Arrived in Namba and exited the sation, took a little while to get my bearings but we found the hotel OK. Note for next time don't rely on Google street view entirely, as a shop I was using as a landmark was goooone. Which brings me to the hotel. Japanese hotels always have small rooms, read any travel blog on the web and a westerner will always bemoan the size of the room. This room however was built by disgruntled hotel architects sick and tired of being ridicu...

Day 2 Marc arrives! We met him at the station without incident which is amazing as the place is a bloody rabbit warren! Walked him back to the shoebox and gave him a cold beer. To his credit he didn't blow up deluxe as I expected, I guess your kids can surprise you after 24 years. We had brought with us a bottle of Fireball whisky as a gift for the owner of the bar we went to all the time last trip. Get this, the barman that worked for him is in the bar and he i...

Day 1 We are off! 3am start not ideal but luckily not as cold this morning as it has been. Quick trip down the freeway took only an hour. Just chilling enjoying some Maccas before boarding.