My last mention of Japan in my PAD - promise.
I bought this souvenir for myself - it's an indigo dyed fan. I've always wanted a fan and Indigo is a traditional Japanese colour - sometimes called Japanese Blue.

I thought I'd give you some of my thoughts on Japan:

Costs: Everyone told me it was expensive but actually things cost about the same as they do in London. If you want to eat the 8+ course Japanese meal then it can quickly add up so the best way to do that is to stay in traditional Japanese hotels (Ryokans) and have their evening meal. It's usually a set meal but it's a good way of experiencing the traditional multi-course meal at an affordable cost.

Trains: Wow! They are amazing. Always on time to the minute. They are clean and litter free and each time the ticket collector or trolley lady (it always seems to be a lady) enters the carriage they bow to the passengers.

Litter: What litter? It is extremely rare to see litter anywhere. Everyone takes responsiblity for disposing of their litter responsibly.

Politeness/helpful: Everyone is extremely polite and so friendly and helpful. When we first arrived and were trying to work out the subway system someone asked us where we were going, showed us how the ticket machines worked and took us down to the platform to ensure we got the right train. We asked someone on the train to Suzuka what time it was due to arrive but we couldn't understand the response. We told him to to worry and thanked him for trying. A few moments later he held his mobile out to us and it said "arrives Suzuka 11.35". He must have got the timetable up and changed the language to English. Wow.

Toilets: Well I am British! Toilets and the weather! Toilets are everywhere and always clean and with paper!

Weather: There were two Typhoons working there way down the coast while we were there. Fortunately they didn't come inland but they did deliver plenty of rain.

Conformity: Despite the odd fashions etc. there is a sense of real conformity (and community spirit). When crossing the road people just won't cross unless the 'green man' is showing even if there are clearly no cars around. My London training of edging into the road ready to cross at the first break in traffic was clearly seen as bizarre behaviour.

Safety: It is so, so safe in japan. I've never felt as safe anywhere and London certainly seems threatening now and will take a bit of getting used to again.

My Japan Gallery is here I'll add more photos over the next few days.

tomorrow - something completely different.