We’ve always wanted to go to Japan but kept putting it off thinking it was so close we could go anytime!

Now’s the time. We rounded up friends Peter & Elizabeth from Crescent Head and Jill & Chris from Brisbane and started planning.

For some reason it seemed quite daunting. So different in so many ways to our previous holidays. But after talking to a travel company we decided we could do it ourselves. Especially with help from friend Aimee, a friend of our sons, who lived here for 6 years Let’s see!

We travelled to Sydney at 5.15. Which didn’t leave much time before boarding. No lounge for us. Pete & Elizabeth were at the gate. So lots of smiles and hugs. They nearly didn’t come. Both have been quite sick. But there they were!

The flight was good. We got the Qantas pjs always a treat. Especially seeing people disappear into the small toilets to wrestle into them.

Arrival into Tokyo was smooth. It was 5.40 when we landed and we were ushered through the priority lane. I’d like to think it’s because we looked important but I think it was our age.

A quick trip to the toilet. The toilets deserve a whole post of their own. They are big, spotless and well appointed. You could be in there for ages.

We met up with the Wilsons who arrived last night. Across the road to a coffee shop and some planning.

A visit to Lawsons kept us entertained. It’s another store like 7- eleven. Lots of everything. I bought an umbrella as it’s overcast and cooler than expected!

Now heading to Tokyo station to book a bunch of train tickets for the longer journeys over the next few weeks.

We navigated the underground quite well. Google maps helped. I’m not sure 6 people giving an opinion is helpful so a few of us butted out!!!

Next up was a 2 hr walking tour of the Imperial palace and gardens. You don’t get into any Palace but the other buildings and gardens were lovely. Our guide was an Australian from Wollongong. He’s lived here for 8 years and clearly explained the hierarchy involving the emperor , the shoguns ( they really welded the power) and the samurai.

We walked and listened and after 2 hours needed lunch! so it was back to Tokyo station and searching for a restaurant. We found a good one serving salad bowls of salmon , sushi sets and beer!

The weather has been overcast and blowy but no rain. Not hot like I thought it might be.

Back to the hotel to check in at 3 and finally shower. The hardy Jill, Chris and Steve headed straight out to visit a shrine The rest of us are showering, unpacking and resting.

Dinner tonight is at a Yakitori restaurant. Hopefully with a drink on a nearby rooftop.

A great first day.