The view from our room

Nice interior

Sound asleep as the country rushes by

Successfully negotiated the rail system in Tokyo and achieved freedom.

The bullet train service is nothing short of sensational! Centre to centre and so relaxed and really really fast.

Alessandra loved it judging by how much of it she slept for.

Got to the Hotel in Kyoto with few dramas as it is directly above a subway station. And it is stunning. 9th floor with sensational views and the epitome of luxury. And for $160 Aus a night.

What was most impressive was the service. So polite and so warm. It is something Australain hotel managers should come and see.

We had a wander around the local streets and were delighted to find that sneakers here are about half the price of Aus or less so a few pairs are coming home. And they have bigger sizes. New jeans and some funky caps and t's are next on the agenda in between the zen garden and shrines. Should be a busy few days.

Great dinner again tonight with no english menu and us picking the dish from the plastic food displays in the window. All part of the colour of travel.

Big day of shrines and temples tomorrow and perhaps off to Hiroshima Friday.