Summer Holiday in Japan May and June 2010 - Part 5

This will be the final section of my summer holiday in Tokyo, Japan in May and June 2010. It will focus on our flight back to Singapore via Hong Kong.


Part 1 ~ The Journey to Narita International Airport

After spending an enjoyable 13 days of food, railways, shopping and sightseeing around Japan, it was finally time to head back home to Singapore. On Tuesday (8 June), we all woke up at around 6.45 a.m.. The very first thing we did was to have a hot shower before  having breakfast and packing up for our remaining baggage for the journey back home to Singapore.

As soon as we had packed all of our baggage, the clock was already showing 7.40 a.m.. Checking to see that none of our belongings had been left behind, we exited the room, locked the door and took the elevator down to the main lobby of our apartment. The night before, we had arranged for a cab to transport us to Narita International Airport Terminal 2 at 8.30 a.m. later that morning.

Our itinerary for the return journey towards Singapore would be to fly with Cathay Pacific on flight CX 501, which would depart Narita International Airport at 11 o' clock and arrive at Hong Kong International Airport at 2.45 p.m.. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, we would have a layover of 1 hour 30 minutes before our continuing flight to Singapore. After that, we would fly on Cathay Pacific flight CX 711, which would depart Hong Kong International Airport at 4.15 p.m., and arrive in Singapore Changi Airport at 8 o' clock later that night.

By the time we reached the main lobby of the Somerset Serviced Apartments Roppongi Tokyo at 8 o' clock, we returned our room key to the main reception and waited for the cab to transport us to Narita International Airport. At the same time, a grey-coloured cab arrived at the main entrance to the Somerset Serviced Apartments Roppongi Tokyo. He offered to assist us by loading our baggage into the boot of his cab.

As soon as we were all on board with none of our belongings left behind, we finally left the Somerset Serviced Apartments Roppongi Tokyo at 8.15 a.m. for a 1-hour journey towards Narita International Airport Terminal 2 in the city of Narita in Chiba Prefecture.

The roads of Roppongi in Minato-ku, Tokyo on a cloudy summer's morning

The Tokyo Tower as we begin our journey towards Narita International Airport

The Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba as we approach these famous landmarks of Tokyo

Approaching the Rainbow Bridge on a cloudy morning

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge on a cloudy morning

Bypassing Tokyo Disney Resort on the way towards Narita International Airport

Entering the first phase of the New Airport Expressway by the JR Keiyo and Musashino Line tracks

Travelling along the New Airport Expressway by the city of Narita

Travelling along the New Airport Expressway as we approach nearer to Narita International Airport

Part 2 ~ The Flight to Hong Kong


After a quick 1-hour journey from the Somerset Serviced Apartments Roppongi Tokyo in Minato-ku, Tokyo, we finally arrived at the curbside of Narita International Airport Terminal 2 at 9.15 a.m.. Immediately, while the driver helped us to unload our baggage, I went to get a few baggage trolleys.

As soon as all our baggage were loaded onto the trolleys, the driver left us and we went into the terminal building towards the Cathay Pacific Business Class check-in counters.

The curbside and drop-off area at Narita International Airport Terminal 2

The list of airlines serving Terminal 2 at Narita International Airport

The control tower of Narita International Airport as seen from the Terminal 2 drop-off area

By the time we were inside the departures and check-in areas of Narita International Airport Terminal 2, it was already 9.20 a.m.. We then proceeded to the Cathay Pacific Business Class check-in counter to check in for Cathay Pacific flights CX 501 and CX 711 bound for Hong Kong and Singapore respectively. The departures and check-in area was not very crowded that morning.

The departures and check-in concourse at Narita International Airport Terminal 2

The Cathay Pacific check-in counters in the departures and check-in concourse at Narita International Airport Terminal 2

The massive departure flight information screen in the departures and check-in concourse at Narita International Airport Terminal 2

As soon as we had finished checking in for Cathay Pacific flights CX 501 and CX 711 bound for Hong Kong and Singapore, we received our boarding passes for the two flight segments and invitations to sample the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounges in Narita and Hong Kong.

