Japan, Land of the Rising Sun (Tokyo Day Four - Part 2 of 2): Himiko, Water Bus and Toyota Auto Salon

One of the activities that we have already pre-planned is a boat ride as Casey has been learning different modes of transportation. We want him to be able to personally experience such at the same time. Still in the Asakusa area is Tokyo Cruise port. There are less than 5 water bus ports in Tokyo and it is an alternative means of transportation locals and tourist use especially when getting to destinations near water. Of course, we also ventured to taking this boat because of the unique design of its panoramic windows-- they call this boats Himiko!

The ride gave us a different view of Tokyo. Less hectic, calm and relaxing. The slow and steady ride enables you to sit back and soak in the wonderful view of the Sumida river. It offers a different experience seeing how fast-paced Tokya was. At first I find it too slow because I got used to chasing trains and POI after POI. The boat ride allowed me and my son to just sit down enjoy the view while the husband shot different perspectives of Tokyo by the river.

My son has a Himiko story to share as well. While ordering food in the counter my son saw the replica of Himiko with wheels. He immediately got one toy gave it to the guy in the counter, faced me and said 'pay for it, Mom!' Now that toy is one of his favorites and he calls it non other than 'Himiko.'

Our port destination for this ride is Hinode Port. We chose this stop to allow us to easily get to our next POI by one train ride (as per how we analyze their maps). From the port it was around 10-minute walk to get to the nearest train station. We basically followed a Japanese family who said they are also going to the same station. 

The beauty of Tokyo is the endless vending machines all over the city! You wlll never get thirsty as there is always a convenient vending machine in every corner stocked with water and coffee! We didn't even bother bringing Casey's water bottle as we were able to buy water even inside train stations. Compared to Singapore, they can eat and drink in their train stations yet the place is still very clean and tidy! I never saw anyone eating in the trains though. It is just because it is too crowded to eat... I think! :)

Our next stop is just to satisfy our need for speed. We went to Toyota Auto Salon Amlux in Ikebukuro. This is four floors of Toyotas! Everything from sports and racing cars to family, hybrid, handicap-accessible, and luxury cars are on display. Every one of it unlocked so that potential buyers, curious ones or tourists like us can climb inside and play with the dials, adjust the seats, etc.

There are also race-car simulators, a play area for toddlers, the Universal Design Corner (with cool gadgets that make life easier for persons with disabilities and the elderly), and exhibits relating to Toyota's plans for the future (such as specialty cars like electric cars). Apart from the fast cars and tiny cars, there is one car that really got our attention because of our interest for long drives-- the NOAH! As you can see in the pictures, it would be perfect for Casey! Also, the price is something we really cannot find in Singapore. The cost of Singapore's COE (Certificate of Entitlement or permit to own a car) alone, I think, is enough to buy a car here in Japan! 

The driver seat of this car converts to a wheelchair of some sort! You know if this kind of car is stolen 'coz the driver doesn't have a seat! Lol.

I think I look good in black, yah? ~wink

... and if it's up to him, he'd want both! :)

The NOAH would be Casey's choice for sure! He was sleeping the entire visit, else, he would be all over the cars and I have to chase him all the time. 

Just by the Ikebukuro station, the area they call the Sunshine 60 Street lights up at night. We were accompanied by this pretty Japanese teenage girl as we were finding our way. She was very kind as she tried her best to speak English to us but because she struggled explaining, she asked us to follow her instead. She brought us to this street and she kept talking on the phone to someone. Apparently, she is supposed to meet her boyfriend by the station but because she had to help us she was giving instructions to her boyfriend as to her whereabout while we were walking. Very accommodating! She walked us all the way to the corner  of this street until we could visibly see the Toyota Auto Salon Amlux building. So after our car visit, we just went back to this street. 

We had dinner in a self-service Japanese Curry shop. I also managed to buy a few cosmetics. My best purchase that night was a Shu Uemura eyelash curler for 1000 yen which should be around $13 Singapore dollars! I already got one in Ion Orchard a couple of years back and I got it for $25! It was such a good deal I wanted to buy more.

We also visited one of Japan's biggest appliance shops. My husband wanted to check out their cameras. It's like Harvey Norman and Courts combined! Too huge and too many stuff in one building! We are just glad Casey was still sleeping or else it would have been a risky window shopping experience. 

On our way back to the hotel. And there's the Tokyo station at night and our son up and about!

When we get hungry at night, we usually go to our next door 24-hour 7eleven convenient store. This has been our favorite instant noodle flavor... even Casey loves it!

Roadworks down below our hotel room.

POI's for this entry:

> Tokyo Cruise, Himiko
> Ikebukuro, Sunshine 60 street
> Toyota Auto Salon Amlux Tokyo