Japan 18-19

Can Luis Vuitton be fun..?

Posted on by helenhmk

Reading the heading you might think it would only be fun if you had money. When in Tokyo in Ometesando – yes you can have fun. On the top of Louis Vuitton store there is a Gallery space which regularly has interesting interactive art – and good views!

It was our last day in Tokyo and we were searching online for a place to go which would be fun for our friend’s son. When Kym mentioned it…. I had my doubts. To get to the gallery- yes you have to enter the front door – which will be opened for you by men in suits! No need to go through the whole shop.. as soon as you enter turn right and head to the lift to the 7th floor.

What an amazing space – for anyone. Essentially it is a large gallery and had installed blue plastic strips hanging from a platform which was secured to walls & ceiling. Our friends son seemed to love it. We walked through and ran through the strips. Our friend’s son ran around having an fabulous time.

Day 13

Day 13

This seemed to amuse the security people and other people who were there at the same time.

Day 13

We were there for at least 30 minutes … and it was great. If you are going to Tokyo the space is worth visiting – and yes Luis Vuitton can be fun!

Here is the view

Day 13

Additional information about the space can be read here http://www.espacelouisvuittontokyo.com/en/

Any good food..?

Posted on by helenhmk

This is not a question… but when thinking of Japan- my answer is going to be – yes all food is good in Japan.

But I acknowledge we are known for visiting at least one fancy restaurant on our holidays. This time we went to Inua. Kym had been following them via social media before they opened, as head chef previously worked at Noma in Copenhagen.

Day 3 - Inua

As usual when booking- we followed the rules and got in quite easily – and we could walk there from our hotel – even better!

Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua
Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua

Oh the mushroom!

Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua
cutlery

Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua
oh but this was awesome

Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua

Best looking bottle label design

Day 3 - Inua

Afterwards we got a tour of the kitchen. In the world of small restaurants what surprised us, was the size. Interestingly, they also had a test kitchen on the floor below- and heard about what they were working on.
Day 3 - Inua

Day 3 - Inua
Day 3 - Inua

As experienced previously, Adelaide is always a connection. The sommelier was originally from Adelaide… and was going back for Mew Years. We enjoyed the conversation about food and places we had been and experienced. Enjoyable experience!

… and if you couldn’t see or work out what we ate and drank here is the menu

Day 3 - dinner
Day 3 - dinner

Transit-ing…

Posted on by helenhmk

We saw this sign while using the trains.

Day 2

We always attempt to be considerate when moving between locations. Here is what our suitcases look like while we were waiting for one of these connections.

Day 13
We really do attempt to keep out of people’s way – by it’s not easy. As you can see the black bags with the BikeSA are just that bit wider, and not as easy not move them without inconveniencing anyone. Over the years we have changed our routes to hotels/airports etc, to avoid issues with size of lifts or escalators (Tokyo station..!).

I also read this week in the Japan Times bags/luggage is in the top 5 of problems for people using the transport system in Tokyo. With this it is not surprising given the amount of tourists they are encouraging.

Kindness…

Posted on by helenhmk

We have experienced much kindness on holiday, from old friends who spend time with us…

Day 2

Christmas

Day 4

…to random people in middle of nowhere.

While cycling around Miyakojima, we were taking photos of our bikes before a bridge, and an American who had finished walking across let us know there were sea turtles about 3/4 across. Described their behaviour so we knew what to look for – and we saw them! Can’t say the photos were the best, but the fact we saw them was something.

Day 8

Day 8

Ride completed!

Posted on by helenhmk

Woo-hoo… and 177+km later our ride around Miyakojima is complete! Here is what the last day looked like on the map.

Rides

Here is how we started the last day of travel on the road

Day 10

Not too many hills – just enough. We have a great sense of achievement!

Although it did look a little like this

Day 10

Unfortunately there was not a lot of time to relax, as soon as we got back to the hotel we packed and headed for the airport.

Day 10

Glamping

Posted on by helenhmk

Day 8
This was our accommodation last night. In reality, it’s just like camping, except the bed is softer. To get in and out the tent you still take your shoes off, you still bend over when moving around, and you still can’t find where you put stuff – but I did enjoy the experience.

Second day…

Posted on by helenhmk

As any seasoned rider will tell you – the second day of a riding tour is the worst.

Day 8

However, I don’t really remember this until I’m on the bike – at least that was the case today.

At the end of the second day you remembered how, at times, uncomfortable the bike seat can seem.

It’s also those last few kilometres to where you are staying… when you keep thinking “how much longer….” and “why didn’t we find a place closer”.

Day 8

As you can see it was long – and as Kym said “At least we got here before 6pm”. On the bright side it will all be forgotten tomorrow!