Boarded our Singapore Airlines Airbus A330 just before 1:00am local time, and Changi International Airport boasts an on time % of over 90%. This is probably a little unfair, as they never have to de-ice. we were "wheels up" early and arrived into Japan ahead of schedule as well. Again the service was great, got our hot towels before taxiing, as well as our toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, pillow, blanket and headset. I got in a few winks after having a beer and watching tv for about an hour, but I don't think Eve really slept much. Breakfast was served at about 5:30 Singapore time 6:30 Japan time. Eve and I both chose the Japanese breakfast, which consisted of brazed salmon, assorted cut fruit, rice, assorted steamed vegetables, egg, warm bun, as well as a couple of other items that I'm not sure what they were (potato and fish). We also got tea and juice.

Upon arriving at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, we ran into our first shocking Japanese inefficiency . When we arrived off the plane into Japanese Immigration, there were about 400 people in front of us (two or three planes arrived at the same time) there were only 5 our of the 11 International positions open for foreigners with non-Japanese passports, the remaining 9 positions were for returning citizens with a Japanese passport, but only about 5 of them were open as well. It was very daunting at times, especially after a redeye flight as the light didn't not hardly seem to move. While we were waiting, at least 2 more flights arrived and the "foreigners" side was full with the line up (after our section of about 550 people) that they were now lined up around the corner. I took us almost 2 hours to get through (we fully expected it to be much longer), and it took the immigration people about 90 minutes to get up to 10 positions open. By then the line was twice as long as when we got into it. We couldn't take pictures or we would have! While we were waiting, Eve noted not seeing any other Canadian passports - lots of Thai, Malaysian, Singaporean and Chinese. In our experience, this inefficiency in service is not normal, looks like somebody messed up somehow. By the time we were done in Immigration and went on for our luggage, it was long off the luggage belt with everyone's luggage from about 4 flights all piled by each respective luggage belt waiting for its owners.

With our JR passes now expired, we purchased a Japan Rail ticket (about $11), for about a 30 minute ride to the Osaka Station, where the Hotel Granvia Osaka is attached . We were early, so we stored our luggage, walked around town a bit, grabbed a lunch and then made our way back to checked in. It was our most expensive hotel night, but the choice was made purely on location and the anticipation of having lots of luggage to get home.

Time to re-pack and sort luggage for the trip back to Canada tomorrow. We arrived with 4 large pieces and we will be going home with 2 large, 1 medium and 1 small checked bag - we almost got it all into 3 total, but.....

We had planned all along to out to the Blarney Stone Irish Pub tonight, our last night in Japan. It was quite busy with the bar stools and most tables occupied. I had a couple of pints of Kilkenny and Fish and Chips while Eve had a Magners Irish Pear Cider and Bangers and Mash for supper. Food was excellent and all was very reasonably priced (especially since Singapore!) We found this place 6.5 years ago on our last visit, while wandering in a covered back alley, small business type area. Then, like now, there was a small sign saying "Blarney Stone" Irish Pub, 6th Floor, of this narrow building. Owners have a connection to Canada and we found out the owners are still the same - they must be doing well as now there is a second location in Shinsaibashi - the area we visited on our first full day in Osaka almost 3 weeks ago! Now every time we are in Osaka, we have a place we like to go!

Tomorrow, a travel day back to Canada.