Visit Japan

Awesome because:

1. Ridiculously good service—nothing/nobody is ever late.
2. Pretty, especially the countryside (around Toyama, where I lived!).
3. Warm snow weather.
4. Vending machines.
5. 100 yen stores.
6. Never ending biking paths.
7. 90% off + 1/2 off sashimi. <3
8. Desserts. <3 <3 <3
9. Really nice traffic guards
10. Public umbrellas in stores!
11. Awesome and ridiculous TV shows.
12. Kimonos. And people randomly walking in them.
13. Really unnecessary but adorable and awesome tools, like Hello Kitty binder clip dispensers.
14. And lots more!

Sucks because:

1. Racist (probably not more than a lot of other countries though).
2. Sometimes those molestation stories come true (personal witness).
3. Unbelievably high blood cortisol levels if you are working.
4. Never ending biking paths that have no railing and no lighting at night (I fell off the side once…).
5. Ridiculously violent and sexual manga that come in the mail for no reason (this was traumatizing when I was 8).

After reading so many books set in Japan, I want to see the real thing with my own eyes. The cherry blossoms, the geisha … rural Japan.

No…more like I fell in love with the movie “Lost in Translation.” Plus it’s American friendly, and the people are so interesting. The culture itself would be similar to walking through a circus, or a fashion show, or the future. I’m not sure but I’m sure this country has to be up there on the “cool factor.” It’s also got that “It” vibe where everything seems to come first including fashion and technology. What’s popular there today could very well be seen by Americans months or years later.

It’s so expensive. I hear food, hotel, and shopping in general costs more there. A Japanese family told me this. In fact, I used to train in Fencing and had a family open it’s doors to me for the summer and turned it down. Why? Because I was a stupid 18 year old that wanted to just have fun during that time and quit fencing a year later. I hate wasted opportunity!

I am only a week away. I realized today that this site could be helpful giving me tips and perhaps insight on what to expect.
My Son lives there and I am traveling with his Grandfather to who is in his 80’s. It is my first international trip.

I do not want to be embarrassing to my son in any way. I have read some on how to bow etc. What I really need is actual tips on traveling. Or practical things learned on the way, like don’t use the thumbs up sign…..or something about chewing gum…..

Please any tips no matter how small will help me build confidence Thanks you so very much

I really like to go to japan with a good australian friend of mine!
My stepmother can speak proper japanese, so i could take her with me(just in case)!!

I think I could pair this with my goal of learning a foreign language.

me want to

oh Japan is the origin of ANIME!!!

I’ve only been to the airport in Osaka, but I don’t believe that counts! I would love to get stationed there! I particularly want to see Kyoto and Osaka! Tokyo too, but I’m kind of scared of how many people are there!

I’ve gone on tours with EF before and have been pleased. They have a tour that goes to Japan. I haven’t been yet, but it’s a good deal because the price pays for airfare, hotels, breakfast, entrance to major attractions, and a full-time tour guide.
It’s for people between the ages 18-30. Leave a comment if you want to know more about it.