Arrival in Tokyo-Narita
We made it. We lost a day as we landed late in the afternoon thanks to time zone differences (Tokyo is 13 hours ahead of east coast time), but we’ll get that day back on our return trip.
The flight went well. Laurence definitely was having difficulty with his shoulder, but doing okay. But after we got off the plane, it was apparent that the long journey really stiffened him up, and he had some difficulty with pain in both thighs and his shoulder, and was moving very slowly. He was quite distressed about it, and we’ll have to see how things go. This will be a long (five weeks) trip, with a lot of traveling and moving around, and carrying that backpack, which he’s having some difficulty getting on, although once on is fine. I wouldn’t have been able to carry a backpack last year before my rotator cuff surgery and would not have been able to take a trip like this.
We went through the very, very, very long line to pass through passport control and customs (must have been 30 or 40 minutes), and luckily we had completed the immigration and customs paperwork online (no visa needed, but this was just as necessary), so that did make it a little easier to get through the process when we finally reached the passport and custom control desks, and then… we were in Japan!
Next step was figuring out how to get to our hotel, which we did quite efficiently, although it took a little figuring out, taking the Skyliner train from the airport and then an uber to our hotel, which was not so easy to initially figure out.
SWe arrived at the Taito Ryokan around 8:30 pm, where we’re spending the next four nights while in Tokyo. That’s 8:30 local time, but for us 7:30 in the morning, having been awake most of the plane trip, and pretty tired. Laurence was not in good shape.
Now, a Ryokan is a traditional Japanese guesthouse, with futons, rice pillows, shared bathrooms and common areas, and traditional values, such as no shoes. Taito Ryokan was that, but also more like a basic (very basic) flop house, I’d say. It is Laurence’s speed to stay in places like this for a variety of reasons, but I’d prefer to stay in at least slightly more upscale places that have more comfort features, but as I booked hotels along the way I kept Laurence’s preferences in mind. Good thing I’m flexible, and don’t mind. I guess you could call this a hostel, but pretty basic and not well maintained. Basic and sparse.
No credit cards accepted – Laurence had some Japanese cash but I hadn’t yet gone to an ATM to get cash, and what Laurence had didn’t cover the cost. Happily, there was an ATM just around the corner, and we withdrew funds. No towels included, which have to be rented (but just 63 cents each for our stay, although if you want a clean one after a day or so, it’s another 63 cents).
It was most definitely a long day, and an especially long and hard day for Laurence, who pretty much hit the futon as soon as he could, tired, in pain, and shaky on his feet at this point. Hopefully, he’ll feel better in the morning. I feel fine, although still have the cold, or whatever this is is, which is incrementally getting better, but other than that have no difficulties and feel fine. I think we’ll have to see whether we can continue this trip, or whether we should instead head back to Toronto. If Laurence doesn’t improve, I can’t see how he can sustain a trip like this, and on top of that might actually cause worse injuries or damage. I’ve let him know that his health is the priority and that will guide our decision making over the next few days. I think it’s safe to say we’ll at least spend time in Tokyo, as that doesn’t involve any extensive travel or lugging backpacks around with us, sparing his shoulder at least.
But for now, I’m pretty beat too, as I it really has been a long day of travel. Oyasumi. おやすみ.