I managed to hold out an enormous amount of time before finally making it to Japan, and still Ele beats me to it by a few hours. But now I have broken my duck and I can be positive that I will be back here again very soon.

Impressions are intense and very varied, both confirming and dismantling previously held stereotypes about these islands. All in all, it was everything I expected it to be, but also more accessible better value than I expected.

Yesterday – my last full day in Japan was a well organised jolly to the beach, some temples and then dinner and (more) drinks in Shinjuku. A tiring, but amazing day, once again.

Temples in… I’ll have to ask the place’s name!

Ele (and Kauru just behind) pose with the flars

Surf’s up – and against my expectations, the Japanese really could surf, and seemed to love the water – not like Taiwan

As a final jaunt together, Ele and I managed to break through our collective hangover and squeeze in a quick visit to Akihabara to check out the Electric Town. Right now I am just about to fall over due to lack of food, so I should go and look after myself. I`ll be looking for my final mouthfull of sushi before I leave, I can be sure.

Sayonara, Japan… I`ll be back.