Japan has amazed me around every corner that I have travelled. I cannot recommend it highly enough as a travel destination - you will not be disappointed. I have seen such a diversity of sights, from the largest wooden structure on earth, that houses the huge Buddha statues in Nara, the largest wooden spoon in Miyajima, Geishas in Gion, the Atomic bomb site in Hiroshima, stayed in luxury in the first hotel for Westerners, the Fujiya Hotel in Hakone, to staying in a monastery in Koyasan.
Japan shows you how things can be done, how society can conduct itself within cities of millions of people, where you wear your face mask just to keep in your germs! It is a society that truly respects its elders, the oldest people on earth are mostly Japanese, but the ageing population is taking its tole. The new Prime Minister is increasing the retirement age from 57 to 65 to protect the pensions. In taking the best from the west there is a huge work ethic here and 12 hours days are common place. Workers nap in karaoke booths at lunch time and never leave the office before their boss. Child care is often from dawn to dusk, leaving children bereft if quality time with their ever exhausted parents. Commenters nap standing up on the trains, and the murder rate here is a fraction of the suicide rate. Compared to its western counterparts Japan is both safe and familiar for the traveller passing through, but beneath the surface there is stress and unhappiness for those who work hard. However it is important to note that we were met with such warmth and helpfulness that I will never forget. Thank you to everyone who made this trip so amazing; the woman and guys who beckoned us into the bar in the golden Gai on our first night, Rachel's friends and Kate's relatives who showed us round Tokyo, the family who brought us lunch, to fellow diners who brought us sake, to chefs who gave us extra tasters of dishes, the guys who took us to The Hyatt for a gin and tonic on our last night (and then another beer), and anyone who I asked for directions and went out of their way to help, oh there's just too many to mention. The Japanese are a very proud nation and are proud to welcome you to their county.
What I will miss:
Bowing
Silence in the crowds
Orderly queues
Not being able to use your mobile phone on the trains or buses
Heated toilet seats
Respectful conduct
Feeling safe
Being bought sake
The overwhelming friendliness and generosity of the Japanese people
Amazing bullet trains
Being in awe of the scenery, culture and temples
Miso soup
Whiskey and Soda highballs
Vending machines on every street corner
Cherry blossom
Beef in a steamed bun
What I won't miss:
Green tea
Beer with a large head of foam
Eating from a fish that is still alive
Eating from a fish that is still alive