Morning: Packing and Checking Out
Today marks the final day of our incredible Japan adventure. We started the morning by packing up our luggage and checking out from our hotel. We left our bags with the hotel reception, allowing us to explore Tokyo one last time without the burden of our suitcases.
Exploring Tokyo Solamachi and Sumida Aquarium
Our first stop was Tokyo Solamachi, a bustling shopping mall located at the base of the iconic Tokyo Skytree. Although the Skytree is a major attraction, we decided to visit the Sumida Aquarium instead, as we hadn’t explored many aquariums during our trip.
The Sumida Aquarium is a modern and beautifully designed facility located on the 5th and 6th floors of Tokyo Solamachi. It houses over 10,000 sea creatures, including mesmerising jellyfish, various species of goldfish, and a charming colony of penguins and fur seals. The aquarium’s innovative design allows visitors to get up close and personal with the marine life, making it a delightful experience for both adults and children.
Shopping at Tokyo Solamachi
After our visit to the aquarium, we took the time to explore the vast array of shops within Tokyo Solamachi. The mall features over 300 stores, offering everything from high-quality souvenirs and traditional Japanese sweets to trendy clothing and unique toys. One of the highlights for our daughter was the Pokémon Center Skytree Town, which was bustling with tourists and locals alike.
We also noticed the Kirby Café, a themed restaurant that requires pre-booking. Unlike the Pokémon Café, they don’t accept walk-ins or standby customers, but you can order takeout if you’re in a hurry.
Lunch at the Food Court
For lunch, we opted to eat at the food court within Tokyo Solamachi. The food court offers a wide variety of options, ensuring that everyone can find something they enjoy.
Afternoon: Shopping in Asakusa
Post-lunch, we walked back to Asakusa to buy an extra suitcase from Karen Ginza, realising we needed more luggage space for our journey home. We also took the opportunity to visit our first Seria shop at the Seria Asakusa Ekimise Shop. Seria is a popular 100-yen shop in Japan, known for its wide range of affordable and high-quality products, from household items to stationery. My wife was particularly impressed and mentioned that we should have visited sooner. She insisted that if we return to Japan, we must spend more time exploring Seria.
Evening: Heading to Narita Airport
In the late afternoon, we returned to our hotel to collect our luggage before making our way to Narita Airport. We decided to stay at an airport hotel for our last night, as it offered a free shuttle bus service and allowed us to avoid an early morning rush from Tokyo.
We still had time for a swim in the hotel swimming pool, which our daughter had dearly missed. Although the hotel provided a free shuttle to Narita town, we chose to have a buffet dinner at the hotel after a long day of exploring. The evening was spent repacking and preparing for our flight the next morning.
Conclusion
Our final day in Japan was a perfect blend of exploration, shopping, and relaxation. From the fascinating marine life at Sumida Aquarium to the bustling shops of Tokyo Solamachi and the convenience of our airport hotel, it was a fitting end to an unforgettable journey. We leave Japan with hearts full of memories and a promise to return.
The Travelling Wee 
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