Trains

We spent quite a bit of time on the metro today, either traveling on the train, walking between platforms, looking for a coffee shop or taking photos.

The latter was specifically Tokyo Station which has recently removed its coverings and scaffolding to reveal the renovated building.  Opened in 1914 the original building has been retained, displaying an impressive contrast with the modern surrounds.

It is obviously a large draw in Tokyo as there were hundreds of people milling around taking photos of each other and the station.  Inside the place is vast connecting many rail lines and containing numerous shops and restaurants, though only one coffee shop we could find, and that was Starbucks, so it was scorned!

We went from there to Hiro, an area of Tokyo favoured by ex-pats. There was a nice cafe where we had a decent cup of tea (difficult to find) and some apple pie.  Noriko and Kio met us and we went to the International Supermarket to buy make-it-yourself peanut butter plus some other bits and pieces.

Across the road is a park where we took Kio to play on the slide and swings. They have a lovely lake where fish jumped out of the water, unfortunately too few and too randomly for me to capture with my camera.

It was then back to Andrew's where Noriko made an excellent Japanese vegetable curry for tea and we watched the remaining two episodes of Masterchef. I had guessed (correctly) by the end of Wednesday's episode who was going to win.

It was late by the time Pete and I left so we took a taxi as the buses had finished for the night. One of the things I do agree with in Japanese society is the lack of tipping. This is not undertaken anywhere, even in taxis.

The street scene was taken as we were walking away from Tokyo Station. I felt the tranquility of the tree lined avenue as the people relaxed and chatted in the sun away from the hustle and bustle of the station.