We returned to Tokyo from Hiroshima, inevitably enough, on the Bullet Train. As is common with these trains, much of the journey was inside tunnels, but we did emerge for long enough to be treated to a spectacular view of Mt Fuji, now with added snow. We had to switch Shinkansen at Osaka and had only 10 mins to make the connection but, as usual, this was not a problem. Back in Tokyo, we made our way back to the hotel we stayed in when we first arrived. There's a pleasing symmetry to this and it means we don't spend much of our valuable remaining time learning the ropes of a new hotel and location.

Tokyo Again

We are now maxed out on history, temples and steps, so we spend our remaining time looking for souvenirs (we didn't find any other than some Wasabi flavoured Kit-Kats). We returned to the Government building, this time at night to view the lights of the city which were spectacular. We wandered the streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya, by day and night and we ate food ordered from a machine.

By now, we are pretty exhausted. We have climbed a million steps and visited a thousand temples. In total, we walked 255 miles, which is not bad for a holiday! Everyone we met has been super helpful and pleasant. Of course, the entire place is extremely clean and organised and everything works, which is a sad reflection on the state of things back home. The only aspect that has been less than stellar is the food. Of course, it is possible to spend a lot of money on excellent food - that is true the world over. However, we ate with the people and that level of cuisine leaves a lot to be desired and is not particularly healthy. We suspect that cooking at home uses a lot more fresh ingredients (some of them may even be green). However, eating out exposes one to an endless supply of noddles and fried food - and this wears a bit thin after a month. After all, any country that imports the Wiener Schnitzel voluntarily has something to answer for!

We really enjoyed the trip and were very glad to have finally made it to one of the few places remaining on the bucket list.