The check-in agent then informed us that Cathay Pacific flight CX 501 bound for Hong Kong would depart from Gate No. 95 at 11 o' clock in the Satellite Building, and that boarding would commence about 25 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This was to be the entirely same procedure for Cathay Pacific flight CX 711 bound for Singapore, with the departure gate being Gate No. 62 at Hong Kong International Airport.

Without wasting anymore time, we consumed our last remaining fluids and headed to the security checkpoint for a quick, hassle-free security check. Upon clearance at the passport control area, we immediately headed to the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge in the Main Building to have some light bites and drinks before the flight to Hong Kong, arriving at the lounge at 9.40 a.m..

The logo of the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge in Narita International Airport Terminal 2

The interior of the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge in Narita International Airport Terminal 2 as we entered the lounge

The Narita International Airport Terminal 2 Shuttle System station towards the Satellite Building in the Main Departure Concourse of Narita International Airport Terminal 2

Several Oneworld carriers (American Airlines, Japan Airlines and Qantas) parked around Terminal 2 at Narita International Airport as seen from the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge

The overall interior of the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge in Narita International Airport Terminal 2

The departure information screen for Cathay Pacific flights in the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge at Narita International Airport

Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight No.: CX 501
From: Tokyo, Narita International Airport (NRT / RJAA), Narita, Chiba, Japan
To: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG / VHHH), Hong Kong
Aircraft: Airbus A330-342
Registration No.: B-HLA
Class: Business Class
Seat No.: 16A
Date: Tuesday, 8 June 2010

After relaxing in the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge for approximately 40 minutes, the clock was already showing 10.20 a.m.. Knowing that the first boarding calls for Cathay Pacific flight CX 501 bound for Hong Kong would commence in 15 minutes' time, we immediately packed up our carry-on baggage and left the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge for the Narita International Airport Terminal 2 Shuttle System station.

Upon arrival at the Narita International Airport Terminal 2 Shuttle System station, we quickly boarded the nearest shuttle train at the platform. We were then on our way to Gate No. 95 in the Satellite Building once the doors were closed.

The Narita International Airport Terminal 2 Shuttle System station towards the Satellite Building in the Main Departure Concourse of Narita International Airport Terminal 2 as we get down towards the station

The interior of Narita International Airport Terminal 2 Shuttle System

Narita Airport Terminal 2 Shuttle System (Main Building to Satellite)

The Narita International Airport Terminal 2 Shuttle System station in the Satellite Building

After we took the Narita Airport Terminal 2 Shuttle System to the Satellite Building, we finally arrived at Gate No. 95 at 10.30 a.m.. Today, Cathay Pacific flight CX 501 bound for Hong Kong would be operated using an Airbus A330-300, registered B-HLA and powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 772-60 engines.

B-HLA was delivered to Cathay Pacific on 24 March 1995 as the first Airbus A330 ever delivered to Cathay Pacific. Originally registered VR-HLA, the aircraft received its current registration number on 15 August 1997, making the aircraft approximately 15.2 years old today.

Our aircraft for today, B-HLA, being serviced at Gate No. 95 before transporting us to Hong Kong as Cathay Pacific flight CX 501

The information screens at Gate No. 95

After five minutes of anticipated waiting, the first boarding calls for Cathay Pacific flight CX 501 bound for Hong Kong were finally made at 10.35 a.m.. The Business Class passengers, as well as the Asia Miles & Marco Polo Club members, and the passengers requiring special assistance were called to board the aircraft first.

We were on board B-HLA by 10.40 a.m., which was just in good time for an 11 o' clock departure. After we stowed all of our baggage, the flight attendant went around distributing menus and pre-departure beverages. I then requested for my usual glasses of orange juice and water, whereas my dad asked for a glass of apple juice.

The Business Class seats we were using would be the old regional type used on medium-haul routes. Despite their ageing nature, they were still quite comfortable, as seen in the better days. These seats are mainly found on the older Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s used on regional routes within Asia.

The Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Old Regional Business Class cabin during the boarding process in Narita

Pre-departure glasses of water, orange juice and apple juice

The boarding process still being completed in Narita International Airport

The 'no smoking' and 'fasten seatbelt' signs illuminated before pushback from Gate No. 95

At exactly 11 o' clock, all the aircraft doors were finally closed and we pushed back from Gate No. 95. The safety information video was shown on our video screens, and we taxied past several aircraft during our taxi to our assigned runway for take-off.

After approximately 30 minutes of taxiing to our assigned runway, the two Rolls-Royce Trent 772-60 engines spooled into action, and we finally took off from Narita International Airport at 11.30 a.m., heading into the clear afternoon sky for a regional journey time of 4 hours 15 minutes over the South China Sea towards the modern city of Hong Kong.

A Japan Airlines Boeing 767-346/ER aircraft parked at Gate No. 99

Two Japan Airlines Boeing 767s resting at Terminal 2

An All Nippon Airways Boeing 747-481 aircraft, registered JA8962, resting on the tarmac at Narita International Airport. Sadly, this is a sight no more for All Nippon Airways since their retirement in late 2010

A Delta Air Lines Boeing 777-232/ER aircraft resting on the tarmac

One Japan Airlines Boeing 747-446 and a withdrawn Japan Airlines Boeing 747-446 resting on the tarmac

An albino Boeing 747-400 aircraft on the tarmac, of what used to be a Japan Airlines aircraft

Cathay Pacific Flight 501 ~ Take-off from Narita International Airport

The seatbelt sign was turned off at 11.50 a.m., 20 minutes after take-off from Narita. With that, I immediately went to the lavatory and did my usual cabin shots. From my observations in the Business Class cabin, I could tell that the flight wasn't very full. At the same time, the cabin crew sprung into action to commence the meal service.

The rear view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Old Regional Business Class cabin

A view of my seat, 16A, during the flight between Narita and Hong Kong

A warning sign in the lavatories that warns passengers that smoking in the cabin, and tampering with, disabling, or destroying smoke detectors in the lavatories is a criminal offence

Flying somewhere between Nagoya and Osaka over a blanket of clouds

American Airlines Boeing 777-223/ER Herpa Scale 1:500 (506663)

The food and beverage menu and wine list resting on my tray table

Running through the food and beverage menu for the sector between Tokyo and Hong Kong

A closer look into the food and beverage menu for the sector between Tokyo and Hong Kong

A look into the wine list for the sector between Tokyo and Hong Kong

A few minutes later, a Filipino flight attendant, named Ina, came to my seat to take my order for the in-flight meal service. Surprisingly, she addressed me by name, as well as my brother.

Eagerly, I told Ina that I would like to have the grilled beef tenderloin with mushroom tarragon sauce, sautéed potatoes and roasted vegetables. I also requested for a glass of apple juice at the same time.

Immediately, Ina went back to the galley to bring me some mixed nuts and set up my table. My starter was brought out after that.

A small plate of mixed nuts for myself

A glass of apple juice for myself

Flying somewhere over Kyushu

The first course: Prosciutto with tomato, mozzarella and pesto mayonnaise

After approximately 25 minutes of waiting, Ina emerged from the galley with my grilled beef tenderloin with mushroom tarragon sauce, sautéed potatoes and roasted vegetables. With that, I tucked into my main meal. When I took the first cut and bite from the beef, it tasted actually quite tender and not overdone. The sautéed potatoes and the mushroom sauce went pretty well with the beef too.

My main course: Grilled beef tenderloin with mushroom tarragon sauce, sautéed potatoes and roasted vegetables

After I finished my main course, Ina came to clear my plates and cutlery, and asked me whether I wanted anything else. To round of this hearty meal, I requested for a small tub of Strawberry-flavoured Häagen-Dazs ice cream. It was brought to me 10 minutes later. After finishing it off, I decided to take a short nap.

My small tub of Strawberry-flavoured Häagen-Dazs ice cream on my table

Flying somewhere over the Taiwan Strait between Japan and Taiwan

After having a 2-hour nap, I woke up at 2.25 p.m.; the seatbelt sign was illuminated at the same time, in preparation for the landing into Hong Kong International Airport. Immediately, we stowed away all of our carry-on baggage, and buckled up for the landing.


