Japan

I (Nathan) went to Japan for work. It was tough going, as I didn't know much Japanese at all.




Here is a melon for sale. Nice packaging, but otherwise quite normal, right? Now, take a look at the price tag. 100 yen is approx 100 cents. Have another look at the price tag. Do the sums...



This is a driving range - on the roof of a department store.



And here is one of those famous Japanese toilets. This was only a standard model - it just had a seat warmer, and two water jets.



The most interesting cultural experience of the trip was staying at a Capsule Hotel. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take any photos. Click here for a short description and some photos. Capsule hotels are designed for workers who miss their train home. Rather than taking a taxi, it's cheaper to stay in a (relatively) low cost hotel, where everything is provided for you - disposable razors, shaving cream, deoderant, hair gel, aftershave, ... And to relax, you can soak in a hot spring bath or sauna and get a massage. And to top it off, you can gently drift to sleep to the sound of a dozen men snoring! A few rules, though. Men only, absolutely no tatoos, and no swim suits in the bath.

So how was it? I'm glad I gave it a go, but once is definately enough for me.