LAST POST FOR JAPAN TRIP

The last few days skiing have been wonderful. It's been great catching up with Lindsay and Simon again and we've had our usual share of belly laughs. Usually at the expense of someone else.

Some highlights from the last few days have included

* A wonderful dinner at the Barn Restaurant

* The morning search for best coffee ever on the mountain. The Deli won the competition.

* The relaxation of the Onsen after a day skiing. Great to heal the muscles and joints.

* Some sunshine the day before last whilst skiing was beautiful. It snowed heavily other days which is cool too but sunshine is always nice

* Seeing the Australian Chamber Orchestra perform last night was also amazing and lovely (even though we had B class tickets and Simon nearly had a stroke)

All in all, Japan two thumbs up.

I'm hopeful to get home on time. There is a big blizzard in Narita as I type and JAL have canceled some flights. Hope my little Jetstar flight is on time!!!!

TOKYO TO NISEKO

The last few days have been a great adventure. More sight seeing around Tokyo and a very special dinner at Kozue at the Park Hyatt which is star of the film Lost in Translation. It was such an amazing food experience and was the perfect place to celebrate Simon's (and Lindsay's upcoming) birthdays.

Yebisu Gardens was also a lovely place to eat out and walk around the cafe's and restaurants.

We are now skiing in Niseko which is lovely. The apartment is very swish and lovely (thanks Kazza) and overlooks the front slopes and main Gondola.

Temperatures have been very cold with today achieving a maximum of minus 8 degrees. So 'rugging up' is essential for the Japan skiing experience. The runs are amazing and long and predominately powder snow which is amazing.

There have been a few hot chocolates on the way and it actually snows heaps (which isn't something you experience skiing in Australia). I'm willing a bit of sunshine - it's been trying but leaves very quickly.

Our evenings here have been great - hitting the Onsen (hot Japanese mineral bath situated outside in the snow) to restore muscles with a 500 ml Asahi beer - quite a lovely way to finish a big day of skiing. Finding a great bar, then dinner and early to bed is the ritual. One bar we visited - Gyu, you enter through a tiny fridge door which is cool and the owners are lovely - they live upstairs.

Feels funny being in such a cold climate when Brisbane is currently suffering from a heatwave. Stay cool Brissy people!

TOURING AROUND TOKYO

Tokyo is a great city - it has 20 million people and it's super organised and super neat and clean.

Some highlights of sites seen have been the Meiji Shrine where you can make a wish with 1000 other people at the alter of the shrine (after completing the customary hand and mouth cleansing ceremony).

Akihabra, the Electric City has everything on offer electrical and techno wise. Quite amazing touring the shops.

The Observation Sky Deck in the Tallest Building in Tokyo is great. Also visited a modern art exhibition here too.

The underground metro system is a super efficient way to get around Tokyo and I'd highly recommend it (even though I usually hate public transport).

The Imperial Palace was also lovely to visit with stunning gardens.

Also ducked in to a ski shop to gather a few more items (realising that the ski slopes will be pretty cold)!

Tonight off to dinner for Simon's birthday

Next stop Tokyo

Qantas Club .... Making Jetstar tolerable.