It is the day after Christmas and we went to Shibuya to take pictures of folks running through the rain. Other than eating delicious pork cutlet at Maisen, we spent the rest of the time huddled in the hotel room. Princess does not like the rain!
Have to snap pictures quick in Ginza as the background changes as fast as the fashion. The X-Mas decorations are down by 8 PM Christmas day! Here's a nice shot we took tonight.
It's not everyday I hit my head while minding my own business walking through a subway station. I feel like a giant here. People stare at me because I'm much larger than the average Tokyo Metro user!! No serious head injuries yet!
After our near 11 hour plan ride, we arrived in Tokyo today. We took the Narita Express from the airport to Shinjuku station. We then took a taxi from there to the Four Seasons Hotel. We should have taken the train to Ikebukuro because it is closer but no worries there. The hotel actually offers a meet, greet, and ride service from the train stations and the airport for first timers. We opted for the cheaper and more adventurous way! (But don't go crazy and take the subway to Edogawabashi station and walk with lots of bags because the walk is UP HILL for 10 minutes!)
Every now and then you do something for yourself that is just really nice. Checking into this hotel is one of those things! It is such a nice hotel. Our room is super nice and overlooks a 17 acre Japanese garden. The staff is exceptional, remembering my name every thing we walk around the grounds. The experience is really over the top posh.
The hotel actually brings in hot spring water from the Izu area for the very traditional Onsen. The pool area is so relaxing, with a large pool and attached huge hot tub. Although we have not been outside, there is another hot tub out there. The pool area also features dry and steam saunas.
Very much recommended!
Back in Amsterdam today. It took like 90 minutes for the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel to get my room ready. I caught up with Esby and Bean which is always fun! Turns out my room was right next to them. The room was what they called a "suite" but really was just two tiny rooms that connect. One room had a couch, the other the bed. It was nice. After a tiny bit, we end up chasing the Bulldog and caught up with Mill and crew for a light night on the piss. On Sunday morning I'm flying back to LA so I've got to be good.
The weather was nice but the breeze was cold. I'm glad I brought my thick coat!
