We were blown away by how clean and organized Japan is. Their cities are really astonishing. Their industrial sectors are spotless and even the spacing between the sidewalk slabs are exact. I don’t remember seeing trash anywhere, not even for weekly pickup. We’ve each visited Japan a few times and were able to spend some time in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.  We’ve heard great things about Sapporo, Kyushu, and Okinawa but aren’t going to visit them in this trip due to the expense of Japan. Yes, it’s expensive. At first we thought, “Ohhh, it’s not so bad.” But after awhile, things really start to add up. Especially transportation.  Is it worth it? Absolutely!

For Travelers

 

Overall Vibe: Crowded and urban. I got the impression that humanity had occupied every square inch of the areas I visited around Osaka and Tokyo. They have limited space but it’s inspiring to see what they have done with it. Tokyo is the most populated city in the world and probably one of the most beautiful. Japan is a modern society and meticulous care seems to be put into everything. One of our visits was during one of their major holidays and Tokyo was like a ghost town. It was really strange to walk down major streets ... Nearly alone. Japan is really diverse and when I get more money ... I’d like to return and see more. I’m looking through our pictures now and we had an amazing time.

 

People Vibe: During the morning and afternoons, I got the feeling that everyone was on their own, individual, super important mission.  It wasn’t until the evening that we saw that sense of determination replaced with smiles and Sapporo, a popular beer. It seemed like the Japanese were able to express their individuality more comfortably than Koreans, and they don’t dress as conservatively. Personal space is respected and subway rides are usually quiet and somber.

 

Safety: Japan seemed very safe and clean in all the areas we visited ... We would walk around aimlessly at night, in the big cities, without fear.

 

Things to do:

1. We really enjoyed the Fish Market in Tokyo. Buy some cheap tuna sushi and go to a local convenience store to get steamed rice and chardonnay soda.

 

2. Check out all the museums you can because I was surprised at all the history that was preserved and intact.

 

3. Kyoto was amazing; I could live there. The summer heat was brutal, but it was awesome to walk along the Philosophers Trail and visit all the gardens and temples. At first, we were put off by the $10 charge for each temple, but we never left one of them disappointed.

 

4. Check out all the Red Archways at Fushimi Inari. There are thousands of them. Be careful though because it’s easy to get lost in the maze. We ended up in the woods with two other guys ... Walking around on a construction path without a clue as to where we were.

 

5. Pet the deer in Nara.

 

Food Suggestions:

Can’t help you. We were eating cheaply. (which isn’t that cheap)

Rachel liked the Okinamiyaki but I wasn’t into it.

Get some sushi at the grocery stores for discounted prices.

 

Etiquette: Be quiet! Be polite.

Air

Land

Water