At first Tokyo was a real culture shock. No English, money with too many zeros (we feel for dyslexic locals with 10000s and 1000s in their wallet- however no one would rip you off here, everyone is very nice and polite) and jet-lagged like mad.
Respect is a big part of the local culture. Kids on the bus fight over who will stand. Shop assistants must have the final bow as you leave the store. People keep their conversations quiet, waiters do not press you to buy a drink. It is a little too much, but being able to pack some of it and take it back home would be great.
We have spent the last couple of days touring Tokyo with non jet lagged eyes. We visited Shibuya to see the busy part of Tokyo- we were wondering where all the people were for days but we quickly found them all. The intersection outside of Shibuya train station is like times square. Like ants going to war.
Today we visited the reclaimed land at Tokyo Bay, and went to the bath (called Onsen). Very traditional, not as good as Baden Baden but much better than Bath. The outside rock pools are the height of relaxation but we don't know how people sit in the 85degree sauna. Side note, when Rach says 'I can't believe how tiny all the Japanese ladies were (nude bath)' Trav's answer shouldn't be 'yes, they probably think you are rich' (there is a link to the larger peeps being rich/regal here). Yes, keep digging that hole Trav.
A movie at Tokyo beach (MIB3 in 3D) was better than expected, and the monorail over Tokyo bay at night was a fantastic way to end the day. The bay area looks a lot like the main river in New York, but the Tokyo faux Eiffel tower gives it away.
Pics- just like in lost in translation/ refreshed after the Onsen/ can't swim at the local beach, liners nearby/ beautiful view of the city
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