Today was the last day of our bus trip and also the last day of the golden week holidays in Japan. To void traffic jam along the highway to Tokyo, we departed Shizouka early at around 09.00 and arrived at the Tokyo station around 12.00.
Guessed what we saw this morning? We were lucky to have a full view of Mt Fuji when we passed the Highway heading towards Tokyo. The view was impressive and
wonderful especially seen on a clear day. I took a number of pictures of Mt Fuji with its peak capped with snow – a must see.I wondered how time had flown over the last ten days! When we arrived at the Tokyo station, it was time for us to say Sayonara to Mochan. A big Arigato (thank-you) to Mochan and his Wish Club’s members for making our stay in Japan such a pleasant one! His untiring efforts, lots of energy and friendship he had showered on us had made our first visit to Japan a most memorable one! Stay in touch, Mochan! See you soon in Malaysia or we see you again in Japan in another occasion.
After our farewell to Mochan, we took a JR train to Askausa and checked into the same hostel when we stayed in Asakusa on our first day. I had three more nights left in Tokyo, whereas Hitomi & Artem had two more nights. So we had to make full use of our time left to see Tokyo as much as possible.
After checking
in our hostel, I decided to explore the Shinjuku area. Hitomi and Artem headed to Akihabara to do their last minute shopping for an Ipod. Shinjuku is Japan’s busiest railway station with about a dozen railway and subway lines passing through this station, handling more than two million passengers each day. I started wondering around the entertainment, business and shopping area around Shinjuku station. On the nishi (west) side of the station, the area was dotted with a number of skyscrapers. On the kita higashi (northeast) of the station lies Kabukicho, Japan’s largest red light district with many cinemas, bars and restaurants. I spent an hour walking around Kabukicho to get a feel of the place. Young, male escorts had a busy time wooing passerby along the Kabukicho street to draw 
customers to their establishments – if you got hooked, be prepared to part away your hard earned money and burnt a big hole in your pocket! I had to walk ziz-zag to bypass these guys, all smartly dressed in dark suites and attire.I had an early dinner at a franchised food restaurant and paid Y530 (RM17) for a bowl of “gyudon” – rice topped with cooked beef and salted onions.
After the dinner, I continued to explore the shopping area around the Shinjuku 3-chome. I passed a fruit shop and spotted durians (not sure whether it was from Malaysia or Thailand?) retailing at Y4,000 (RM128) per fruit – what a crazy price !
As my next visi
t was the Tokyo tower, I took a Toei subway train from the Shinjuku station to Akabanebashi station. After coming out from the station, I could see Tokyo Tower, which was about 5 minutes walk from the station. I paid Y820 (RM26) for admission to the observation deck, about 250
m above sea level. Built in 1958, Tokyo Tower is 333m high and visitors could see the whole Tokyo at a glance from the deck. For those who want to catch a glimpse of Tokyo by night, a visit to Tokyo Tower is highly recommended. As the observation has a 360-degree view, I could see the night scene of The Tokyo Bay area (Odaiba & Rainbow Bridge) and skyscrapers such as Tokyo Mid Town and Marunouchi Building. From far, I could have a glimpse of the Ginza, Shibuya & Shinjuku districts with their dazzling neon-lit signs emanated from the various tall buildings coming from the downtown areas.Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them. Life is like a yoyo! When you are down, travel with a friend and your heart will grow fonder.
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