Today marks our last day in Japan, and as promised, here are some more learnings from our time in the Land of the Rising Sun:

1 . The signage situation got better, with Tokyo surprisingly being very easy to navigate around! The trains also had the best English assistance which made it easy to not get lost, unlike in Osaka.

2. Japanese people are very honest. At one tourist attraction, we constantly heard announcements of "if you have lost your iPhone, we have it at reception", " if you have lost your keys, we have it at reception", and " if you used the vending machine, your change is at reception!" So if you lose something in Japan, there is actually a good chance it will be at the Lost & Found!

3. There's no rules when it comes to riding a bicycle, so always be aware of bike riders that might sneak up on you on the foot path. And some come at great speed!

4. There are several US military bases dotted around Japan, and some Japanese are understandably not very happy about the US presence given the history between the two countries, and would prefer if the bases were not in Japan . But it's an agreement between the two governments and is meant to be a mutual benefit of protection now. There are also many Japanese that rely on the bases as the base employs a lot of Japanese people too. And those who are married to US military personnel receive a lot of benefits such as cheaper food options, free house, free utilities and free medical. Difficult to take these perks away for those who need the help to support their families.

5. If you have a tattoo, you are usually not allowed to experience an onsen. Traditionally, tattoos are associated with the Japanese mafia (the Yakuza). Although tattoos are slowly more accepted, this traditional association is still held by most and those covered in ink can not be exposed in public baths.

6. Okonomiyaki is most delicious in Hiroshima - don't bother trying it any where else!

7. Toilets are free to use, usually impeccably clean (except for one's in high tourist traffic areas) and are located everywhere (every station, temple, shrine, park.... you never go busting). Water is also free and can be drunk directly from taps (unless otherwise signed).

8. The JR (Japan Rail) also works on some buses and ferries in some cities (e.g. Hiroshima) - make sure you check what you are entitled to with a JR pass - you might not need that additional transport cost of subway ticket or bus .

9. All the seasons bring something special to see or do in Japan. I've now seen the leaves change colour in Autumn and the cherry blossoms bloom and fall in Spring. So naturally, next on my list is to hike Mt Fuji in Summer, and to ride the powder snow in the Winter!

10. Seeing a Japanese Giant Salamander in the wild is the best thing that happened to me on this trip to Japan! Hanzaki - check!!! Major tick!! Still totally stoked about it!

I've had an amazing Japan trip with my Mum. It was awesome to be able to show her some new places and experiences. She has been very patient with me as a travel companion and was able to adjust and cope with everything I threw at her. She was a gracious Couch Surfer, reliable friend and a wonderful Mother. I'm truly blessed to have someone love me so unconditionally she ignores her own inhibitions, discomfort and wants, just to see me happy. Thank you Mum and thank you Japan for helping me to show her some new things that I hope she will cherish as I will.

If anyone wants to come to Japan with me when I return to swim with a Hanzaki, climb Mt Fuji or snowboard in epic powder snow, please send me a message and let's arrange to go together. I've got some great local knowledge now and can't wait to visit this amazing, resilient little country again in the near future!