Most Inspirational Moment
Several:
1. The Peace Park in Hiroshima, and in particular the 'Atomic Dome'. Very moving.
2. A quite-unexpected visit to Tokyo Zoo, and time to see the giant pandas munching through loads of bamboo.
3. A garden of azaleas in full bloom - very colourful. And cherry and plum blossom.
4. Mount Fuji in all its glory, from the air on flight out of Tokyo.
5. The cleanliness, the politeness, the hi-tech toilets.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Good, though whilst he didn't lose any of us in the crowded streets and stations, etc., I felt he should have checked more often that we were all together.
Advice for Potential Travellers
1. Public conveniences are plentiful, but most did not have any means of drying hands after washing - so I recommend taking a small hand-towel for such purposes.
2. During the holiday we stayed at 3 different ryokans, which varied in standard from OK down to very, very basic.
3. Take some ear-plugs to shut out noise of snoring sleeping companions!