Inaricho check-in

I'd pre-booked accommodation in a small hotel in Inaricho called Weekly Mansion Tokyo - the Mansion part being something of a euphemism to be honest, but the Japanese have commandeered quite a few English words and given them a slightly different meaning. In this case, I guess mansion means 'small cheap motel'!

The accommodation was basic, just a tiny room with a single bed - but then it was very cheap too - around 6000Yen a night. I'm just so happy being in Japan that the accommodation is less than inconsequential, and besides, who spends time in their room when on holiday? Not me, just a quick sleep, check the emails and out again.

Anyway, the room had its own balcony, free unlimited broadband, a small desk, and tv. In other words, everything I needed and at an affordable price. I practiced my Japanese on the hotel clerk, and he actually understood what I was saying! What a thrill. Although I admit that all I asked him was whether he understood English, to which he replied, 'Sukoshi' ... which I also understood! It means 'a little'. I was on a roll.

It turned out to be a very handy location. It's only one subway stop from the major Ueno station, or a short 5 minute walk on foot. Its a nice quiet area, with plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby (although I'm yet to find a location in Tokyo that this can't be said of).

Here's a pic of the street and the entrance to the neighbourhood shrine.

Its September, so its hot ... probably early 30's celsius, so first stop was a local convenience store for some supplies. This is no problem, because every 2nd block has either a 7-11 or a Lawson, and they're all open 24 hrs. You can get pretty much everything you need here, including cheap dinners of Sushi or Inari at around 400 Yen.

First order of the day was to get some drinks though... I need them in Japan's summer, especially when exploring the city on foot for 12 hours a day. Japan has a great selection of drinks, and they're quite cheap. Every block has a vending machine, but the selection can be limited sometimes. I love trying all the different flavours, but the healthy type drinks are pretty good ... like this Vitatmin C burst

and this Vegetable infusion ...

With the fridge stocked, it was off to satisfy my inner geek and visit Akihabara ... the famous Otaku suburb of Tokyo, full of all things electronic ...