plot involving either ancient peruvian artifacts or jammy-doggers (not sure which yet, depends on whether I plan on using the ‘?’).
Hope the flights not too nasty.
September 6th, 2006 at 6:40 am
Lost in Tokyo, and now you are found!
I do not know whether you have visited Kiyose Corps. It iss known for some that the building is quite similar to “White Base”, a battleship which places center of First Series Gundum.
If not, you shall back to Tokyo someday!
Bon Voyage!
Major Makoto Yamaya
September 6th, 2006 at 9:40 pm
Well, I’ll say it now. Welcome Home mate.