Started my Diary & Match Reports

Have completed my first three days, and started my first match report.

Arrived Safe & Sound.

Here is a post I intended to send during my journey, but did not have enough time at AbuDhabi Airport to send it.


Well, In am nearly half way to Japan now as I post this. Journey good so far. Flight  about 50 mins late departing due to some safety bods deciding to an extra unscheduled check on the aircraft pre boarding on a very nearly full flight, Crew good and food & refreshments quite good considering the circumstances, Have been refreshing my memory on past world cups by watching very good rugby programmes provided by in flight entertainment.

Rest of Journey not as bad as I feared---survived without much cramp at all. Again the flight crew were excellent, and kept all the passengers supplied with endless food and drinks, which was of quite good quality considering all the circumstances. Arrived at Narita Airport and collected my Keisei Skyliner and subway pass tickets. Then got some cash out of ATM and purchased a Suica card [ for other tokyo travel & vending machines]. Made my way to what I thought was nearest station to my hotel and got a bit lost for a while. Could not open my simcard holder so could not get my smartphone going with Japanese simcard! Soon  found my way to hotel, then got a few different bites to eat with a few drinks in local suburb. Eating out in Japan is amazing.All eating out experiences seem to be to be 'Disneyfied'. With chefs and proprietors standing in doorways promoting their own experience. (And this is in the suburbs!] Dummies of people eating in window (like scarecrows) and fake food on the pavements. A real challenge on the sight processes to take it all in!  I saw most of Japan v Russia game,then hit the sack. Awoke bright as a button only 6 hours later. 

Heads Up on Sim Cards for Devices

If you are considering purchasing Japanese Sim cards for your mobile devices make sure that your device is unlocked or can be unlocked for another network Sim in time for your trip to Japan. You will not be able to use Japanese sim in a mobile device that is locked into using a particular provider. Contact your usual network provider ASAP !

Still adding updates and more links on all the information pages.

Just added links to information on planning train travel in Japan, and Subway travel in Tokyo, to my travelling in Japan page. Ticketing/Passes and all different options and routes are given on the links. 

Facebook

While in Japan I will be posting photos and supporters news to the facebook group page 'Irish Rugby World Cup Japan Forum' as well as to this blog's own forum.

Facebook group for Irish World Cup in Japan

FORUM FOR TRAVELLING SUPPORTERS NOW ADDED!

Share info or news about your travels, leave messages or comments. Tell us about the great places or people you have found, or anything else you care to share!  
Click on this link to go to the forum     Supporters' Forum 

Basics to know for a trip to Japan

I have added a link at the top of the top of the venues & travel page, as well as to the links section. It is a link to an excellent blog written by a british travel/food/culture writer with a good sense of humour. It gives a myriad of options and a links to details. Very helpful and informative.

Travel-Rugby-Beginners Gide to Japan