Arrival in Japan!

But, we're quite busy trying to ENJOY Japan, so as to have interesting things to TELL you about Japan.  


Ergo, I set a 30 minute time limit for this post, and then I'm going to bed.  Early wake-up call in the morning for a day trip to Hiroshima.  But let's not get ahead of ourselves.  Late on Wednesday night, Kee-Min folks were awesome enough to act as our Airport Shuttle.  We got ourselves checked in, then enjoyed the KrisFlyer Gold lounge for a bit.  Our flight was scheduled to leave at 1:30 AM, and around 12:30, we stepped out of the lounge to head to our gate.

Changi Airport at 12:35 AM.  Yes, those shops are still open.  Oh, Changi...

Our flight ended up being delayed a bit.  No problem, but by the time we finally boarded at 1+ AM...

SLEEPY FACES.

Thankfully, we're both pretty good plane-sleepers, and made use of that skill on the way into Osaka.  We collected baggage and cleared Immigration without a problem - except for those danged fingerprint readers that Japan Immigration uses.  Anyone else ever used one?  You are supposed to place your index fingers each on a small scanner, push down, and voila! - fingerprint read.  But for goodness' sake, mine ALWAYS reads "ERROR!" the first time.  You'd think that fancy degree would buy me some cred with the instruments, but noooo....

We went through customs, where the friendly - but slightly suspicious - agent scrutinized our luggage (we're each traveling with a hiking backpack instead of a suitcase) and asked sternly, "Marijuana??"  I guess backpackers have a reputation...  Kee-Min's clever reply: "We just came from Singapore! No way!" Smart man.  We were quickly cleared.

We had a pre-booked shuttle to our hotel in Kyoto, and in about an hour, we were dropping our bags at the New Miyake Hotel before heading (back) to Osaka.  This was more complicated than it sounds, since this time, we were going by rail - and all by ourselves.

I will digress for a moment: During this trip, I've come to realize that one of my major Trip Stress Triggers is TRANSPORTATION.  Timing it, catching it (in the right direction), paying for it, getting off it, etc.  I worry about using a ticketing system in another language. I worry about catching the subway in the proper direction.  I worry about identifying my stop.  When there are multiple systems (trains, subways, buses) operating in the same place, I worry about going through the proper turnstile.  In short: I worry.

Thankful #1: Kee-Min doesn't worry much.  So I let him take the lead as we found the correct office to activate our JR Rail Passes.  Thankful #2: Despite having multiple lines, operations, etc. in one place, the Japanese public transport system is efficient, organized, and clean.  There are just enough English labels for us to identify the correct platform, train, and stop.  Once we actually found the proper office to get our passes, we were golden.  In a relatively short amount of time, we were on our way to Osaka!

Success! Osaka-bound.

Upon arrival, we negotiated a *new* public transport system to get passes for intra-Osaka transport.  This was also relatively easy - and the carrot at the end of the stick dangled enticingly (for me): Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan!

The first time we passed this, I was so busy looking for the aquarium...that I missed it.
I think there's a lesson there!

This aquarium was FANTASTIC.  Wow.  I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.  But for now, this little fellow (Asian Smallclawed Otter) wants to say hello:

Konnichiwa!