We arrive in Tokyo

Armed with our new Wise cards, an online Suica card (a green one - after a HUGE amount of research of pros and cons of green versus red) plus some yen (purchased at a TERRIBLE conversion rate at Travelex back home), we embark on our journey to our hotel in Tokyo.

First up - despite LOTS of research back home, I quickly decide WE HAVE NO IDEA! Despite Google Maps. Or maybe because? Apart from the fact that I know we won’t be catching a train any time in the next 10 to 15 mins. Brains and feet not working that fast.

We go to Info counter. Delightful girl. Speaks English. She looks amazed when I say we have a Suica card (already). So she sells us the Skyliner ticket to Nippori (where we’ll change to the Yamanote line); this train requires reservation. (Goodness knows why - it is half empty.)

But MF-san can’t use his Wise card (loaded with yen) as he can’t remember his PIN. By now a queue is forming behind us and the girl at the counter is showing signs of polite exasperation so I just pay with regular credit card and wear the conversion fee charged by the bank (which is why we got the Wise cards to avoid this).

It is raining lightly as we walk to our hotel after a bit over an hour’s travel but I insist we venture out or we will feel as overwhelmed in the morning as we do this evening.

This is what Tamachi looks like - apparently (not my photo!!):

It is late. We follow Google Maps to locate a local craft beer brewery.

MF-san asked why the maps are in Japanese. The best answer I could give was that it is because we are in Japan …

We never find the brewery.

There is a small restaurant down a narrow street; it is full of young people. We EVENTUALLY order whisky highballs and a couple of food dishes as a supper.

It took ages using the camera on Google Translate to work out what was what. The nice young waiter patiently pressed buttons on my phone so we could order via the QR code menu.

I wasn’t too impressed with the food (a pork dish and eggplant). The highballs were fine. We sat and tried to feel less bewildered …

We walked back to our hotel. The rain has stopped. We are on the 15th floor. Tiny room which is typical here I am told.

We juggle suitcases into available spaces - much easier as they are small (!) and set up devices to charge etc. There are complimentary PJs set out on the bed!

After 1 am we ‘hit the sack’!