We started the day at a coffee shop chain that came highly recommended for its simple and cheap breakfasts. We opted for coffee, a boiled egg, and bread with jam. Komeda’s Coffee — there are loads of them. 600 yen, less than £3 each. Who said Japan was expensive? We took a train to a remote biscuit factory that makes chocolate-filled biscuits — they were everywhere in Sapporo. We were able to use our Suica cards for the first time. They’re virtual cards that you top up with a

Bruges is lovely. It's a touristy, welcoming, peaceful package tied up in a bow, just like the chocolates that you can buy there - and certainly worth a return visit. Two plus years into retirement and we are still enjoying the freedom to slow down, travel at our own pace, and do stuff like revisiting some of our favourite corners of Europe. Driving to Bruges from the UK for the weekend, for what was our 4th visit, made for a fantastic visit. Best for: Couples, retirees, week