Shinjuku

So it has been a rude awakening transferring from our first class JAL seat to our, how should I say, lesser class hotel room? The Shinjuku Prince Hotel does the trick as far as location and price and ridiculous japan-y-Ness, but leaves a lot lacking in the space department. Our room is perhaps the size of our flight seats. I have no photos of the room itself but this because there is no space to take them. Our views, however, are badass and exactly what I think of when I think of Tokyo.

Of course, the trains really seal the deal for me. We can hear them at night like a soft lullaby. Seriously - not too loud and just audible. 

We are in shinjuku, which is one of the busy areas for both office jobs and night life - perfect for the salary men by day and night.  Our arrival was cloudy. It cleated up the next day.

This intersection is fun to watch during rush hour.

Shinjuku is known for its less than savory night activities. This is one of the streets where all the magic happens. If someone can explain to me why there are south Africans trolling this place trying to lure you into their bars, I'm all ears. 

Another view to the west from our room on a clear day.

Tokyo is pretty!

This is our hotel from the outside. Nothing to swoon over but tall enough. 

By night our view is pretty cool as well. All in all we are happy with our 90 square feet. The neighborhood I'd tops for convenience too. It's close to our favorite past time - local gay are exploration! We found an awesome tiny Taiwanese gay bar that we loved nlenglish speakers. We made friends with the bartender! 

We don't remember his name but we had a lovely time!

Shinjuku is also home to one of the coolest nightlife areas of Tokyo, if you ask me. Golden gai! These tiny streets are home to hundreds of tiny bars, each of which can fit maybe 10 people at max. And they all are full!!

The streets are so tiny you can't fit cars down them. 

It also has this quaint little path to nowhere. 

By day the area is not as lively but just as cool. And delicious! 

We found a lovely ramen place, nagi, that specialises in anchovie broth. It's a cool take on the traditionally chicken, pork, miso, or vegetable. The place is tucked away and would be hard to find were it not for the queue out front. 

We could barely take a selfie!!

They make the ramen noodles right in front of you. It tastes so fresh and delicious. 

The final product.

All in all, Shinjuku is great. We already feel like this is one of our homes away from home. All thanks to our temporary home in Shinjuku!