Shinjuku and Mt Takao - June 20-22

From Osaka we took the Shinkansen back to Tokyo where we were booked in at the Groove Hotel, Shinjuku. We knew immediately that we liked Shinjuku much better than Roppongi. The whole place bustles with life and we found good restaurants and bars everywhere we looked.

On the evening of the 20th we walked out from the hotel and immediately found a narrow bar serving great ales and appetizers. from there we wandered on and chose the Noma Noma yakinuku restaurant for dinner. Early night for us as tomorrow is our big hike.

On Saturday June 21, we had a car and driver booked to take us out to Mt Takao, which promised a temple at the base, a 90 minute hike to the top with brilliant views in all directions. The mountain delivered. The only thing we did not count on was the heat and humidity. We were fairly parched when done, but what an amazing day!

That evening, we decided to go exlore the Golden Gai area of Shinjuku, which is basically a narrow alley with tiny atmospheric bars on each side. After that fun we found a great sushi restaurant for our last dinner in Japan this trip. As you can see, we made some friends along the way!

Sunday June 21 was final day in Tokyo. We went back to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to take in some zen moments, and then headed to the airport for our flight to Seattle and the next stage in our adventure.