Sayonara to Japan (and Asia)

Well it's now snowing in Tokyo...we certainly weren't blessed with weather in Japan or China..but we still had a great time.

So it's goodbye to probably the politest people on the planet, The Japanese are certainly an extraordinary bunch. Japan is certainly in my top destinations, while China is currently top, there is just something special about this country..maybe it's the people that make it, but one things for sure the old wives tale that this is an expensive country is bollocks! Sure it's by no means cheap, but it's as expensive as you want it to be!

See you in the next continent...South America...Oh and Happy Hallmark day everyone, sorry I meant Valentines Day!

Osaka, Japan

Well checked in and staying in a Japanese room, yep the bed is on the floor but it's a nice room. We made our way towards the Osaka castle park a nice area, the castle itself i now the original article and has been rebuilt several times.

After we headed to the Namba area, it's neon city up here and thousands of shops. The most interesting thing yet is the use of plastic food over pictures (see photo)...everywhere you go they've models of their food and sometimes even beer!

The taxi's here are the same as Hong Kong..Toyota Crown cool and retro. As you can see from the Fruit Juice picture: Orange & Rare Cheese...they have an interesting taste in flavours!

The old rumour that Japan is super expensive is lies, sure its not cheap but its no more expensive then Ireland..infact I think it's cheaper in alot of cases.

Japan...We made it!!

After 46 hours on the ferry, it was time to leave...a very relaxing 2 days off and we'd certainly do it again. Last night they had a meal for Chinese new year, followed by BINGO and Karaoke! I spared them my Tom Jones rendition!

We arrived in ultra modern Japan but before leaving the boat some officials from Quarantine came on to take our temperatures..going through immigration they took our index finger prints and picture. Next through customs and a pack of Labrador sniffer dogs going through your stuff.

We got the free shuttle to the Train station but we didn't have enough Yen to pay for the train, I asked a Japanese guy we met on the boar where the ATM was, he walked 10 minutes out of his way to show me! These people are amazing..there's no trampling on your back going on the train...all very civilised.

No criticism of their metro, it's not very user friendly (see picture). You have to find your station look up how much the fare is and insert money before you can select a ticket! I much preferred Hong Kong, China and Thailand's touch screen map system...it's a pretty efficient system none the less...

I do wonder how tourist's find their way around our fine country?? With great difficulty I'd imagine!