Well after the normal horrors of flying we arrive in Narita Airport.I am filled with my normal hyper concern about ground transport especially as we have been flying all night.However I had completely under estimated the efficiency of the Japanese tourist industry and Japanese people in general.
As soon as we came out of customs there was a bus/train desk where I was provided with tickets and a map to get to the bus.First impressions were the respect with which everybody is treated.There were young men assisting passengers at the bus stop who bowed to the bus driver when they arrived and to the passengers as the bus departed.As we have had confirmed many times now transport runs to the minute.If they say a bus will leave at 0904 it leaves right on the dot.
We arrived at Yokohama station and went to find something to eat.Our first foray was to stand in a queue at a promising restaurant,however this ended when we were faced with a food ordering machine with everything listed in Kanji.We retreated to the Chinese restaurant next door where we received smiling friendly service and great dumplings.
Fuelled up we headed to the the Hotel Edit in downtown Yokohama.We were ably assisted to find a cab by a shopping centre concierge who came out from her desk to make sure we knew where to go.We jumped into a cab showed the driver the address in Kanji and sped away.A couple of things about Japanese cabs-the drivers all wear white gloves-the back doors open and close automatically when operated by the driver- Embarrassing when you try to close them.Also they will ensure you are delivered to where you have to get to.In this case we saw the hotel and were soon in a maze of back streets mostly one way.We offered to get out an walk the last bit and he even opened the door.However suddenly inspired he closed the door smiled zig zagged a bit and triumphantly deposited us at the front door with a grin.
So now for our first hotel in Japan-you actually pay up front for your whole stay which is unusual.And after spending some time downstairs realised that this was hipster heaven-very white and streamlined.But then came the room 🙂 great training for Mel’s great wish in life-to own a tiny house.Although really small the design was simple and super clean and efficient.And the toilet a joy to behold with more buttons than you could imagine a toilet would ever need and some of them (temperature controlled of course) do amazing things best left unsaid.
Slightly shattered we headed out for dinner with a starter of edamame and seaweed accompanied by some beers at the Yokohama Brewery handily located outside our hotel across the street.
Scouting through trip advisor we discovered the 2nd best restaurant in Yokohama, Katsuretsu Ann and made our way there where we feasted on spectacular prawns and pork steaks.On the way home we wound our way through the back streets which feel very safe and checked out the streetscape.
We sidled one by one into our tiny room and had a good nights sleep.
Photos Of Our Day
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