After a flight time of 4 hours 15 minutes from Tokyo's Narita International Airport, we finally touched down in Hong Kong International Airport at 2.45 p.m., in accordance with the Hong Kong local time. Here are some pictures I took during descent and after landing.

Shortly after we landed in HKG, the flight attendants made a special announcement for my brother, in which they wished him a "Happy 10th Birthday". We were all amazed by this. They even gave him a birthday card before landing.

The 'no smoking' and 'fasten seatbelt' signs illuminated in preparation for landing into HKG

Flying over a Taiwanese island

Flying between Taiwan and Hong Kong

Flying between some dark clouds over the South China Sea while getting closer into Hong Kong International Airport

The overall view of the South China Sea while descending into Hong Kong International Airport

The South China Sea while descending closer into Hong Kong

Finally touching down into Hong Kong International Airport

A British Airways Boeing 747-436 resting on the tarmac at Hong Kong International Airport

After 10 minutes of taxiing along the tarmac, we finally docked onto our assigned arrival gate at 2.55 p.m.. As soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off, we took all of our carry-on baggage and disembarked the aircraft.

All the flight attendants, including Ina, bade us a pleasant journey back home to Singapore.

The grading system for each airline and sector are as follows:

A+: 85% or above (Airline has an excellent rating and performance)

A: 75% ~ 84% (Airline has a good rating and performance)

B: 60% ~ 74% (Airline has a good rating and performance)

C: 50% ~ 59% (Airline has an adequate rating and performance)

D: 40% ~ 49% (Airline has a fair rating and performance)

E: 20% ~ 39% (Airline has a poor rating and performance)

U: Below 20% (Airline has not met the requirement for the minimum grade)

Cathay Pacific Flight 501 Score Report

Seat: 18 / 20
Food: 17 / 20
Service: 18 / 20
Aircraft cleanliness: 17 / 20
Legroom space: 17 / 20
Total: 87 / 100

In total, Cathay Pacific scored 87% for the sector between Tokyo (Narita) and Hong Kong, which means they deserve an 'A+' grade, the highest airline grade. It was indeed quite another good flight with the airline.

Part 3 ~ Layover in Hong Kong & The Flight Back Home to Singapore

After disembarking from Cathay Pacific flight CX 501 from Tokyo (Narita), we immediately headed towards the connection flight security checkpoint in preparation for the next sector back home to Singapore. As with all security checks, this one was quick enough, and we were soon in the airside by 3.10 p.m..

Feeling that there was still time to spare, we decided to head over to one of the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounges to have some light bites and beverages before the flight back home to Singapore.

The first impression of the lounge was that there were not many people in the lounge. The food selections were limited and a bit outdated. Hopefully, there would be a renovation to make the lounge look like a better place in the near future.

The immigrations area in Hong Kong International Airport

The transit mall in Hong Kong International Airport

The departure flight information screen in the airside of Hong Kong International Airport

The view of the busy airside of Hong Kong International Airport

Approaching the entrance to the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge in Hong Kong International Airport

The interior of the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge in Hong Kong International Airport

The design of the ceiling in Hong Kong International Airport in the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge

A plate of chicken on a stick and two potato rings for myself

Several aircraft resting on the tarmac in Hong Kong International Airport as seen from the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge

Airline: Cathay Pacific

Flight No.: CX 711 (Flight continues on to Colombo)

From: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG / VHHH), Hong Kong

To: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN / WSSS), Singapore

Aircraft: Boeing 777-267

Registration No.: B-HNA

Class: Business Class
Seat No.: 18K
Date: Tuesday, 8 June 2010

After some short relaxations in the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge, the clock was already showing 3.40 p.m.. Knowing that boarding for Cathay Pacific flight CX 711 bound for Singapore and Colombo was already boarding, we packed up all our carry-on baggage and left the lounge for the airport buggy counter, as Gate No. 62 was located quite far from where we were.

At the airport buggy counter, we arranged for a buggy to transport us to Gate No. 62 for Cathay Pacific flight CX 711 bound for Singapore and Colombo. Once the airport buggy had arrived, the driver helped to load our baggage, and we were on our way for a fast run to Gate No. 62.

