By Andy Simon

Being the old Home Loving Man that I am, I don't get about much.

And when I say, "Get About", I typically mean not often going to far away places. I have however flown across the Atlantic on route to places like Jamaica (Twice) and the Dominican Republic.

I have also been fortunate enough to visit Spain, Majorca, Corfu and Italy, and this Christmas, myself & Dearly Beloved, will be flying to Morocco. And as long as I'm playing Bob Hope and she plays Bing Crosby, and I get to wear the Fez, I don't have a problem.

But the Far East, not a chance.

And this is probably why shows like Joanna Lumley's Japan, is so important.

I have to admit that I have not enjoyed a travel show so much, since Billy Connelly went the wrong way round America, on a train, in his, "Tracks Across America" show, earlier this year.

It was great telly. Now at this point, I'm going to reveal how much I am 'knocking on a bit', when I say that I remember a show called "Whickers World' back in the 70's.

Now that guy, simply put; went everywhere. If it had a runway, Alan Whicker would land on it, if it had a harbour, dock or port, a railway station or even a bus stop, Whicker would arrive, or stop at it. Alan Whicker, was a travel show legend.

He put everything that was already on the map, ON the map!

And at the young age of 12, I would watch these Alan Wicker travel episodes with great interest. For me; those indeed were the days when TV really did, entertain & educate the viewer.

So it came as no surprise to me 40 years later (Gasp! has it been that long?) that I still watch these travel and see the world shows, with as much interest and vigour now, as I did back then.

And Joanna Lumley's Japan travel show, is no exception. It really is quite fascinating.

Now to some; shows like these are a bit boring?

Watching some ageing or "Has Been" celebrity, traipsing around a country that you yourself will probably never visit in your lifetime, or maybe that the country in question, is not your cup of tea?

Well; speaking personally, you couldn't be more wrong. It's interesting, you learn a lot and most of all, it's good telly.

I watched the first two episodes on the ITV Hub, on the following Saturday, having had to work when they actually aired on the Friday night at 9pm, and I have to say, it gave me something close to that warm feeling, those Alan Whicker shows used to give me.

Joanna is ok, funny at times, very articulate, and so far, has made the show very enjoyable to watch. Now I know what some of you who are of my generation could be thinking, 'Alan Whicker - Joanna Lumley?' Are you kidding? There's no comparison!

And you would probably be right

However Joanna's journey through Japan from north to south, is well worth watching. I particularly liked the Ice Festival at Sapporo, and the Nakasendo Way, the ancient route between Tokyo and the old capital Kyoto, to arrive in time to see the cherry blossoms that bloom profusely throughout the old capital city.

And I know that for me; Joanna Lumley would never replace the legendary Alan Whicker. But through this beautifully filmed and at times, awkwardly directed journey through an equally beautiful country, with a rich, unique culture, and tragic war history . . .

Joanna Lumley comes, pretty close.

And for someone like me who will probably never visit Japan in his lifetime, It's the next best thing, to actually being there.

The final part of this overall; very enjoyable journey airs next Friday on ITV1 at 9pm. If you have missed the previous two episodes, they are still available on the ITV Hub.

So go on; make yourself a nice cup of tea, settle down on your Sofology sofa, turn that damn smartphone off, and have yourself a slice of Japanese culture, all the way from the far east.

This middle aged, 'Home Lovin Man', highly recommends it.