Kyoto to Tokyo, Japan – 30 March 2012

I had 20 minutes before my train departed to Tokyo (Saturday, March 30, 2012), 3/4 of me was saying go straight to the platform the other quarter saying get something to eat and drink. The small quarter won and I'm so pleased otherwise I would have spent far too long in the cold waiting on the platform. The trains typically don't arrive until a couple of minutes before departure so no need to be there too early.

With my next train, to Narita Airport, I had given myself longer to get from one train to the next. When I exchanged my voucher I was told it's a 25 minute walk so instead of rushing I'll take a leisurely stroll.

Tokyo station is under renovations so I do my best to follow the signs, when I finally arrive the Narita Express isn't working due to high winds. It's now 3.20pm and they are still waiting for the 2.03pm train - I have a seat on the 3.33pm so hoping I might be able to jump on the next one that arrives. Fingers crossed anyway!

I meet up with the family I'd seen in Hiroshima on the platform, a lovely surprise. A train finally arrives and on we jump, will deal with the conductor as he comes by. Fingers crossed it will be aok. 3.45pm we depart - Narita here I come.

No conductor appeared, phew, but what surprised me was how late we were. At times we stopped, definitely not the usual fast service I have been use to during my week here.

As soon as I exited the terminal I was struck with the cold cold wind, roll on 24 hours....although I'm sure I'll suffer the first few days trying to acclimatize to the heat and humidity.

I had been amazed throughout my time in Japan the honestly of people, if only the rest of the world was the same!! On getting a trolley I found an iPhone, after attempting to ask around if it belonged to anyone I left it where I found it and hoped it would be reunited with its owner before too long.

I had a brief wait before my airport hotel shuttle arrived; given the delays on the Narita Express I'm very pleased I came out today rather than tomorrow morning. I spent my last night in Japan enjoying sake and sushi – two things I will definitely miss.

Sunday morning after an early wake-up call I was off to the airport, it has been a wonderful week but I am looking forward to getting home - I know one day I will return to Japan, until then Domo arigato.