So I am here in Japan, after a somewhat turbulent flight (both in terms of the air flow and my emotions - switching from laughter reading 'Return of the Timewaster Letters' to floods of tears thanks to the film 'My Sister's Keeper').

After getting my hands on a Japan rail pas, negotiating the subway and lugging my bag half way across Tokyo I arrived at the Ace Inn, a wooden capsule hostel, in the Shinjuku area of the city. The place is clean, tidy and a great location for exploring Tokyo. First experience of a hostel is "so far, so good".

I spent my first afternoon familiarising myself with Akebonobashi (where the Ace Inn is situated) and taking in the sights of Shinjuku. There is not much to write home about (literally) for the former, but I loved the East vs. West contrast in Shinjuku. The west, featuring a skyscraper district and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government offices (complete with observatory floor for a great view of the city), is where Tokyo-ites go to work, whereas East Shinjuku is all about play - from the stereotypical business men's gambling and slot machines to hostess bars and the red light district of Kabuchio.

Sadly it was pouring of rain for my first day, but this meant that I got a sneak peak at a rather obsessive umbrella culture. Literally everyone had one (except me who got soaked), and shops and cafes have a nifty little gadget which dispenses plastic bags and wraps wet umbrellas before you are allowed entry (it amused me anyway, but perhaps it was the jet lag sneaking up).

For my second day I planned to wake up nice and early, head out for a run before exploring some of the other areas of Tokyo. But after being awake a 3am for a couple of hours it was all I could manage to be up by half 9! So I skipped the run, headed for a shower and breakfast and was at Shinjuku Gyoen National Park by 11. The park, which was free to enter today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Emperor, was the most peaceful place I have ever been and the gardens and crysanthemum exhibition were truly beautiful - even though I would not usually decribe myself as a horticultural fan. There were also turtles and Koi to be seen, and traditional Japanese tea houses.

Then it was on to Ginza for me, full of gorgeous department stores and incredible food halls (akin to the likes of Harrods). I had a quick mooch around before jumping back on the subway with my 'economic one day pass' and arriving in Asakusa where I visited the Sensoji Temple, Asahi beer towers, Asakusa amusement park (which did not 'amuse' me in the slightest as it was clearly made for toddlers) and had tempura for lunch where the Japanese man sat next to me spent his time laughing at my lack of understanding of his Japanese ramblings and kept trying to get me to drink Sake with him. Lost in Translation doesn't even begin to cover it!!

After lunch it was off to Ueno and Akihabra (but not before a Rickshaw man offered me directions, told me I was beautiful and asked if I wanted some company - I just bid him 'Arigato' for the first!). I visited the Ueno park and strolled around the electronics district of Akihabra of Akiba for short. By this time jet lag was seriously taking a hold. I called quits on the day, picked up some delicious food from Isetan department store and headed back to my little wooden capsule. I am writing this to try and stay awake for a bit longer, and then I will wake up fresh tomorrow ready for some more exploring...