Stu,
Thanks, nice blog! I'm a Sandgrounder (a/k/a a person born in Southport, Lancs.)
Liverpool supporter as well but TV only these days, not so easy to get tickets. We've had our moments this season, mostly bad ones.
I thought I was due out to Japan this coming March but my wife (Japanese) nagged me out of going with her, excuse being anniversary of family death, reality being a desire not to have to travel around in the sticks encumbered with me and my video stuff.
Anyway promised a trip with her next March, which provides time for some careful planning, and this year it will be end March-early April for her which I don't think is the best time for what I want to do.
I've been to Japan before, including Hokkaido when you could get a ferry from Tokyo . I stayed near Furen-ko in a place recommended by Mark Brazil (who we met out there) but then found a better place near Cape Kirittapu, owned by a Katuoka-san, also a birdwatcher. Don't know if he's still in business.
A lot, lots more, birders visiting the place of course inc packages (that charge the earth!) these days so not quite the "ultima thule" it was but still ace for sexy sibes and I like the culture as well,
Cheers,
Ron
ps how do I contact you via your blog?