Managed to find myself a CitiBank first thing this morning...I am now rich...and relieved!!

Headed off to Kyoto on the Shinkansen (Bullet train). These things are so efficient / clean and smooth. There is one leaves Tokyo every 10/15 minutes and you just turn up and secure yourself a seat then travel 300 km/hr in real comfort. You are served good food and drinks at really good prices...Virgin have some work to do!!

Stayed in my first hostel (K's Hostel Tokyo) which was great. Really central, clean, had a bar, and only cost about 11 quid a night...what more could you ask for?

First thing you notice about Kyoto is that it is much more laid back than Tokyo. Not so 'in your face'. Kyoto is a great size city, you can walk most places, but North to South would probably take a good hour or so, so the bus and subways are so good you can easily hop on and off these to get around quicker.

The transport systems in both Tokyo and Kyoto take a little getting used to but they now have just about everything in English somewhere in the stations. You just have to look for the right map and you can work out your trip with not too much trouble. One problem I have had is that they have trains, Subway and Underground...and it can get a little confusing which stations service which modes of transport and which map you should be using.

I must say the staff (and people in general) are amazingly helpful. At one stage I put my ticket into exit the machine and it was taken, but I was not allowed through the gate. The guard spent about 10 minutes opening up the machine to find my ticket, realised I had paid for a ticket for the wrong line. With a smile and a laugh exchanged my ticket, asked me to pay the extra few Yen and directed me to my next destination. Not a hit of frustration or anger...he was just happy to help. On other occasions I have been stood at a subway map working out my next journey and people (not staff) have approached me asking if I needed help...They key is to look rather lost and slightly dumb (things which come natually to me) and help comes flooding your way. The Japanese really are a very happy, helpful nation of people ...even in the big cities.

Did a bit of sightseeing, up to the Imperial Palace and Nijojo Palace with a number of stops at some of the smaller temples which appear from nowhere at what seems like every block.

Had a wander down the Pontocho-Dori which is a small street running along the Kamogawa River full both sides with little bars and restaurants overlooking the river. Close by there are a couple of undercover shopping streets. Lined with dozens of shops selling everything you could want, there is also one dedicated to food...The smells and presentation of the food is fantastic...all quite expensive though. Also had a wander up to the Gion district which is famous for the Geishas. It is an area with lots of small wooden buildings where the Geishas entertain their clients.

Had a lovely meal on 9th floor of the amazing train station building overlooking the city. The train station is a huge new complex with shopping, bars, restaurants where lots of the local youngsters (and ageing tourists!!) head.

Staying at a Ryokan tomorrow so it will be a very relaxing day...