Tokyo - Sensoji Temple and Mario Kart

After 5 nights we are leaving Kyoto, the old capital, even though we've only skimmed the surface of everything it offers. If you plan a trip here you'll see we missed several sights on the beaten path in exchange for seeing some unique, quieter ones.

Indecisive about which means of transportation to take to Kyoto Station, my decision was made as soon as I stepped out the door to a coincidentally waiting taxi. We were all relieved that our 2 1/2-mile journey to the station with full packs would require no walking.

Adding to our once in a lifetime experiences, we are taking the bullet train (called the Shinkansen) to Tokyo. All of my life I have heard of this remarkably high speed train and now I actually get to ride on it!

Japan's bullet train - the Shinkansen

We are on the Nozomi 700, the fastest train on the Tokaido route between Kyoto and Tokyo. Without limiting its speed, the N700 is capable of 186 mph - covering the distance in 2 1/2 hours, almost half as fast as an airplane. Although it felt like we were hardly moving, I could feel the g-forces acting upon me, like a smooth roller coaster without any twists or turns.

Trains in Japan don't come cheap - each seat cost 11400 yen ($114).

Looking for the conductor, I walked towards the back of the train. Each car I passed through, though full, was completely silent. One of the only announcements they make is to please silence your phones.

Like scientifically adjusted clockwork, the Shinkansen trains run so precisely on schedule the conductor tells me we will be passing Mt. Fuji at exactly 9:35am.

Omg omg ... my fingers fumbling on the buttons of my camera, afraid I'm going to miss the magnificent view that instantly popped in front of my eyes: Mt. Fuji, as if suspended in the sky.

Sure enough at 9:35am Mt. Fuji appeared out the window

With over 36 million people, Tokyo is the largest metropolitan in the world. It has a force and power all of its own. A vibrant hub of modern civilization with a barrage of different sights, sounds, aromas, buzzing activity…this is a truly overwhelming city. Not sure which area would be best to stay in, I chose a large apartment in Asakusa for its proximity to Sensoji Temple. Graciously the owner was allowing us to drop off our bags early. Arriving at the address, I didn't know what to do next. I rang a call bell; clearly the lady who answered had no idea why I was calling. We were in the wrong place. Fortunately the lady came out to talk to us in person and explain that two buildings down has the same address. How is that even possible?!

Asakusa, old Tokyo, has plenty to do: Nakamise Street (shops and food), Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon gate with its huge red chochin lantern, and Hoppy Street (beer).

Although we hadn't eaten lunch yet, now seemed like as good as time as any to try Suzukien's matcha gelato. There are different degrees of the matcha flavor: 1 (sweetest) – 7 (bitter). No. 7 is said to have the richest matcha flavor in the world. We tried #1, #3, and strawberry. It was delicious!

Intense matcha gelato

The first bite is a little weird but it's good after that -- says Chris, who doesn't even drink tea.

At the entrance to the temple grounds, we hit a wall of people. Completed in 645, Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple.

Sensoji Temple

Hozomon Gate - the main gate to Sensoji

At the Jokoro, bathe yourself in smoke to heal wounds faster - or put it on your head to make you cleverer

Crowded Nakamise Street

Rather than focus on the buildings and shops, we tried to get through the crowd - with a brief stop to try a snack.

Kokonoe sells fried monja for 200 yen each

We tried the deep fried monja - tasting the ones filled with curry and manjayaki.

In the temple and surrounding streets there are signs telling you that eating while walking is prohibited. Actually this is true of all Japan - no eating and walking!

After lunch we headed to Akihabara for a highlight of our trip: riding go-carts around the streets of Tokyo. The city and its people aren't thrilled with the go-carts but a loophole in the traffic laws makes it perfectly legal - as long as you have a drivers license (foreigners are also required to have an international drivers license from AAA). Whoever came up with the idea is a genius - it is a pure rush of adrenaline and excitement! We chose the 3 hour route that took us over Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba - an artificial island in Tokyo Bay.

Picking out a costume

Me, Cookie Monster, Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi

15 year old Kate was so incredibly disappointed she wasn't allowed to drive a go cart with us. "I want to do it so bad. I know how to drive. Why can't you do it with a permit?"

Then she saw her ride - and relinquished any signs of remorse. Kate went flying past us. That was 100 kph!

View of Odaiba from the 20th floor, where we took a break

They actually tell you not to race or throw bananas.

We hit a lot of red lights. Starting up again, I couldn't help but feel like I was in the real Mario Kart game.

We drove right by Tokyo Tower, completed in 1958. At 1093 feet tall it is taller than the Eiffel Tower.

"Nobody died," Matsu (co-guide and Kate's driver) announced when we arrived safely back to the shop.

The 3-hour driving route was perfect - it allowed us to get comfortable behind the tiny wheel and to get out of the immediate city where we could gas it up to speeds of 37 mph. Jeremy said it was his favorite part of the trip!

After watching Mark Wiens eat "devil" spicy ramen in Tokyo, Jeremy announced he wanted to try it. As big as Tokyo is, Jeremy was lucky it was within a reasonable distance. He has had ramen almost every day so far and this place was his favorite; he wanted to come back again! They even allowed us to sit together (counter-style) by moving everyone down a seat.