Japan - Tokyo Day 2

Day 2 saw us having a tour of Sumitomo's factory.. naturally we had to, since they were the one sponsoring our tour.  Since Japanese are very punctual people, we had to leave right on time, and we arrived exactly at 9.30am, where we were ushered into a room, where we had place cards.. which reminded me of high school or something.

There was a presentation on the company, then we were taken in two groups to the factory to see how the excavators were actually made.  Of course, pictures were forbidden.. not that the group actually cared.. I saw cameras being carried and photos being taken!

After all that, we had a buffet lunch sponsored by Sumitomo which was pretty good.. there was a dessert chef making strawberry shortcakes on the spot.. it was so good.. I think Tom's got his inspiration for strawberry shortcake from Japan!

After that, we went to Ueno Market to see the Sakura.. unfortunately, the weather was too cold so the Sakura were late in blooming...otherwise, it would have been spectacular!

There was a zoo with Pandas as well.. but after walking to find Sakura.. we walked back to the zoo to find that it promptly closed 5 minutes ago.. damn.. and it would have been the first time I've seen Pandas!  Comforted myself with a really milky mango soft served cone!

Lookie what I found on the way.. a Whiskey Van!

Dinner was also sponsored by Sumitomo.. this one was going to be on a cruise, with French Food!!!!  Unfortunately.. due the shocking tardiness of the group (not us..) we made it to the docks at 6.58pm .. and the cruise was leaving at 7pm!  We ran onboard and was seated in the dining room.

Smoked Salmon with some potato stuffing

Seafood chowder.. super fresh

Dessert!

Dinner wasn't much to rave about.. had better French food (by the way.. main course was chicken.. forgot to take picture before I devoured it).. but the sights was fantastic.

Yeah yeah.. cliche pic.. just had to take it with the wheel

Our Cruise Ship

It was 9.30pm by the time we left the ship.. tired.. full.. satisfied.. thanks to Sumitomo for the treat.. gocheso sama (Thank you for the treat)

Went back to a second night at Keio Plaza Hotel.. where they didn't have the air conditioning working during winter.. and windows that couldn't be opened.. so it was super stuffy in the room.

Yes!  We found this anime being dragged around by an ang-mo taking pictures.. it's really a head mask!