This morning, we had ramen near our place for brunch. It was very delicious! And then we headed to Shinjuku. Tiffany departed to Narita Airport, so we had a chill day of browsing. We stopped by Shibuya 109 and BIC Camera for some shopping. After a few hours, we headed home before rush hour, cooked at home and reorganized our stuff.

Early this week, I also had a request for a post. So, I thought it would be nice to do a write up on the following two things as well: Internet & Airbnb. A mini blurb on internet and a pro and con on our Airbnb listing.

Internet
We had pocket WiFis from our Airbnb host, we didn't have a need to buy SIM cards for our phones. However, you can buy them easily at BIC Camera.

So.. Here's more information about it: http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Japan

Airbnb
I chose Airbnb instead of hostels in Japan because of how well our first time was in San Francisco. And we weren't wrong this time for Japan as well! We felt right at home and had everything we needed to cook, do laundry and etc.

I worked out that we saved a bit from commuting out of Machida into Shinjuku. Both Keri and I don't mind commuting as we like sightseeing and living like the locals.

Pro: We had our own 1 studio unit to ourselves, no need to share with anyone. Included in the Airbnb cost, Ken provided us with two pocket hotspot devices so that we were connected to friends and family during the whole time here. He had a binder full of helpful information about the Machida area, handy kitchen utensils and instructions for common FAQ about electronics in the unit. A supermarket and 7-11 was also nearby for convenience and if you want to cook food at home.

Con: We were on a private train line, Odakyu, which you cannot use with the 3 day pass on the Toei and Metro train lines. So we had to use Pasmo cards in combination with the 3-day pass to get into the main popular areas of Tokyo.

Bright side: It worked out better as the units in the core Tokyo were more expensive and not all had pocket WiFi for free.

So when choosing Airbnb listings, take into consideration the amount of commute you will need, where you're traveling from (how many different train networks required) and bonus free WiFis. :D

By the way, for the curious minds, here's the Airbnb: Listing! If you're interested in using Airbnb, use my link to get $26 CAD off your first trip. I personally like it cause you get to live like the locals and your host could possibly help you around. :)