The Shuttle Buggy counter area in Hong Kong International Airport

A lineup of duty-free shops in Hong Kong International Airport

The passageway towards Gates No. 25 to 80 in Hong Kong International Airport

After a very fast airport buggy ride, we arrived at Gate No. 62 at 3.55 p.m., just in time for our flight back to Singapore. At the same time, the last minute passengers were already boarding the aircraft. The aircraft operating on Cathay Pacific flight CX 711 bound for Singapore and Colombo was a Boeing 777-200, registered B-HNA, the same aircraft that ferried us from Singapore to Hong Kong earlier on 27 May (Thursday).

As soon as our boarding passes were examined, we were on board B-HNA by 4.05 p.m., just in time for a good 4.15 p.m. departure. We would be scheduled to land in Singapore Changi Airport at 8 o' clock later that night. Pre-departure drinks were offered as usual to the Business Class passengers. I then ordered my usual glass of orange juice before the doors were closed for departure.

Our aircraft for today, B-HNA, being prepared to ferry us back home to Singapore as Cathay Pacific flight CX 711. This was the same plane that ferried us from Singapore to Hong Kong on Thursday, 27 May

The Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-200 Business Class cabin during the eleventh hour boarding process

My usual pre-departure glass of orange juice

At exactly 4.15 p.m., the doors were closed and we pushed back from our departure gate. At the same time, the safety information briefing video was shown on the screen. We then taxied to our assigned runway for take-off. After a 20-minute taxi to our assigned runway, we finally lifted off from Hong Kong International Airport at 4.35 p.m., heading into the early evening sky for a flight time of 3 hours 20 minutes over the South China Sea towards the Republic of Singapore.

Lining up for take-off

Tung Chung New Town, as seen from Cathay Pacific flight CX 711 bound for Singapore, shortly after take-off from Hong Kong International Airport

Climbing over a blanket of clouds

The seatbelt sign was turned off at 4.50 p.m., approximately 15 minutes into the flight. At the same time, the cabin crew sprung into action to begin the meal service. As I looked closer into the food menu, a flight stewardess came up to me to take my main course order. I decided to have the beef stroganoff with buttered spaetzle and green beans.

A plate of warm almond nuts was brought to me at my table. I then ate them quickly and did my usual cabin shots before my appetizer arrived at my dining table. Here are some pictures of the cabin and my appetizer.

The Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-200 Business Class cabin shortly after the seatbelt sign was turned off

The food and beverage menu for the flight between Hong Kong and Singapore

A closer look into the food and beverage menu for the flight between Hong Kong and Singapore

A plate of warm almond nuts on my centre armrest

The Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-200 Business Class cabin during the meal service

A view of my seat, 18K, during the flight between Hong Kong and Singapore

My first course: Smoked peppered tuna Niçoise salad with tomato dressing

After approximately 15 minutes of waiting, the flight attendant finally reappeared at my dining table with my beef stroganoff with buttered spaetzle and green beans. I then tucked into my main in-flight dinner. The beef tasted quite tender, and the greens beans went well with the juicy beef sauce. The buttered spaetzle was another good accompaniment to this fine in-flight meal service.

My main course: Beef stroganoff with buttered spaetzle and green beans

After finishing off my sumptuous beef stroganoff, the flight attendant came by to clear away my main meal tray and asked whether I wanted anything else. To round off this wonderful dinner, I requested for a plate of espresso truffle cake with mascarpone cream and vanilla sauce. While she cleared away my meal tray and went back to the galley, I went to the lavatory again before settling down again.

20 minutes later, the flight attendant re-appeared from the galley with my dessert and hot chocolate. I then tucked into my dessert. The espresso truffle cake tasted perfect, with just the right pints of chocolate. This was a perfect way to round off such a wonderful dinner.

When I was finally done with my desserts, the flight attendant cleared away my mug and tray. I was then left in peace to enjoy the remainder of the flight.

