Flight #1 Okinawa to Itame Airport (Osaka)

All too quickly it seems, today our trike travels are finished for now and this marks the start of our journey home to Canada. Today we will have one flight from Naha to Itami (Osaka) and we will stay overnight at the hotel in the airport. Tomorrow, we will have two flights…a short flight to Narita (Tokyo) followed by a connecting flight to Vancouver. Sadly, we don’t love the process of flying like we used to…we find it exhausting and hard on our bodies. Hopefully, breaking up the flights with a break, will help us.

We are starting our day with the breakfast buffet at our hotel. We were given a discount coupon when we checked in and we are looking forward to it.

The choices are vast and look wonderful…have to pace ourselves. I am starting with the fresh fruit.

We really enjoyed where we were sitting. The view is lovely and we liked the set up as each table feels quite private.

This striking mural makes for a nice feature at the buffet.

A selection of condiments which we have gotten to know and enjoy on this trip. It has been fun becoming more adventurous on this trip and try new things.

Umibudo (sea grapes) on the left have a soft skin and when you bite into them they release a salty liquid which is quite refreshing. It is reputed to be one of the top healthy foods in Japan and one of the secrets of longevity in Okinawa. On the right, is a delicious condiment, mozuku (seaweed) with a unique texture that is slimy. It is an anti inflammatory and anti oxidant rich staple in Okinawa.

They will prepare for you a special pork roast if you are not already full from the buffet

We have found that salads are excellent in Japan…equally offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner. We like that.

A memorable experience for us before heading to the airport.

This lovely glass bowl contains a creamy white concoction with a dried plum on top. Not crazy about the plum…we have tried.

A final sip of coffee before we head out.

The lounge is on the top 14th) floor and is well used. It is such an inviting place with free beverages, comfort and great views.

Beautiful examples of Okinawan Ryuku glass on display.

These panels of Ryuku glass are quite striking and are at the check in area.

We were so pleased when we stayed here on the previous trip that Toru, an Assistant Manager, was able to secure an oversized cab to transport us and our trikes to the airport. He remembered this and our visit last year. Once again, he took care of us. Arigato Toru.

In no time, our trikes and panniers are loaded and we are ready to go. On a previous trip, before we understood that taxis like this existed, we had to hire a van to transport us and our trikes….that was very expensive.

We have had a wonderful stay at Royal Rhiga Gran Okinawa.

Taxis in Japan are another thing we love about this country. They are reasonable, plus there is no tipping. If you try to tip, they will return it to you. The driver and his car are impeccable.

We have had a good start to the day…breakfast and a non stressful way to transport our trikes.

Our plane awaits…we have really liked JAL and are surprised by the cost. We had always assumed that it was more expensive than ANA, but they are similar in cost. The service is exceptional.

Orchids are a signature feature of this Naha airport. We see countless displays of orchids throughout, and the approach to the ramp is lined with orchids. Beautiful.

We are approaching the Osaka Itami airport

Japanese airlines offer so much more in terms of service. This fellow’s job is to cushion your luggage as it drops on the carousel.

Cultural differences make travel interesting. At home, using an adjective of “slimy” would not be enticing, but here it works.

Dinner in the airport was really yummy….about 1200¥ ($12).

This small shop at Itami airport is very popular with continuous lineups. They sell dumplings which must be pretty special.

We went for a walk and found a cafe for dessert.

Cats are beloved in Japan and are quite popular for advertising.

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