My oh my. Japan. Where do I start? (Right here, Caroline, that’s why you’re writing this.) I’ve only scratched the surface of Japan and I was there for a week! There will be a future in-depth post about this incredible country, but for now, enjoy the 5 things I loved about Japan from my most recent trip.
Clean
The hubster and I kept commenting about how there weren’t many trashcans anywhere in Tokyo, but it was so freakin’ clean! There’s just this respect for nature and their city, perhaps, that means you wait until you find a trashcan to toss your litter. I found myself carrying empty Kit-Kat wrappers (what? no judging) until there was a place to dispose it.
Each neighborhood has its own character
From Shibuya to Shinkjuku, each district, for lack of a better term, has it’s own atmosphere. Regardless of how far apart they may be, on the Metro, they’re a quick 10-15 minute ride from each other. So you can shop in fancy Ginza, and then head straight to Roppongi Hills for some late-night grub.
Food
I was surprised I only gained 3 pounds on this trip because we ate just about everything. From ramen to sushi to yakitori to veggie tempura to miso to okonomiyaki (flat-iron grill at your table), it was all amazing and fresh and baby jesus I’ve gained 10 pounds just typing this out.
Politeness
I didn’t care how many times I bowed, it was wonderful to be greeted and greet others like that! From waiters, to housekeeping to saying hello on the street to strangers. Being polite in engrained in the psyche here. It’s quite common for businessmen to pass on in the street after a night of drinking with coworkers and yet, no one bothers them. My friend said he even saw a guy’s iPhone drop out of his pocket while passed out and a lady picked it up and put it back in his pocket. I love it!
Pure wackiness
Vending machines that have sake. Caffeine infused candy called CRUNKY. Girls dressed as dolls in Harijuku. Odd age prevention (sex toy?) masks. Cat, bird, hedgehog cafes. Used panties sold in gumball machines. This place is wacky.
And I loved it!