After purchasing a few Studio Ghibli goods from a department store (poor Rob and Joe- I spent ages deciding which ones to get; for those of you who haven't seen Spirited Away or My Neighbour Totoro - well worth a watch).... Joe took us to his neck of the woods around Mitaka (West-side). We went to see some local temples of which there were many - all stunning and set in amazing grounds.

Then went back to his to meet his wife Mika and daughter Aly who was very cute indeed! Mika's family own a restaurant nearby so we had the pleasure of going there as honoured guests. Tried loads of different foods - including sushi, sea pineapple, tofu, yakitori and soy beans. And tried my very first Sake (Sake actually just means alcohol in Japanese so I guess I should say Nihonshu) - it seemed very strong after no alcohol for a while and I certainly noted the effects! Managed to converse a little with Mika's dad with the help of Joe and a map. Her parents were both so lovely and presented us with some Sake glasses before we left. Felt as though we'd had a proper Japanese style evening and really enjoyed ourselves - thanks Joe, Mika and family! Slept well that night!