On tour/ the non-rugby bits

Yesterday was a full on day of visiting the Hama-rikyu Gardens and a Sumo demonstration in the morning and taking the bullet train to Kyoto in the afternoon.

The gardens exemplify a paradox of Japanese culture: they are an oasis of tranquillity amongst the sky scrapers of Tokyo reflecting how old and new mix.

They were originally the villa of the Tokyo Shogun in the 9th century Edo period.

At the Sumo training centre we witnessed a demonstration of the holds between two protagonists, an explanation of the rules and then members of the group were invited to participate.

Needless to say Wayne Smith, with an aggressive display of scrummaging, gave the best account of himself.

After we had the typical sumo lunch called Chankanobe soup with vegetables and meat cutlet.

All great fun.

Sadly we could not see Mount Fuji from the bullet train.

For most of us it was an opportunity to sleep.

Three of the group, separated at the barrier, thought they knew a short cut from the station to the coach and nearly were arrested for not having a ticket as there was a group one. Again, this sums up Japanese officiousness as I can hardly imagine a Network Rail staff so meticulously counting out numbers.

Kyoto is the old imperial capital famous for its shrines and – Daffers will be pleased to know – restaurants.

We found a Steakhouse opposite the hotel and tucked into some wagyu beef, though certainly not cheap, less than the Kobe variety. If you like steaks, Japan is for you.

Afterwards I took stroll down a strip of lively restaurants and bars.

Kyoyo is however calmer and less frenetic than Tokyo.

All staff, whether in the restaurants or hotel, are incredibly helpful.

They bow, smile, dash up to you to help even if you know what you are doing. Pronunciation is a problem as the “r” becomes a “l”.

The guide is excellent but intransigent. We are all to meet at the bus tomorrow at 8.30 am. Problem is he is the only one who knows where it is.