Peter Filshie

Breaky done. Western style this morning included minestrone and a Caesar salad. What the…..

Bags are crammed full and ready to go. We decided we could handle the 800 metre walk to the train line that heads to Haneda Airport. The footpaths here are almost always smooth so dragging the bags is not a big issue.

Our reliable train man is Martin. He has mastered the subway system so we take his lead and follow. He even ensures we do lifts and escalators to avoid the stairs. Thank you Marty.

Travelling on public transport here is a breeze. You get a Suica card that you use on all forms of transport. In the past few weeks it worked on buses, trains and trams. You just top up from a credit card when it gets low. Suica card is also accepted at convenience stores so it really is clever.

After about a dozen stops we arrive at the massive Haneda terminals. We needed terminal 3 for our flight home via Manila.

The portable wifi we rented for the trip needed to be put in a mailbox before we enter customs. It worked ok but Esim is better for long holidays.

Queuing is a sport in Japan and nobody seems to mind. Soon enough we are airside for a snack before boarding.

Seemed appropriate to take advantage of the ridiculously cheap gin and tonics at the 7 Eleven. At $A1.60 each hard to resist.

So reflections on Japan. Loved it and will be back for sure. Might do Autumn next time.

The culture is so different to home. Their society is safe, clean and respectful. It was hard to find any poor behavior anywhere.

The language is a barrier but that’s part of the fun of traveling. Google translate is your new best friend.

If you thought Japan is expensive then you are wrong. Eating with a few drinks and getting out and about on the public transport is quite cheap. The rest of the shopping is probably expensive but we were there in the absolute peak season.

The locals don’t litter although nightclub district get messy late at night (hearsay)! You are encouraged to take all your litter home to recycle. Cars are well kept and not many are damaged. It’s a pride thing.

Vending is everywhere including hot drinks. Same prices as the convenience stores.

Now in Manila. Super strict security. We had to even identify and open our checked through luggage before we could board. No movies on that leg - boo.

This is a first. We were invited to board as seniors. At least we weren’t offered wheelchairs.

Now on to Melbourne where Ubermates Neil & Sharyn will be waiting.

Enjoyed this trip with our buddies. Lots of laughs and fun.Read more