We also observed that the Japanese like it rather warm. It seemed that whenever we entered a taxi, we'd have to put the windows down to cool it off. Not sure the drivers appreciated it, but we knew they'd never say anything.

Did you see any little kids in fancy kimono at Meiji Shrine?

What was not enjoyable about the geisha performance?

That shamisen player would be one of a dying breed. Think <i>Memoirs of a Geisha</i> geisha lifestyle when she was young. If she looked 90 then she was probably 100 (guess a Japanese woman's age and then add 10 years).

It was Hama Rikyu Garden between Tsukiji and the boat to Asakusa.

Yes we saw lots of children dressed up at the shrine... Cute

They told us the Shamishen player was 90

Muffin didn't like it because he was tired, we waited a while, we were standing ( he has a bad back) it was HOT and the singing was (to his ears) not the best.... Maybe if we had gone at a different time etc he may have enjoyed it.

Oh yes that was the garden, very tranquil and lovely

Karen, we are not staying at the Hyatt, so no free drinks for us :(

Craig, oh yes even the taxis I was melting in the one last night.

I should add I used a company for our airport transfer ( I will find the name later) and they were excellent 19k yen total ( still a lot I know but hotel quote was 27k I think) and regular taxis 23k... Would recommend.

It's 2:40 am here, I can't sleep but have to be up at 5 !!!!!!

Nickie..you need to travel with sleeping pills for those nights. Try them at home first though. Looking forward to hearing about Hakone. Where are you staying?

Anxious to read how you like the Hakone experience... I loved the various forms of transportation, especially the cable car (which I usually hate) ... We did not take the boat ride

Above from bob

Greetings from beautiful Hakone! We have had fabulous views of Fuji today. Hope you do as well.

Bob, are you referring to this: www.hakoneropeway.co.jp/foreign/en/album ? There are many more ropeways in Japan: Gifu, Kobe, Nagasaki, Hakodate, ...

Kathie, there is an onsen not far from Hakone-Yumoto station called Tenzan. The uncommon feature of the place is an old-style Japanese sauna. It is intense. Glad to hear you got good weather in Hakone.

We had a fabulous time in Hakone, Kathie we must have been in Hakone at the same time, yes glorious views of Mount Fuji, absolutely breath taking. Various modes of transport all great. We all loved Hakone and the Autumn colours are beautiful.
We stayed at the a ryokan Ginyu, very lovely.
Today we took the bullet train to Kyoto... 4 nights await us, been to some lovely temples already. Having so much fun with the FW's and Muffin. tomorrow we have a guide we are hoping to pack in a lot....
Got 5 hours sleep last night, result!

Yes, that's the one... How did you find my pics?

Nicky, I hope you are not wearing those CA boys out???

Bob

Oh I remember salivating over the Ryokan Ginyu website...

Can't wait to hear more / see pics.

(I know, I know, none from me yet, but I'm working on it!)

Oh wow... A live report... Have fun smeagol....

Nicky, so glad to hear you had clear views of Fuji! We are leaving Japan today. It's been a wonderful trip.

kathie and Cheryl...safe trip home.

What an amazing day... Beautiful beautiful sights, the foliage is at its peak. Our guide was great, we packed a lot in and loads of laughs along the way. The crowds though are heavy!
I'll update later off for ramen with "the boys"

You must be having a great time seeing Filmwill's pictures on FB with the great weather you're having and the foliage - wow!

Nicky - before you leave Japan can you buy some green KitKat for me and give it covertly to me at the GTG without my wife seeing it? There're at least 15 Kitkat flavours in Japan so if you can't find "green" any will do~!

From the Bangkok Post: <i> "TOKYO - The number of foreign visitors to Japan in October jumped 31.5% from a year before to 928,500, a record high for the month, an estimate by a government body showed Wednesday. </i>

How many of these guys are Fodorites?

Pook, no problem the green ones? Ps why can't mrs H see?

There are LOTS of people here, but I can see why,the trees look amazing.

Just got back after having some Karaoke fun!,, that's all I am saying about that!

Warm greetings and rise and shine Nicky, and others, from on the (business travel) road in Asia.

Can't adequately convey what a delight it is to read your updates. So glad the Park Hyatt Tokyo worked well for you. I'll always consider that property to be Tokyo business travel heaven. Not certain if you, Nicky, and your beloved are hikers, but will give the highest ongoing recommendation to ascending to the top of Fuji-san. Mind you, it's been a *few* years, but what a memorable July full-moon ascent, and special sunrise summit. Perhaps for your next Japanese holiday... (am confident you'll be back).

Should you still be travelling (and partying) with the filmwill's, please give them my congratulations: if memory serves correct, they flew business class last year with 'our' Singapore Airlines. If so, well done, gentlemen.

A bit of a Bangkok update which may or may not be of interest to you (and others). Earlier this thread, I wrote about a rather imminent and brief holiday. Well, that holiday was yet another Loi Krathong celebration this past weekend at one of your favourite hotels (and ours), the Peninsula. In my opinion, some appreciated enhancements to the property, even over the past few months. My review of the Peninsula on my profile page still stands; class operation. 'Our' special suite was as fine as ever (along with staying with such wondrous friends and staff); hope your (potential) Peninsula lodgings prove joyous. (And one of these days, do stay at The Siam, or at the very least, dine at her Chon Thai; so much fun.)

All for now, work calls. Keep up the brilliant reporting Nicky, and best morning wishes to you and all,

robert


... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...