Author: nellyglass

Our first full day in Tokyo was a walking tour of the Ginza neighborhood around our hotel. We covered more than 10 kms starting with the imperial gardens and palace of the Japanese emperor. A highlight for me was seeing the street art including a Godzilla statue (first of 2 statues in the city of this famous monster).

We did some shopping, did some dining and oggled at the beautiful night lights on our way back to the hotel. Tired feet and full bellies signaled the end to a wonderful day.

Tomorrow will see us take a private tour out of the city and into the highlands of Nagano prefecture to the northwest.

Sarah and her family escorted us to the Saint John airport so she could take our car home to avoid the 3- week parking fee (much appreciated). The first leg of the journey took us to Toronto where we enjoyed an overnight stay with Monica’s sister, Marguerite. The next morning, Marg’s children, Sandy and Craig, joined us for breakfast along with Craig’s daughter, Eloise, and Monica’s niece, Catherine. It was a hearty breakfast and a heart warming gathering. Again, very much appreciated.

Then on to the airport where we met up with Maneau, Jake and Yogi for the 13-hr flight to Tokyo. Just after boarding, there was a medical emergency with a passenger which delayed our departure for one hour. Once airborne, however, the flight was uneventful. Thirteen hours allows for lot’s of time to build anticipation. That first glimpse of Tokyo was truly a thrill. It looks big enough on the map and even bigger from the air. Interesting to note that the population of greater Tokyo is equal to the entire population of Canada… 40 million!

When we landed, we were greeted by a representative from On The Go Tours who escorted us via subway right to our hotel just a step from Tokyo Central Station. A quick bite and a cold drink were all we could manage before crashing for the night. Sleep was welcomed.

A new adventure awaits. Monica, Ryan and myself along with good friends, Maneau, Jake and Maneau’s mother, Yolande (Yogi), are about to embark on a 3-week journey to the other side of the planet… to Japan. 👺🏯🇯🇵👘⛩️

Through On The Go Tours, we booked a twelve day tour called “Land of the Samurai”. We will arrive in Tokyo four days before the tour even begins giving us lots of time to adjust and see some sights not on the tour. Then, with the tour, we will continue three more days in Tokyo to really discover the city before we head west with stops at Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, back to Kyoto and return to Tokyo for the flight home.

Excitement and anticipation are very high. Everything is expected to be strange and fascinating. I am most psyched for the food, the art and the night lights. Monica is looking forward to the shrines, castles and gardens. Ryan is seeking the history of Japan and anime culture. Yogi hopes to see Mt. Fuji and Geisha. Maneau & Jake will lead us on the search for fine Japanese beer, gin, sake, and whiskey.

It’s going to be an Epic Journey. God be with us as we join 40 million other tourists to visit the world’s favourite destination in 2025, Japan. Monica is wearing her silver Shepherd’s Bell for safe passage.