The arrival lived up to the efficiency and politeness the Japanese are famed for, and, once the immigration officer could read my writing in the immigration form, was soon speeding into the city on the express train. The ticket machines are like some sort of Krypton Factor test, and your reward, when successful, is a seat as your are rushed into the capital

Arrived at the central station, certainly a hive of activity. Hotel was near enough to walk, even if I did start off in the wrong direction. Must have a bit of my mother in me.

Once checked in went for a walk around the Imperial Palace. I do mean a walk around. You can't go in as the Emperor still lives there. It is a very long loop round, but very beautiful. First impressions of Tokyo are of what a lot of space there is. I guess I was expecting jam packed streets clogged with traffic. What we have is wide avenues, and parks full of autumnal trees gently shedding leaves.