Bockaaarck

Many happy returns!

I'm guessing that's Tochigi Martin. I remember Choptop saying that the Nissan guys always wanted a Japanese / English translator to accompany when he went there.

Nice one Col, thanks

We're staying in Shinjuki Will, mainly because it's just easy for us as first time visitors to Japan. It probably wouldn't be our first choice next time round, but for the first time visit, why not dive straight in to the deep end! We saw a couple of really good things on japanican.com. There seem to be great combined tickets for the bullet train plus accommodation for Tokyo to Kyoto. So we're having a bit of a dig in to those at the moment

Fantastic, I know what you mean about stuff to visit, there's so much to do. Using your points on Virgin must be a real bonus, we have some Avios points from the BA thing, but I think we'll save those for when we head out to Japan next time (I'm pretty sure there will be a next time!), unless we go somewhere else. 3 weeks out there will be fantastic, I think you've got that length of time about right. There are a lot of places we won't have time to really visit on this trip (Himeji Castle, Yokohma, Nagoya etc, etc). Hopefully we use the experience we get this time to plan the next trip and do those things. I think you guys will have an amazing time, a proper adventure!

Thanks Will, we will look the PASMO card up. I know we are there in Golden Week, or part of it, so I'm sure there will be lots of atmosphere and loads going on

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Do it Straun !!! It is sooooo tempting, I've got a real 'spending head' on at the moment, hopefully it won't last long! That 240Z does look very nice though...... Just get it bought, get rid of that tired looking old red 350 you know the one - that old red one that looks completely shagged out, but 5 minutes later looked wonderful It always looked wonderful to me but maybe that was just the hunk of a guy behind the wheel You wrongn's

Advice already thanks Will

Thanks Will, realy cannot wait, I don't think I've been this excited since the Play Doh Mop Shop came out! Really, really looking forward to it. I've had a nose at local language courses where we are to see if we can get some lessons. Its a long old way to go and we may only ever get to go once, so we are going to put the effort in to make the most out it. I think like most trips away, there will always be too much to see and do, unless you rush things, but I think that spoils it. Going somewhere for me is not about ticking lists its about other stuff, taking things in, absorbing stuff and creating memories. Hopefully this will be another trip full of them. I know choptop has been out to Japan lots of times so I'll be picking his brains. I believe, from recollection, that WhackyWill's partner is Japanese, so hopefully there's some good advice / suggestions to be heeded / taken on board. I realised some time ago that if we didn't do these things when we had the chance, we might not ever get the chance again, so off we go on another adventure .

Do it Straun !!! It is sooooo tempting, I've got a real 'spending head' on at the moment, hopefully it won't last long! That 240Z does look very nice though......

I have just seen a Californian 240Z import for sale on Pistonheads *note to self.....close the browser step away from the computer before this becomes an expensive morning.....*

After a couple of years of 'umm-ing' and err-ing' we are finally heading out to Japan next year.Not to move there, as much as that would be cool, just for a first 'taster visit'. We've always wanted to get to Japan, but ideally we've been looking for 3 - 4 week trips out there to really soak in the culture and absord the country. That's always come back as being 'quite' expensive so we've just kept putting the trip off until a good opportunity arises. Forunately BA have a few cheeky offer on at the moment, so we've jumped at the chance and are heading out for 9 / 10 days. We're going to be out there in April next year, so we have a good few months to read up and make us much progress learning 'basic' Japanese as we can. Really keen to make as much effort as possble with the language. We may not be able to have a chat with some guy in a Ueno bar over a beiru about how fantastic the Uwara Reds have been playing. We do want to be able to show that we have made an effort and it'll help us enjoy the trip more. I get the feeling that Japanese people will probably understand if we don't quite get things right culturally. I know that they won't make us feel bad if we make a 'boo-boo' as their culture is too polite. However, I would really rather we avoid that kind of thing happening at all, so lots of study, reading, language practice and all sorts over the next few months! We'll be in Tokyo for a few days before heading to Kyoto for 3 days, then back to Tokyo for a few more days before heading home. It won't be enough time to really take things in, but as I said, this is a taster trip, really can't wait. Any hints and tips about things to see / do or any do's and don'ts very much appreciated.

I rev match all the time but only really find the need to heal n toe when making 'significant progress'

Looking great Darren, she's really coming along nicely

The trees were planted many moons ago by a doctor I think. They are beautiful but they never should have been there. You're right Ceejay29 that they're effectively planted on top of / in the old reservoir for the houses and the root systems do cause issues for the foundations etc. Dave, maybe you're thinking of Westonbirt Arboretum. It's about half an hour north of Bath on the A433, before Tetbury

...an extra 5bhp I believe

Interesting Pete, not me or my Zed I don't think / hope, as clearly I am all man and my Zed is just 'well used' and I've had it for god few years No,I know your car this one was bog standard even down to the 17" inch wheels on early imports. PA is Preston so maybe there was a Jap specialist importer there at some stage. Pete Think you could be right Pete, intersting abou the PA reg though

Interesting Pete, not me or my Zed I don't think / hope, as clearly I am all man and my Zed is just 'well used' and I've had it for good few years

That response is unacceptable I'm afraid Steve

Only pulling your leg Dave, you were very much 'on it' that weekend, from recollection. However; great driving as usual old friend, a little bit cheeky now and then but really enjoyable drivng those routes with you (and Mary), good times As you say, bought to be driven

Good thing you didn't bother, it's clearly a 5h1t car You wouldn't have thought the red & blue Zeds that were chasing each other round Wales in 2013 were both north of 100k miles Indeed, did notice the blue one lagged behind a bit though x

This is going to sound tragic, but i really miss my Renault 11 GTL Broadway.....

Good thing you didn't bother, it's clearly a 5h1t car

Thanks, she was imported from Japan in September 2003, so she was an early bloom you could say. Considering the weather we have over here compared to Japan, plus the fact she get's left out in the open in a city centre, she copes pretty well. Keeping my eye's open for a future Zed related purchase, maybe a late HR 350 or maybe a 370. I'm quite 'selective' about how I 'spend' however, so I can see an 'upgrade' happening next year at the earliest ( despite you being kind enough to allow me to drive your 370 Dave *must resist the urge to buy new car. must resist...* ) The truth is the Zed is a great runner and will last for ages if looked after. The other truth is I live in a city centre with no garaging and a stuff gets knocked about, including cars. A couple of years ago someone 'car ran' over her, the quote for pushing the dents out, replacing the spoiler and respray was just over £3K. Bath is like any other city, lots of student life, lots of pubs, clubs etc, its a residential hazzard. This is why I didn't buy anything more 'exclusive', it'll jusy get knackered or it'll cost me £2 - 300 in garaging (at least) per month for the kind of car I would really want to buy. Still love my 350Z though......"Zed's Red baby......Zed Red...."