Arigatou gozaimasu (Japan)

Tokyo Station

One year later, I'm back in Japan. It began when I noticed that ZIPAIR had flights to Tokyo for $333 each way, before taxes and additional fees. Pretty cheap but also bare bones. The kids had a four day weekend (President's Day) so we went during that time (sans kids).

Our trip was broken into three nights in Tokyo (Shinjuku), one night in Hakone (a town known for its onsen [hot springs]), and two nights back in Tokyo (Ginza).

Just enough leg room. No screen. One meal. 13 hour flight. A bit rough but doable.

TOKYO (Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Akihabara)

We came across the 3D cat on our way to our hotel in Shinjuku.

Hotel Cen, our home for the first three nights in Tokyo.

It was down a quiet street, which was nice.

Ramen for breakfast (Ramen Zundou-ya).

Tiny Godzilla head.

Picked up a few sweets at Abebe Bakery.

And more at Bonjour Bon (Nakano).

Shin-Okubo Station 

Takeshita Street (Harajuku)

Shibuya Crossing

Waiting in line for lunch...

But the beginning of the line is down the street.

Omurice (soft omelette on top of rice) with a hamburger and cheese on top (yellow).

Akihabara (streets closed for pedestrians on Sunday)

Life-size Pokemon (Sunshine City).

I bought all of these Pokemon cards for $4.06 (Card Secret).

HAKONE

After a 90 minute train ride from Tokyo, we made it to Hakone.

Their public transit was overcrowded. Too many tourists?

Hakone Open-Air Museum

A mini-maze.

Stairwell surrounded by beautiful stained-glass.

My favorite sculpture.

Foot bath in the toasty hot springs water.

Owakudani, an active volcanic crater.

It's said that eating a black egg extends your life an extra seven years.

Dressed in our yukatas.

Our seven course dinner. It was a bit too authentic for my taste.

Relaxing in our private onsen.

It was snowing the morning we left.

We skipped out on the hotel breakfast for something more palatable (Coffee Camp). 

Nothing says Japanese breakfast than a hot dog with a latte.

On our way back to Tokyo and catching up with Elliot.

Spider-Man also came for the ride.

TOKYO (Ginza, Marunouchi)

Our home for the last couple of nights.

Ginza, the mecca of shopping.

Refueling at a konbini.

We rented running clothes, shoes, and a locker (to shower afterwards). I got to try the $300 Nike Alphafly 3.

For a morning 5K run around the Imperial Palace.

What a scenic run.

Fluffy Japanese pancakes (A Happy Pancake).

Elliot joined us (remotely) once again.

Took the Narita Express train back to the airport.

Breakfast with a view at the airport lounge.

Time traveling home. Our flight departed on Thursday 10:30 a.m. and landed on Thursday 7:25 a.m.