Tokyo: A

Shinjuku night life

Fancy Express Train (cost $35 for one hour!!)

Jared, Jon and I arrive at Narita airport on Friday around 1:30pm. We catch the Express train to Tokyo station to get to Shinza, the district where our hotel is located. It is an hour train ride which takes us through some pretty valleys and small towns outside of Tokyo. We follow some random directions and somehow make it to our hotel: The Dormy Inn.Ahh the Dormy Inn.

Mine and Steph's cozy room


Vending machines in our hotel, beer anyone?!

It is just perfect for us. The rooms are small but because we don't plan to be in them unless asleep, it's all good. The hotel staff is SO kind, saying "HI!" with every response as that is the Japanese way of saying "yes." "HI, HI, HI!" Slightly addicting to say.Awesome suspension bridge outside our hotel.

View from our room.

We walk around our area, having no clue really where we are until we find a place to eat. We get back to our hotel after our first meal, and low and behold, Avery has arrived!! Time to get ready to go out in Shinjuku. Karaoke anyone?!One of our MANY walks through the comprehensive subway system.

Our first meal altogether, in Shinjuku, at a Japanese style chicken place. This is where we ate chicken sashimi. Yes, seared rare chicken. I was a bit apprehensive, but everyone was doing it...so I figured, when in Rome (or Tokyo.) It didn't taste great, but my stomach handled it so I was happy.

Duet: Jared and Avery (notice psychedelic lighting)

Jared solo...Can't remember if it was Eminem or Queen.

Post karaoke-ing we wander around being harassed by club promoters. We realize it has gotten late and we opt for a taxi home. Don't worry, taxis in Tokyo only start their fair charge at over $8!! Yep eight BUCKS--before you have even traveled a centimeter. Anyway...back to the hotel to prepare for the next day of exploring!