We referred about a famous bronze Buddha in Tokyo. She took few seconds and mention few. My buddy show her the photo from a guide book. She dotted down the train station from point A to B and so on a piece of paper. She got some snacks for us for our tomorrow train ride, that's a thoughtful of her. We left the hotel at 12.05 after paid up for 18th October too, that's our return trip from Sapporo and walk together to Ueno Station with her husband. It took less than ten minutes walk. We make our separate way and took the JR Yamanote Line bond for Tokyo Station. From there, board the JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station.
Arrive at 14.24pm to Tourist Information Counter for map and direction. The maps in English version were too thiny in print, got the Japanese version for 400 Yen. The smilling faces of the staff pointed the direction on the map and told us not advisable to take taxi or public buses because of public holiday that cause heavy traffic flow of vehicle. She mention thirty minutes walk, but we took more than forty-five minutes through pack of crowds the steep narrow foothpath up the hill. At pace, the vehicle that left earlier were still in the jam. The admission 300 Yen for two at special rate to view this manificant Great Buddha of bronze stands 13.35 meters high and weighs 121 tons is in Kamakura small quiet coastal town . Though a tidal wave swept away the temple building in 1498, this holy statue still remain exposed to sunshine, storms and snow. On the way down hill both of us felt hungry as we had forgotten our meal. Stop at a near-by row of shop for restaurant. Found a remote, as enter been welcome guess, we asked for menu. The menu in Japanese, we indicate steam rice. He recommended something special which we were doubts waiting patiently to be serve. Everytime a dishes came out from at the display kitchen, the fumes of aroma got us hunger. We got what we wanted, steam rice delicious of tempura shrimp, thin slice beef, vegetables and with a bowl of soup. We didn't realised we had waited twenty minutes for this to come. The amount for this great meal for 2,600 Yen watching them preparing was wonderful experience.
By 16.25pm we knew it going to be sunset and back at Kamakura Station. Flash our JR Pass Card as we enter the gate. So as not neccessary to be told. Approach a staff of our intent, visit Tokyo Tower and the schedule. Took the JR Yokosuka Line to Hamamatsu-Cho Station as told. Board the train, the route marking doesn't show the Hamamatsu-Cho station but instead the nearest is Shinagawa Station. My buddy consult a commuter about route pertain, it took some time for him to understood us. With his initiative and instinct, he drop-off at the JR Yokohama Station to inform the staff of our plight at Shinagawa Station. After the third stop, the JR staff were on standby to assist us. The left turn , lift up and turn left as what the kind commuter instruct us to do if nobody on hand. Took the JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsu-Cho Station. This makes us more determine to carry-on despite some hiccup. It was already 18.25pm, dark and pretty quiet on the streets. There are pachinko shops mostly every corner of the street, a favourite pastime hobby. My buddy was a little concern as how further should he able to walk. For five minute, I notice from distance enthralling bright orange lights above, the Tokyo Tower. Pass the Zojoji Temple, park on far right and a Prince Hotel. Cross few traffic junction as we near the 333 meter tower base built in December,1958 and took eleven months to complete. After twenty-five minutes on the move. During clear sky day you could see Mt Fuji and the Boso Peninsula. Tokyo Tower, higher than the Eiffel Tower (Paris). Hugh crowd already throng near the entrance as we hoping it would subside. But buses load with local tourist keep coming after our ten minutes of break. Couldn't wait longer. Join the crowd and follow the queue for ticket. A staff approach us and spoke in Japanese and same time controlling the crowd for position to queue. As I glance through the glass panel, a notice that read foreign tourist could queue at express lane. I told my buddy lets abandon this queue and join the inside lane. The staff immediately allow us to purchase admission ticket at 820 Yen per person. This allow us at the main observatory level of 150 meter. The quiet illuminating lights of Tokyo city and some fireworks display on far left. It must be where Mt Fuji is . Tokyo has a population of 12 million people. Day and night people are busy. Had night view of around the city for half an hour. Decided to descend as big crowd also join-in but was disallow. They had to use at another level. Back at Hamamatsu-Cho Station the JR staff were on standby to assist us to Yamanote Line for Ueno Station.
By 20.37pm at our Fukushima Kaikan Hotel. Collect our key and luggage for room 401. This room unique because it has sliding steel door and so its toilet. I didn't came across any hotel I stay of this kind.
