So, all our meetings are now finished and it’s Saturday morning so it’s Nozomi time to go do a brief visit to Kyoto.

The day did not start well – the JR ticket office on Thursday had not sold us the correct ticket (wrong day), so we had an initial debate with a different ticket agent. Only in Japan would it be changed in pen once we had said an error was made.

Then we dashed for the 8:30 train. Forgetting to grab drinks or snacks…..a 2.5hr train ride with no sustenance. Doh!! I need caffeine!

However, all minor. The trip has been brilliant so far. A full on set of days and nights. I’ll need a long rest at some point.

Yesterday we did a cultural tour of Tokyo. Visiting Asakusa, The river cruise and then Odaiba, a shopping area.

The photo of me is with our Japanese liaison officer, Yoko. She was our tour guide for the day and my translator for the week.

It’s been brilliant so far. Even Karaoke. I’ve learnt lots and also now know however bad my singing is – there is always someone far worse who can crucify Eagles songs in an instant. Japanese Hotel California is pure pain!