I barely got out in time this morning. Trying to figure out how to correctly pack a futon, as well as double check I’d left everything as clean as I found it took time…
So it was no surprise that I found myself sprinting to Takaido station, praying that the crowds would have mercy on me, and I wouldn’t lose a limb when alighting…
Jokes, I forgot that today is Saturday. The station was deserted, which was creepy compared to yesterday’s hustle and bustle.
Got to Shinjuku just before 7:00am and collected my suitcase from the coin lockers, which cost me ANOTHER ¥800. Guess that initial accommodation wasn’t so cheap after all…
Scarfed down the yakisoba bread in an inconspicuous corner. Then began the arduous walk to Willer Express bus terminal. It took me around 15 minutes, but I know how to get there with my eyes closed. I arrived, scanned the QR code from my phone, and sat in the waiting area, with over 20 minutes to spare! Time to eat the korokke bread! Also picked up a Soukenbicha (type of tea) at a vending machine for ¥150.
#Travelers note: At Shinjuku Willer Express Bus Terminal, they use QR codes to keep the crowd flowing. It’s really simple – walk in, go to one of the machines on your right, press the QR button on the screen, put your phone (displaying the QR code you received in the email that came a few hours before the bus’ departure) under the reader, and a boarding pass comes out. When you hear them say a bunch of Japanese stuff, including “(your destination here)-yuki”, you go to the allocated gate. Then you scan the QR code on the boarding pass at the gate. Simple as that! Also, if you feel lost and are mid-thought, ensure you move to the side somewhere, so as not to block people’s way.
The bus was excellent, as always. Obviously it pales in comparison to the Shinkansen, but you do indeed get what you pay for here in Japan. Each seat has a visor that you pull over your head to help you sleep. It was a good trip, except that the guy sitting next to me was grotesquely ugly and had incredibly offensive body odor. Also, he was quite rude. This is the first time, despite having been in hundreds of crowded trains and the like, that I have encountered a smelly person in Japan. That isn’t the bus company’s fault though, I guess 😉
#Travelers note: Always wear deodorant. You don’t want to be the stinky one that the rest of us hate because we have to push up against you…
The bus ride was relatively uneventful; except for this funny card that insisted that we don’t eat loud food. What?
We got the stock standard two rest breaks and arrived in Sendai on time. Feeling somewhat hungry, and the bus having stopped us outside a Family Mart, I went inside and grabbed a Famichiki (boneless chicken fillet, seasoned and deep fried). ¥125
Then, after running around the station looking for a coin locker, I found one – at ¥400 for 6 hours use, it was perfect (way cheaper than Tokyo)! Shoved my luggage in and took the key. Did a quick scan of surroundings and signs, then headed off in search of Rikyu, a very famous gyutan restaurant.
#Travelers note: There are coin lockers everywhere and they all look the same. When depositing bags, try to memorise what the surroundings look like, what the signage says. It’ll help if you are in a hurry to collect your bags later on.
I found Rikyu on level 3 of Sendai Station, however there was a long line, and at ¥2000 for a set meal, it goes beyond the “cheap budget” I set for this trip.
I opted instead to visit Zenjirou, where the same thing cost ¥1575.
Take a look at the photo below, then try and tell me it wasn’t worth it!
Sendai is very famous for its Gyutan, which is salted grilled beef tongue. And it’s really delicious, juicy, succulent. Check out this close up if you don’t believe me!
After eating, I charged my SUICA and then hopped on a train and headed to Hon-Shiogama station, which is where I am now! More to come 😉