Day 5: Tuesday, 24th of April

Today we will check out of the Metropolitan Hotel and from Sendai Station we will board a bullet train to Tokyo Station. Within Tokyo Station we will board a Yamanote Line Loop System train to Hamamatsu-Cho Station. Our accommodation at the newly built Shiba Park 151 is an 8 minute walk from the station. As we will have our luggage with us I recommend we board a taxi for convenience.

After check in we will commence exploring the sights of Tokyo and board a train to Ueno where we will walk through the picturesque Ueno Park and view the spring colours. At the end of the park is the iconic Ueno Ameyoko Market, a larger version of the Victoria Market we have in Melbourne. Here we can explore the numerous laneways full of bargains. Everything imaginable is for sale including Japanese arts and crafts, neck ties, suits, fashion wear, Japanese teas and spices.

For those not interested in shopping, there are plenty of cafes where you can escape the crowds.

Next we will board a subway for Asakusa - a very historical part of Tokyo located beside the Sumida River. The Asakusa Kannon Temple is surrounded by the Nakamise shopping arcade where many bargain souvenirs can be found.

From Asakusa Station take the train to Tobu Skytree Station. Here we will visit the 634 metre tall Observation Deck within the Tokyo Skytree – one of Tokyo’s newest landmarks from where we can see a spectacular view of the Tokyo Skyline. Take time to explore the range of eateries and shops. In particular, visit the Chiba Institute of Technology where we can experience future technologies and innovation, the latest in robotics to planet exploration.