Goodbye Japan!

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It's time to go home and obviously Tokyo itself is gutted about this is and so it is raining. Being the last day still didn't mean I was allowed any extra time in bed and I was booted up just after 7am so I could pack.

Before checking out we went for our last meal, slightly miffed that we never found the 24 hour sushi place promised on our hotel map. Never mind, we found another place open but empty of customers with more Japanese lanterns than you would expect to find in Japan. For an extra bonus, they were playing Glyn's favourite J-Pop tunes in an 80s style. Each table had its own screen to order from and a waitress to bring it to you. I ordered my final avocado tempura and veg.

After collecting our luggage and checking out, we headed to Akasuka station, but it was the wrong one: there are a variety of Akasuka Stations, all attached to different lines and a good walking distance between each, especially when you are carrying luggage. At least the train was direct to Haneda International Airport, so it was all good. At the airport, we were asked to fill out a survey on our visit and if we would be interested in visiting Hokkaido Island as that is a part of Japan more known for natural beauty, wildlife and old culture that the government is trying to promote. I'd go!!

I've had an amazing time in Japan, the people are so polite, quick to help and friendly. The streets are clean and almost litter free. There is so much to see, in the last 14 days we have only visited Honshu and there are four more large islands left, plus 100s of small ones. The only downside is knowing that their factory farming of animals is extremely brutal, but on the plus side, people here are becoming more aware and we did see a few women on a stall protesting about the cruelty of pig farms in Shibuya yesterday. The only other distressing side is some of the sexual depictions of underage looking girls in public places and the need for women only carriages. However, unlike many other countries I have visited, I have not been ignored or treated as a second class citizen purely because of my gender, so that makes it a really nice place to be. I would definietly like to come again, next time perhaps getting a lot more off the beaten track.

Oh and one thing, I have totally been converted to the idea of the Japanese bidet loo. When we move house, I'm having one, that is for certain.
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