Day 14: Tokyo

We had an early start this morning and boarded the bullet train bound for tokyo from Hiroshima. The total trian ride was ~4.5hrs and was VERY comfortable. We hardly wanted to get off. Watching the country side wizz by is very interesting.

After arriving in Tokyo, we checked in to our hotel which is in the general vicinity of our last hotel in Tokyo. Our room is fine and we are once again happy with our accomodation!

From our hotel, we headed to our ball game between the host Seibu Lions and visiting Orix Buffalos. The Seibu stadium is a dome. It was an interesting structure though as it was more like a raised roof than a fully enclosed structure. Therefore, fresh, warm air rolled in and you still had the feeling of being outside despite not having to worry about the rain. It was a beautiful warm night and the game was great. We ate typical ball park treats (hot dogs) and Steve ALMOST caught a fly ball. It came right to him but slipped through his hands. He was NOT impressed and is still complaining about his failed attempt. The game finished 7-3 in favour of the home team and there were two home runs and 16 hits. Overall, it was a very exciting game. The atmosphere was similar to Canada due to the english language being used, jumbo tron, etc...etc... but very different due to the setup of the stadium and the crowd on hand! Sides were very strictly separated, and the outfield was a true field vs. seats. People laid on a banked ground to watch the game. In this section, seats were ~$10 and this is where the true fans sat! They had costumes, drums, trumpets, and organized cheer after organized cheer prepared. It felt similar to a soccer game with chants and waiving flags. It was a REALLY great time.

After getting back to Tokyo after 10pm, we headed to Shibuya crossing. Despite the late hour, we saw more people in 5 minutes at this crossing then we have in our lives. It made time square look like a ghost time. Shibuya is quite the place on a friday night. Endless people everywhere, night clubs, a very large train station, lit up video screens that made night feel like day. It was very cool!

We're now in our hotel room at ~11:00am just about to head out for our last sushi lunch, some quick shopping, and then off the the airport for our 6pm departure. The airport is ~2hrs from the city....very strange!

Anyways, this trip has been amazing and much better than we could have ever imagined. We're sad to leave but happy to be coming home as well!

See you all soon!

Love Jess and Steve