Tokyo

We had a few options with how to spend the day today and decided on starting with a visit to Gotokuji Temple. This temple is known as the birthplace of the Maneki-Neko luck figurine, that cat that seems to be waving one paw. It is an active Buddhist temple with thousands of the cat statues in different sizes left behind by people who purchase the cats. There is also a cemetery on the property which of course we had to visit as well. A nice walk to the temple from the train station, it is in a small town that get lots of visitors going to visit this temple. Lots of little shops to purchase all things cat along the way.

From here back to Shinjuku which is only about a 15 minute train ride away. Problem is it takes a least 15 minutes to figure out how to get out of the train station at the right spot. This station is the busiest in the world with 3 million commuters going through it each day. It is huge, parts of it well marked and parts of it you have no idea where you are. Plus google maps only works so well under ground.

Finally escape the train station and Andre is on the hunt for some scotch to bring home. From what he has seen so far scotch is about 40% less than what we pay at home. We find a large liquor store and he has someone help him purchase 3 bottles of scotch with different flavors. Now I know we will be checking our bags through to Moncton instead of doing our normal carry on.

Back to the hotel to drop off the purchases, but on the way we come across this little hole in the wall ramen place. A couple are coming out and told us we must go in, it was delicious and inexpensive. There are only 5 stools on the main floor by the kitchen and we lucked into one of those. Normally I pass the pork part of the ramen to Andre, this is the first time I have eaten it and it was absolutely delicious. Usually it looks like a bunch of fat, not this time. We are still surprised at just how affordable eating out here is.

Because we were back near the station again of course we fit in another viewing of the 3d cat, really fun to watch and so many tourists taking videos of it.

Liquor dropped of at the hotel along with a bit more shopping and we head out to our night walking tour we had booked. Heather tried to join us but it was full by the time she tried to add herself. It was an OK tour, but it was really really cold and windy and we didn't have the best guide. We did see some interesting side streets very similar to what we had seen in Takayama, but I think we may be a little touristed it, not sure if that is a word. Picked up some snacks at 7-11 for a very late supper and called it a night.

Steps 26,189 / 16kms

At the train station

Weeping cherry tree

Visiting Gotokuji Temple. This is known as the birthplace of the Maneki-Neko luck figurine. It is an active Buddhist temple with thousands of these white cat statues in different sizes.

Part of the Gotokuji Temple cemetery that you could visit.

A monk at Gotokuji Temple

Tree lined street leading to the temple

They have cat shaped pastries here

Had delicious ramen at a place that has been opened sine 1955

4 story high restaurant. A few table on each floor, We eat on the 1st floor and had stool overlooking the kitchen

Casino behind the screens

We decided we were happy we did not book this hotel since the rent rooms by the hours

Lots of the girls are wearing elevated shoes and boots to give them extra height

Steak sandwich anyone?

On our walking tour of Shinjuku and the area that make it. First stop was to see the 3D cat

Memory street also know as piss alley because after WW2 there was a lack of bathroom in the area and train commuters would use the alley. Now it is full of tiny places to eat

4 story McDonald

Godzilla at night. 

Another area is where there are tons of night club. The girls are trying to get customers to go with them for drinks

Not sure why

Another area is Karaoke, this one is multi story 

nightclub

Another area is the Golden Gai bar area, Tiny little bar that have theme, some of the anyway.