Supporting the Bokke at The Rugby World Cup!
Flight to Tokyo: We flew on Singapore Airlines via Singapore. Great to fly direct for 11 hours to Singapore, followed by a short layover, and then a 7-hour leg to Tokyo. The vibe in the plane was electric with loads of South African supporters singing ‘Shosholoza’ throughout the flight…earplugs were needed for some of the passengers hoping to catch some shut eye.
We received an immigration form to complete while on board and once at Haneda Airport, the immigration lines were long but moved quickly. Japan runs on efficiency, so the immigration process and baggage collection was seamless. We pre-booked a transfer to our hotel which is highly recommended. Taxis in Tokyo are extremely expensive (approximately R5,000 one-way from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo districts) and the language barrier can be a problem at times.
Hotel: We stayed at Visto Premio, a 4-star business hotel based in the Akasaka area. As with most traditional Japanese hotels, the rooms are small but functional. Akasaka is a great place to stay in, loads of restaurants and bars are all within walking distance. Try the local ramen or tempura rice bowls, ranging from around 600-1200 Yen (around R100 – R200 per dish). Western food is also readily available but expect to pay a lot more. Highballs, a blended whiskey with ginger or cola are very popular drinks in Tokyo and cost roughly around 600 Yen (R100 per single).
Where to go: A quick subway trip from Akasaka takes you to the famous Shibuya Crossing, considered to be the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world! An average of 2500 pedestrians cross at a time, coming from all directions at once. Certainly, a sight to see! Asakusa takes you back to a bygone era, where you can explore the various temples and wander amongst the traditional street food and craft stalls. For the shoppers, Shinjuku and Ginza offer unique shopping experiences with an eclectic mix of souvenir shops and department stores.
People and culture: The Japanese are the most gracious and unassuming nation that I have ever encountered. They graciously welcomed nations from all over the world for the Rugby World Cup and celebrated in our victory with us.
Tokyo is a city that is vibrant, colourful and constantly abuzz with activity. I cannot wait to return!