Shopping In Tokyo

A snack from the Seiyu grocery store across from the Prince Hotel

• immediately after checking in, scrounge for food
• you WILL crash by 10 p.m. local time

I think this is the latest I’ve managed to remain conscious and not without serious effort, let me tell you

Once at your hotel. you’ll want to tip these attentive and efficient people, but that’s not part of their culture. I found this a little difficult to grasp until I realized what IS part of their culture. GIFTS. Bring gifts, if you wish. Hit the Duty Free on the way over and bring the hotel staff something from your native country. Boxes of chocolates etc., are always good. Do NOT set the gift on the ground before giving it to the person who checked you into the hotel. The ground is dirty and for walking on. Smile, bow and thank.

Depending on how exhausted you are, you may wish to scout out your environment. Once you’ve freshened up, take a walk outside and wander around the nearest block or two. Have a look for grocery stores, convenience stores, and so forth.

Now find a place to eat, refuel, go back to the hotel and collapse until you find yourself wide awake at 4:00 a.m.!