I struggled to find my way around Tokyo but finally managed to book a hostel and navigate my way on the 2 different subways. The people in Japan are very friendly but don't speak as much English as Singapore.
When I left the hostel, another guy wanted to join me so we went straight for Shibuya and Shinjuka where there's a massive crossing and loads of people. Next was Ginza for the upmarket shopping but it was a little early and no shops open. The other guy needed to meet someone else, so I continued on to the Tokyo Tower. With the help of a list from Rachael, I managed to see the most important parts of Tokyo such as Harajuku with 'dodgy characters and shops'. One business had the right idea where you could hire a small space to sleep, play video games watch TV etc. Some people would hire out the small spaces when they miss the last bus home and sleep overnight as taxi's aren't an option for normal people.
Later in the day, I tried to go inside the Imperial Palace but that wasn't going to be allowed. On the way back to the hostel, I passed the Asakusu Kannon Temple.
At night, I tried the Roppongi Bars but it wasn't happening by myself and I was worried about being shafted again.
On the last day, I went to the shopping district of Akihabara. I didn't need to buy anything but again managed to find something worth purchasing - a set of Bose headphones for my iPod. They weren't cheap at an equivalent price of AUD$150 but the quality is uncomparible. Personally, I found the electronics weren't that far ahead of Australia and the price wasn't much cheaper either... especially if you take travel costs into account.
My 3 month trip-of-a-lifetime had come to an end. I toasted to myself with an Asahi as thoughts of relief, pride and a feeling that I'd love to do it again some time - under different circumstances. Next time, I'd probably make the trip less exhausting and only about a month long. But most importantly, I'd love to share the experience with a friend.
Return rating: 5 (missed Sumo wrestling)
And that's the end of Asian leg too. Since Asia is fairly close to home, I'm sure I'll be back. China and Thailand seems like the most likely but will have to see the beautiful Fiji beaches before anything else.
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