I confess that I never even considered dressing up as a geisha and walking through the streets of Tokyo, let alone riding a rickshaw by Sensō-ji temple! Don't get me wrong, I just thought I would feel weird, "invading" a culture that isn't mine. So I can only be thankful for the opportunity the Suzuka GP gave me. I think I looked convincing as a geisha, which I didn’t expect, and that was the highlight of my trip to the Japanese GP this year. But I tell you it’s difficult to pick.
I am a huge fan of Japan. Let me put it this way: if someone told me I had one last trip to do in my life, I would choose to go back to Tokyo. I had never seen such a beautiful and warm day in Tokyo like this time. And I never thought the city that is my favourite to visit could get even better.
We had amazing food, first a  wagyu beef feast. I only eat beef on special occasions, and I might not eat it for a while only to have that lunch as my last meaty memory, melting in my mouth. And then sushi, of course. I would have more sushi during the GP weekend as well, in Yokkaichi, in a place that someone from the paddock found by chance almost 20 years ago, spread the word, then it became a tradition.
I like experimenting when I eat in Japan because it’s very normal that I don’t know exactly what I’m eating (when I order, and sometimes even after). Always an adventure.

Back to the Tokyo experience, I was even lucky enough to meet some sumo fighters before an important championship taking place. And delighted my senses in the teamLab Planets, an amazing way to showcase Japanese technology and creativity. It brings joy and peace. I know it’s very touristy but I highly recommend it.
After that I went to Golden Gai, a tradition amongst my group of friends. And not only us, we heard a group singing Wonderwall across the street and guess who it was? Christian Horner with a group of Red Bull mechanics! I told him I saw him and he asked if my ears were ok after hearing such bad singing. In Suzuka, it was my turn to sing badly at the karaoke. Another tradition, of course.
But things could get even better. Pirelli kindly invited me to do a hotlap, with Bernd Maylander. Suzuka is my favourite track, it brings back memories of waking up early in Brazil to watch Senna, and I was super impressed with the first sector specially. What a fantastic track, it never gets boring.
Japanese people deserve a track like this. I agree with Lewis when he says there is a different energy here from the people. And the country has so many interesting things and tastes. When even the toilets are fantastic (oh, the warm seats!) you know you are in the right place.
I’m already looking forward to coming back and enjoying the Sakura next year!