Well, spring skiing in Hakuba is awesome!! No crowds, cheap prices and still amazing snow! We have had a fantastic day, the four of us getting our ski legs back on beautiful long, winding runs, and Sasha having her first ever go. She ended up having a private lesson with a Japanese instructor, which she loved. She loved the chairlift even more.... Not sure how keen she is on skiing but we will see how that plays out...! Such beautiful scenery, what an amazing op...

So, for all those who know my dad, seeing him pick up pickled beans with chopsticks and then eat them says everything about how well EVERYONE is embracing the trip! Had a much needed quieter, family day today. A couple of hours in a park (yep, and saw the first of the cherry blossoms blooming!), sushi lunch at the very famous fish markets, and then some shopping. Nice. Our first trip in a Shinkansen (bullet train) tomorrow- exciting, but will be sad to leave Toky...

Wow, another massive day. Lucy reckons we all our talk about culture shock was rubbish, and is just loving the food, the atmosphere, understanding how a different place works. Sasha used up all her energy yesterday, but has still managed to embrace it with (mostly) good humour. And Toby has got taller, had worked it all out, is loving his camera and his blog. Best of all they are loving the food, embracing the long days and all the different things on offer! We l...

Wow - what a first day. We have fitted an amazing amount into 16 hours (and are now all shattered). The kids have been amazing - Sasha is acting like she has lived all her life here. She has more confidence than normal! The other two are relishing the chance to try different money, different subway tickets, different food. We have walked so many kms! So, off to rest weary minds and bodies. Bring on tomorrow.

Wow - the big trip is finally here!!! Such excitement in all the family. Here we go...!!!