We have just returned from a three-day sightseeing bus tour through Japan's western-most island of Kyushu.

• The flight to Fukuoka in completely clear skies offered the most spectacular view yet of Mount Fuji.
• Much to Cissy's dismay, all public toilets were Japanese squatting-style.
• Scores of Korean tourists.
• A hotel that spanned two prefectures: The lobby was in Oita, our room in Kumamoto.
• Onsen, onsen, onsen.
• The governor of Miyazaki used to be a popular comedian and many local products bear his likeness. The one-man publicity campaign has boosted sales and helped the poultry industry weather the impacts of multiple bird flu outbreaks.
• Many outgoing and connecting flights were cancelled (not ours, fortunately) because of adverse weather (wind and snow) throughout the country.