Wednesday 22^nd March 2017

Bright and sunny morning but cool

Up early to get a train across town to the Japanese Auto Federation (JAF) to have the car Carnet authenticated. It was a one and a half hour journey and easily found the JAF (due to Phil’s superior technological skill where little signs were in English). Mr Sato at JAF was most helpful and completed paperwork and received the official stamp with 30 minutes.

Back on the train with documents to the cargo area of the airport to produce paperwork to freight agent for Customs clearance. Told we could collect car at 2pm tomorrow.

One of the noticeable things about our train travel today was the total absence of graffiti – none anywhere – and the trains were spotless and the locals so polite. It was interesting travelling through the suburbs and seeing lots of topiary in the house gardens. Also nearly every second house had washing hanging out to dry. Reading the local newspaper the Bureau of Meteorology has announced that 5 cherry blossoms had been discovered in Tokyo – the first of the season -  so we should see plenty on our travels over the coming weeks.

Back at the hotel we received a late email from the freight agent indicating that Customs wanted extra document from Phil stating that he would obey all Rules and Regulations!

Have to get used to having Japanese cuisine for breakfast but while there is an option we’re sticking with Western. Have to get used to restaurants closing on different nights of the week.