Matt: Our first proper blog entry today after 4 days in Tokyo. It is an amazing city and is as surprising for it's similarities as it's differences to home.

The trip out was pretty painless all in all - though it was weird to say goodbye to London (especially to our now completely empty flat) - but the plane was big with plenty of movies. But by the end we were delighted to get off.

Getting from the airport to Tokyo city centre was actually fairly straightforward - two hours of battling sleep on the trains and subways, but worth it when we got to our hotel - which is immaculate and really comfortable.

Tokyo is very cool - and the first place on our trip so far where I feel I could settle down (joke) - so clean, so friendly and the architecture is really stunning....makes London look a bit dowdy in comparison. The best thing so far though is the grub...sushi and noodles done properly...can't wait to get out to my next noodle bar...

Surprisingly difficult to get on line here (despite the technology EVERYWHERE) so this one will have to be short and sweet. We will post much more when we get to a net cafe where we can chill and write lots about what we have seen so far and the next leg of our Japanese adventure - Osaka and Kyoto.

Kel: Hi all, can't believe we're actually here! Jet lag has taken a while to get over but we're at an amazing hotel with a massive bed with a fantastic view across Tokyo so it's not been that bad really : ) We've had an amazing first few days. We reckon we almost walked 20 miles in the first day so our wee tootsies were ready for a rest. Our days are mixed with extreme calm and madness. From imperial palace gardens and beautiful shrines to mental electronic areas, the coolest shops (see prada building in photos) to learning about new ways of life (kettles that look like microwaves with about 400 buttons, heated toilet seats, vending machines everywhere - even as a way of paying for noodles in a cafe).

We've had great views of the city on the 52 floor of a government building. We've watched sushi chefs at work. We were sitting next to this couple who picked a fish from the tank in front of us. Lots of splattering everywhere and then about 2 minutes later the fish rolled up into a cone in their hands - mental!

The people here are incredibly friendly when you need help, even through the obvious language barrier. ALL the guys seem to be in suits (grey, black, dark blue) Not a massive fan of colour or of diversity. Girl trends are tiny shorts, knee high socks and lots of giggling. Quite funny really and totally different. Overall to me it seems a really clean city and I mean that in every sense of the word. Streets are immaculate, everyone seems to try their hardest, but I'm not sure we've found the grittier side to Tokyo yet ..... watch this space.

K&M: Later peeps and hope all is well with everyone at home x