Arrival

Another operator error. The original shared link to this blog was created in the wrong place or manner, so I copied and pasted the first two posts here and will try to figure out how to delete the original. I should have realized my mistake when this Japan blog was not listed under my profile listing prior blogs. 

3 April 2025

Just a really long trip to Japan from Cayucos, CA: 4:30a.m. alarm; 6:25 flight to LAX; 4 hours in LAX; 12 hours to Haneda-Tokyo; then a long walk to customs. I was glad to have the portable luggage cart, even if it was just for my 18# backpack. 

Japanese customs was efficient, but we are at the early peak of cherry blossom season with huge Disney-weave lines. After an initial scrum before entering the single-file line, I navigated 15 rows shuffling end-to-end to 60 entry gate immigration agents. 

Haneda Customs. Shige, my business colleague from Japan, said that Japan has become much more affordable for tourists due to the reduced value of the yen, especially South Asian tourists. Not too many masks.

I noticed my shoes squeaking when walking in the luggage retrieval area and realized Haneda Airport floors were incredibly clean. 

The airport signage to the train were good and the train left from the same terminal. I queued at the ticket machine and found it only accepted currency. A helpful attendant directed to an adjacent counter where they accepted cards. Shige advised that when outside major cities, many establishments only accept cash, perhaps 50% of the businesses. I need to hit an ATM.

I had the usual anxiety finding the right train, but helpful locals directed me to the right train and stop. I dragged my luggage about Tokyo Station, looking for the correct exit. Upon encountering a daunting flight of stairs with 50# and 17# luggage, I retreated to an agent and was re-admitted to walk to an elevator. 

Google Maps was only moderately helpful in getting to the hotel. I circled the block containing the hotel, inquired at an office building, and was directed to the opposite side of the same block. 

Easy check-in, took my luggage to the room, then met most of the group in the hotel breakfast/lounge area. I hoped that by staying up and arriving late afternoon, I would have a long rest. Everyone in our group arrived a day early and no one reported great sleep. Perhaps tonight.

We all turned up this morning for a traditional (so I was told), Japanese breakfast, included with the hotel. We compared notes and struggled to remember names. 

After breakfast, I walked outside in light rain for 30 minutes, using a hotel-furnished umbrella. The forecast is for 2 days without rain and warmer. Many Japanese umbrellas are clear, very helpful on busy sidewalks. Several of the more enterprising Brompton riders set off in the rain. Only 2 Bike Fridays in our group, and our bikes are not yet assembled. In short, Bike Fridays offer a much improved ride but are more difficult to fold and less compact when folded.

Hotel Sui Ginza Kyobashi by Abest

Clean, convenient to the main train station, traditional breakfast, cocktail hour, and even udon noodles at 8 pm. 

Local Parcel Center. Could probably teach USPS something, and likely more organized that it looks.

Cherry Blossoms. Imperial palace grounds are about 10 minutes away.

Dachshund? I walked by in the morning before they opened and though it was a pet shop but seems to be dog toys and accessories. Have not yet seen a dog for Dog of the Day. Perhaps they avoid rain.

Seems no one had and idea to exchange today.

I assembled my bike in the compact hotel room. One pannier holds all bike gear (train case, luggage carrier, pump & parts, while the second pannier holds my clothes, computer, and toiletries.

I met Shige at 11:30 for lunch. Shige is the principle owner/director of Shipley Japan, a licensee of my former US-based consultancy, Shipley Associates. We walked to a nearby restaurant for a excellent lunch and caught up. 

Selfie. Never had a selfie I liked, but Shige looks good.

Our tour group meet this evening for the “official” starting dinner together. The restaurant less than a block away with a wide menu.  Everyone ordered 1 or 2 items and passed them around. Great way to sample many tasty items. We shared the bill, under $14 each including drinks. 

Our Tour Group.  (Clockwise from the top left) Eliete, Nicola, Larry, Alex (leader), Nina (Alex's daughter and co-leader), Walter, (missing) Walter's wife Jeanette, Duane, Scott, and Monica. Alex noted that 3 of them attended the same NYC high school, Class of 19XX, prompting Scott to note his graduation year, 1 year after mine. Yep, I'm the oldest!

Cherry Blossoms. We hope to see more blooms today. Nicola shared this from image from her initial exploratory ride. Shige said the peak was last weekend and the rain had dropped many of the petals.