What a difference a day makes. We were up early for the flight to Tokyo. The move from China to Japan is extreme. The calmness and quietness is deafening. The traffic stays in its lane, It’s safe to cross the road, and there are options beyond local cuisine when it comes to eating.

After arrival at Narita Airport we found an ATM to get money (we had no Yen with us) and organised the Skyliner train into the city quickly and easily. Once in the city (Ueno) we were assisted by a friendly local to buy our subway ticket and before long we had made it to our hotel. I’m sure independent travel like this could not be done in China.

Upon arrival at the hotel we were given a gift which Gus and Akiko, Katrina’s dad’s Japanese friend, had left for us. A lovely bunch of fresh flowers and a huge package of lollies, chips and snacks. We felt like real VIPs. The kids discovered the toilet with its bidet and spray functions. Posh.

After a short break we walked down to the Rapongi area for dinner. On the way we passed a pet shop selling monkeys. After nearly 2 weeks of Chinese food we were keen for a change. We managed to find an old English pub with fish and chips, an Australian wine, Guinness and great music. Very nice.