Early morning flight, Japan and my ryokan.

I am in Tokyo - how exciting!! *g*

Left my Bangkok hotel at an obscenely early hour this morning, to get to the airport. Now, my flight was with NorthWest, and was continuing on to the US after Japan, so I encountered the over-the-top security measures. Both my bags were searched by a guy with gloves in a tented off section. Undies pulled out, tampon boxed examined... And then there was the twenty questions by the Thai girl at the mini desk before the actual check in counter. I don`t know what they are really looking for, and I think neither did she!

Despite sitting behind a guy who started snoring the moment he sat down, and continued to do so for the whole 5 and a half hour flight, the trip wasn`t too bad. Murderous thoughts aside (do you think those little pillows could have shut that noise up?), and yucky American `plane food, the flight was OK, and I managed to watch Ladder 49 (mmmm, Joaquin!) and play the cool games in my individual console. Cool! I think all planes should have those!

A long and ordered line up for Customs, and some interesting health questions (I lied - couldn`t risk being quarantined on the off change of a free medical check. The Japanese are really careful!), I found the train station, and off I was!

The Narita Express to Tokyo Station, and then a train line change, and then another, and then I was at my station for my accommodation reservation. Luggage nightmare all the way, carting all the stuff. People were so helpful whenever I didn`t know which train platform I should have been standing on, and most things are actually underwritten in English as well.

Tired and achy from the bag haul，I have checked into Ryokan Kangetsu － and it`s so cute! There are sensors all the way up the entrance, so you are greeted when you first step in, and then the path lights up all the way as you go. I was shown to my room by a woman who only speaks Japanese, so I have no idea what I am doing!! You need to leave you shoes at the door to the section of rooms you are in, and use the slippers provided. My futon is laid out ready, and the room is set up with green tea and other assorted, and unidentified goodies! My room actually looks very much like the bottom pic in this guy`s notes.

I have wandered across the road after settling in for dinner. Now, truth be told、I haven`t　actually had sashami before. But ducking into the restaurant that was listed as sushi in the ryokan`s guide, I went across and managed to order `Set Menu`! My Japanese is hopeless - I really paid absolutely no attention in high school! Will be studying up tonight. The restauranteurs were delighted to show the me proper way to eat the sushi and sashami spread, and it was so yummy!!

Whilst stumbling around in Japanese tradition blind, I decided to venture the Public Bath as well - why not!? I read up in the trusty Lonely Planet, and made sure that I put my yukata (robe) on the right way - left over right, with the opposite being for the dead!! - I wondered over to the Lady`s Bath. I don`t know if I managed to bathe correctly (!!), and there was actually just me in there, which was a relief. Don`t know if it would have been quite as lovely and relaxing if there had have been others bathing in there too!

Phew! Feeling clean and relaxed now, and will finish the evening in the massage chair in the room here, while I read up on where in the room here, while I read up on where to go tomorrow! Tokyo awaits!

Oh! And I need to learn some basic Japanese!!! Mrs...Knowles? (was it?)　should be ashamed at kicking me out of so many classes!