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Japan – Tokyo Trip
06/02/2010

With a day off from training and the snow looking sub-par (this covers anything other than a foot of fresh snow or a warm sunny day) a few of us took the chance to make a day trip to Tokyo. Although the idea of a day trip to a city around 4-5 hours away by car sounds ridiculous, the speed, simplicity and smooth operation of the Japanese public transport system makes the trip an easy and pleasurable one. A quick 30 minute ride on a local train, 90 minutes on the lightning quick Shinkansen and voila, we were in the middle of Tokyo. Some took the opportunity for an extra bit of sleep on the train, whilst those of us from Australia and the UK spent the 90 minutes comparing the dire state of public transport in our own countries to the Japanese experience. Trains that run on time? Get out of town!

Our first destination in Tokyo was Kanda, an area famous for its concentration of ski and snowboard shops. A conservative estimate would put it at 50 shops one one street, with almost any product being available. It was all a bit overwhelming to be honest, and how none of us came back with new boards I dont know. We have since made plans for a return shopping trip, with almost everyone set on forking over the yen for new gear. With good prices and a huge range it would be rude not to.

In the afternoon we headed over to Harajuku, an area known for its concentration of fashionable clothing stores and general cool Japanese kids. The designs, fashions and variety on offer were immense, and there were sky high prices to match. Most of us made a few small purchases, but the overall experience was one of window shopping and people watching. Harajuku also has the Tokyo's Burton flagship store, and we all contemplated maxing out our credit cards to look like the Japanese snowboarder kids in their amazing outfits. Like the snowboard shopping though, this can wait for another day.

We rushed back to Tokyo station to make it back in Myoko at a reasonable hour. We grabbed some dinner at the station (a pretty tasty Bento box), and it was back on the Shink. Unfortunately we missed our connection in Nagano, so we were forced to spend 45 minutes drinking at a bar near the station. Other attendees included a drunk gent who as far as we understood was an ex Americas cup sailor. Something may have been lost in translation though.

Back on the train to Myoko and back home at 11pm. A great day trip out of Myoko and one that really highlights the versatility of the place! It was good to get out of Myoko, but with powder forecast all week, it was also a pleasure to come back.

Thanks Dave for your account!