Peter's 2023 Japan Trip

Just in case it makes the news in Australia, a man has taken some hostages in a post office. It's no where near where I am so no need to worry. Last I heard they had a Special Investigation Team on site to negotiate, which are trained negotiators.

It's like a mini waterfall.

Back in Tokyo (Shinjuku) and there is a small park across the street from my hotel. Some of the leaves have started to change colour.

Some of the highlights

Tokyo Disneyland has only one Japanese Restaurant, which I unsuccessful tried to go to on previous visits. This time I booked in advanced. This is the special.

I saw a few of the staff wearing clip on ghosts, so I got one for myself.

Today was a visit to Tokyo Disneyland, which is celebrating Halloween. If Shibuya was a subdued event, it would seem that most of the people dressing up in costume have ended up at Disneyland. Huge amount of Alice's, and the odd Wednesday Adams. The was even the evil Queen with partner dressed up as the magic mirror.

I was going to see if I could see the Disneyland fireworks from the rooftop bar but it was getting a bit cold. Currently watching an episode of Sazae-san. It is a long running animated tv show about a house wife and her family. When I say long running it's been going for 53 years and over 7900 episodes. It's actually in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest running animated tv program.

Light dinner at the rooftop bar.

The Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay had a rooftop Bar, which I braved. I'm not a fan of hights but found a comfortable seat and a tasting flight of Suntory Yamazaki whiskey. The views are spectacular and they even have a telescope for viewing the full moon and Saturn.

The Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay is out near Tokyo Disneyland, and even has a shuttle bus to Disneyland. Nice rooms with views of Tokyo Bay. I had sent my checked luggage straight to here from the airport so I didn't have to take my suitcase on busy trains across Tokyo.

Got to my hotel early, after maybe convincing some Aussies on a gap year to go to Melbourne University. Since I had some time to kill, I had a slow Teppanyaki steak lunch.

Hoshino cafe in Shibuya has a very retro vibe with its dark wooden walls and good drip coffee. Also has a morning set consisting of coffee, small salad, boiled egg and French toast for about $9.

Halloween is subdued this year in Shibuya. Crowd control by police has been setup and not a lot of people dressing up although I did see one authentic looking Deadpool. My hotel does have Halloween decorations in the lobby.

More Japanese food to start off the trip

First course, a selection of goodies  Second course Salmon, rice, pickles and miso soup.

JAL 787 airliner just arrived at Melbourne Airport. It will start the return journey in about an hour and a half. Unfortunately my flight got delayed and instead of 8:20 we left closer to 10:00. So got to Japan an hour later than expected.

Lamb before going to Japan.

Staying at the airport overnight.