Japan trip day 3: Tokyo (July 18th, 2009)

Woke up early (as usual) and visited the Tsujiki fish market. Took the first train a little after 5am. The streets were full of people when we left the hotel, and the trains were also full of people. Arrived to the market around 6:10am after the girls went to restroom on the way. The fish market was extremely busy with many motorized carts darting in all directions. Reached the tuna auction place and watched the action. The security guards asked us to move quickly to make room for other tourists. The public viewing place closes at 6:30am.

Ate fresh sushi in a nearby restaurant. Had some trouble explaining what kind of fish we can eat. The magical note that the hotel's customer service person wrote for us did not have the right effect. I suppose it said that we can eat only fish and no rice.

After breakfast we visited the Hama Rikyu garden. The garden was beautiful, but the peaceful scenery was harmed by the background of dense office buildings. It was hot and humid, so we ate ice cream near the lake.

Took the boat to Asakusa, which was pretty boring. This boat ride is recommended when the trees are blossoming. Shirley did not feel well due to the heat, so we returned to the hotel without visiting the Sensoji temple or buying gifts in Nakamise Dori as planned.

Lessons learned: everybody must go to the restroom before leaving the hotel in the morning.

Japan trip day 2: Tokyo (July 17th, 2009)

Bought smart cards for subway rides (Suica cards). Took Dan, Shirley and Rena to the tourist information center in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) building in Shinjuku. Shirley had an ankle pain, so we returned to the hotel before taking the train. I then took just Dan to the tourist information center and the observation deck in the TMG building. We saw the neighboring tall buildings from the observation deck, which was not so interesting. We did not visit the impressive citizen's plaza in front of the building. I had low blood sugar at that time.

Afterwards we took the subway to Ginza and visited the Sony building. The Sony building had a large collection of Sony products, but nothing amazing. The only two noteworthy products were a TV that turns itself off when you fall asleep in front of it or when nobody is watching it (presumably to save electricity), and Rolly, which is a round object that rolls and turns according to the music you are listening to.

Got a note in Japanese from the guest services person explaining what kind of food we can eat.

The Suica smart cards can be used to pay for rides in all subway lines and JR lines in Tokyo. You can buy them from ticket vending machines at subway and JR (Japan Rail) stations in Tokyo. You can also use the card to pay in some convenience stores (like Lawson) and some vending machines. The card costs 2,000 yen including a 500 yen deposit. You can recharge the card using ticket vending machines. You must swipe the card both on entry and exit from the subway in order to charge the correct amount. If you swipe the card only on exit, it will deduct the maximal fare from the card. The ticket gate shows the remaining balance of the card on exit. You can also view the balance by inserting the card in the ticket vending machine.

Lessons learnt: everybody must wear socks and sneakers before walking any distance outside the hotel.

Japan trip day 1: Tokyo (July 16th, 2009)

Arrived to Cerulian Tower hotel in Tokyo by taking a bus from Narita airport. Got two large connected rooms (2118 and 2119). Bought food at 7-Eleven in the building. Severe jet lag.