BIG in Japan

Shanghai is a distant memory now, as i sit in my Japanese temple lodgings in Japan. Have had a couple of nights in Toyko (including a visit to the 'Lost in Translation' Starbucks) and visited the temples slightly north of the city. Am now in Takayama which is a really old, pretty town in the hills.

Last night was an experience - the Japanese Capsule Hotel. Given they're designed primarily for businessmen who are stuck in the town for the night, i expected shoddy surroundings and grumpy staff- not so. The reception resembled a 5 star hotel, the staff polite (not in English unfortunately), it contained a Jacuzzi and Sauna, provided free disposable razors, hair gel, skin milk, hairdryers. More so, a communal area with TVs and lounging chairs, a library and a restaurant. My first stop was the communal bathing area - its quite an experience being surrounded by ten naked middle aged Japanese men, buｔ hey, when in Japan! My capsule was even fitted with a TV, so i found myself and English film, purchased a couple of Asahi's and had an early night to savour my surroundings!