So we have been back for 3 weeks and the RWC 2019 is officially over. Great competition, wrong result, but at no stage did England look like they would win the final, so congratulations South Africa.

I have been ruminating about the trip and have decided, with the exception of a couple of slightly hairy navigational moments, there is really nothing I would change. We covered everything we wanted to see apart from a volcano that was erupting and a couple of art museums that were closed. but otherwise the boxes we hoped to cross off, have definitely been ticked.

There are some seriously civilised things about Japan which I would love to have in the UK and other things I never want to encounter again:

Bunk Beds

These are bloody difficult to get in to for the over 50s and it’s a lot like I imagine sleeping in coffin must feel, with the additional worry that your beloved husband may join you in the bottom bunk, should he turn over too vigorously and the struts supporting his weight give way!

Japanese Breakfasts

The traditional Ryokans we stayed in were on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis and sadly breakfast was a little disappointing. It comprised of too many pickled vegetables, mystery white & wobbly stuff which could have been yogurt, or possible tofu, or indeed something else, and dried fish. Not enough carbohydrate and no coffee.

Rice Pillows

Guaranteed to wreck any attempt at a good night’s sleep.

Tatami Beds

See above

Trains

OMG they are sleek, arrive on time, get you from a – b quickly and in comfort. The staff are helpful and efficient and take absolute pride in their job to transport you to your destination. The underlying stress of a journey is removed when you know your train is going to take you to where you want to go, when you want to go there and in comfortable surroundings.

Loos

Even in the furthest flung camp sites and car parks the loos were clean (I mean immaculately clean) and largely had a warm seat and wash & blow dry facilities to greet you. Again journeys become much less stressful if you know there is going to be a clean and functioning loo you can access. They also play you music on entering and flushing sounds to cover any noise you may make, what’s not to love.

Onsens

There is something deeply relaxing about soaking in a large vat of hot water – I only wish we had access to the geothermal hot water source that Japan enjoys, but sadly it comes with volcanic activity, so we are probably best off without it.

Vending Machines

You can access a whole range of things (admittedly some of questionable origin) from vending machines. You are able to get a hot coffee or an ice cold beer in relatively remote places, again making a stroll along the beach practically perfect when a chilled Asahi is available.

The People

The Japanese were delightful from beginning to end – helpful, efficient, funny and engaging. No one was rude and everyone wanted us to have a good time.

So, it just remains to say THANK YOU JAPAN – it was a blast