Ginger DJ Rob

Bathing Ape shop in Aoyama, Tokyo Originally uploaded by Ginger DJ . Today was our last chance to some souvenir and gift shopping so went straight to Harajuku for Oriental Bizarre (for gifts) and Kiddyland (big toy shop). Stopped for lunch at Pizza Express again and got served by same English waiter (sod it we were hungry!) then continued shopping picking up 2 new watches and some T-shirts for Kerry. There some roadworks happening under the main road through Harajuku and noticed that Japanese workmen are just a scruffy as the British but wear really baggy trousers instead of our builder-bum jean look. Back over to Roppongi Hills for TV Asahi shop and found Matthew’s Best TV merchandise which was featured in Lost in Translation. He’s a bit like Graham Norton but with louder suits and weirder TV graphics. Headed over to Ginza to see the latest Sony products at their flagship store. Played some new PS2 games that are not even out in Japan yet - Shadow of the Colossus (ICO2) and...

Japanese Water Magic Originally uploaded by Ginger DJ . Not much sleep last night due our room being next to Tokyo ’s version of the South Circular at rush hours on steroids and very loud engines. Another annoying jazz soundtrack to a cup of cornflakes then we requested to change rooms. Subwayed all the Asakusa for the Nikko train, the same place we almost started our Tokyo tourist trail. Weather less grim but our train was the scummiest yet. Passed the station which would have got a quicker route to Nikko Edo-mura (Wonderland) so decided to push on to Nikko for the temple we wanted to see. Bought a round trip bus pass for 500 Yen and was told to use bus-stop 3 for 11:56am. Nothing turned up and realised too late that there another bus-stop 3 further up the road. Fu£kake! With the prospect of waiting upto an hour for the next bus and not wanting to risk missing the ninja show, we rushed back to the train station to get back to the Edo Mura. More language confusion with...

Laputa Guardian statue at Ghibli museum Originally uploaded by Ginger DJ . Started the day with breakfast in the ‘Finger’ bar. Cool white interior and swivel stools plus bonus for having cornflakes. However, hotel had no idea of what bowls to use as we resorted to cappuccino shaped cups. Background music grated us within 2 mouthfuls of food playing boring jazz music with ‘be-bop-do-wah’ lyrics. Took the subway across Tokyo heading for the Ghibli museum and got a little confused along the way with trains stopping and Japanese announcements about trains we should have changed. Managed to catch the community bus just in time by legging after it in the pouring rain. A quick queue and presentation of vouchers and we entered the museum. First impressions were of the many floors and windows then the detail of the artwork used to make it so unique. No photos were allowed so even more souvenirs had to be bought. There were 2 or 3 rooms which looked like organised junk rooms fu...

Harajuku Costume Shop Originally uploaded by Ginger DJ . All the problems that happened recently have started to grow small feelings of wanting to come home. Hasn’t helped choosing a remote hotel and not getting a hire car but trying to look at the positive side and returning to Tokyo. Kerry struggled to get ready, bless her. Got taxi to airport for nearly £50 but it was worth it. Taxi driver appreciated the business so much he gave some chewing gum – how about a discount next mate?! Used the 100 Yen for 10 minute internet PC to check email and finally worked out how to switch off the Kanji setting. Flight was delayed by almost 40 minutes. Arrived at Roppongi after a million uphill stairs with full loaded baggage through the subway stations. Lucky the hotel was in eye-shot. Nice place with great views of Tokyo Tower and of the flyover road. As it was Sunday, we went straight out to Harajuku where the local park hosts their weekly character/goth/weirdness/whatever dressing. Didn’t ...

PA041656F Originally uploaded by Ginger DJ . Finding the connecting train from the airport to Shinjuku, our first Tokyo destination was easy. Arriving and dealing with the hundreds of direction signs at the world’s busiest station, Shinjuku was another matter. Our backpacks were like carrying the house, shed and garage around with us plus the fact we’ve been awake for around 21 hours had hampered our efforts. We finally found the hotel and gave up trying to speak Japanese at the reception to check in. Some lessons learnt today, after being asked in English a question never answer Hai (yes), otherwise they’ll blurt out a rapid five other questions in Japanese. The Narita Express journey teased us with Japanese countryside and architecture with a lot of concrete blandness with some nice tiled roofs. As Tokyo suburbs came into view we were allowed preview to Shibuya ’s smaller district counterparts. Hotel room was basic but functional. The loo had a sprinkle and bidet...