My perfect dessert: Espresso truffle cake with mascarpone cream and vanilla sauce

The powerful Rolls-Royce Trent 877 engine spooling us over the South China Sea

My mug of hot chocolate on my dining tray

The Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-200 Regional Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the South China Sea

Cruising through a blanket of clouds over the South China Sea

My personal video screen indicating that we had 35 minutes left before descent into Singapore

Flying through more clouds over the South China Sea as the sun begins to set

The Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-200 Regional Business Class cabin shortly before the seatbelt sign was illuminated before descent into Singapore Changi Airport

The seatbelt sign was illuminated at 7.40 p.m., 15 minutes in preparation for descent into Singapore Changi Airport. Immediately, we stowed away all of our carry-on baggage and buckled up for the landing into our homeland. After a flight time of 3 hours 20 minutes from Hong Kong, we finally touched down in Singapore Changi Airport at 7.55 p.m., five minutes ahead of schedule.

Flying over a blanket of clouds during approach towards Singapore as the sun sets

Cathay Pacific Flight 711 ~ Landing in Singapore Changi Airport

Taxiing past a SilkAir Airbus A320 at Terminal 2

After taxiing on the tarmac for approximately 10 minutes, we finally docked onto our arrival gate, which was Gate No. D42, at 8.05 p.m.. As soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off, we got up and took all our carry-on baggage before exiting the aircraft. The passengers bound for Colombo, Sri Lanka had the choice of either disembarking the aircraft or remaining on board during the stopover in Singapore.

As we disembarked the aircraft, all the flight attendants bade us farewell and wished us a pleasant journey back home.


Cathay Pacific Flight 711 Score Report

Seat: 18 / 20
Food: 16 / 20
Service: 17 / 20
Aircraft cleanliness: 17 / 20
Legroom space: 17 / 20
Total: 85 / 100

In total, Cathay Pacific scored 85% for the sector between Hong Kong and Singapore, which means they deserve another 'A+' grade, the highest airline grade. It was indeed quite another good flight with the airline. Cathay Pacific now remains one of the airlines I am fond of most in my travels.

After disembarking from Cathay Pacific flight CX 711 from Hong Kong, we walked along the concourse of Terminal 1 towards the immigrations area via the arrival escalators. We then cleared immigration through the fingerprint checkpoint, which is reserved exclusively for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents of Singapore.

As soon as we cleared the immigrations area, I went to check the baggage belt information screen to see where our check-in baggage would be arriving. According to the baggage belt information screen, all check-in baggage for Cathay Pacific flight CX 711 bound for Hong Kong would be arriving at Belt No. 23.

Without wasting anymore time, we went to get three baggage trolleys. While my mum went to shop for some duty-free items, I followed my brother and my dad to Belt No. 23 to claim our check-in baggage.

The busy airside in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 with lots of travellers beginning to crowd around it

The immigrations area in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

A duty-free shop located close to the baggage claiming area in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The baggage belt information screen indicating that all check-in baggage from Cathay Pacific flight CX 711 from Hong Kong would arrive at Belt No. 23

The arrival flight information screen in the baggage claiming area in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The baggage claiming area in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

After we had claimed all our check-in baggage from Belt No. 23, we went into the arrival towards a MaxiCab counter to arrange for a MaxiCab to transport us back home. The arrival hall was relatively crowded, as there were lots of people, with most travellers visiting Singapore either for business or for leisure purposes.

The arrival hall in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

As soon as we went to the MaxiCab counter and made our MaxiCab arrangements to take us home, a well-dressed MaxiCab driver came to meet us in the arrival hall. Once he took us to the pick-up area, he helped us to load our baggage into the boot of his cab. By 8.35 p.m., we were on our way back for home.

After arriving back in the familiar surroundings of our home at 9 o' clock, my housekeeper met us outside and helped us unload our baggage. That night, we had supper and tired but happy, we were glad to be home. To summarise, I can safely say that I enjoyed this trip to Japan as I had the chance to touch Honshu again, for the first time in two years. I shall go there again when I get the chance to do so.

This now officially brings my blog report about my summer vacation in Japan in May and June 2010 to a close. I trust that you have enjoyed reading this blog report, and thank you very much for your attention. I hope that you have a happy blogging experience, and there are much more interesting posts to come.