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Final Thoughts on Japan

Monday, July 16th, 2007

It is hard to say any final thoughts about Japan because I know it will always be with me in my heart.  Over the three months spent there I have developed a special love for the country and look forward to returning someday soon.  It is without a doubt an expensive country to travel in, but the friendships, rewards and lessons learned were more than worth any money spent to obtain them.  I can definitely see myself living there someday, but there are a great many obstacles to overcome first.    [read on]

Culture in Japan

Monday, July 16th, 2007

At the same time Japan thrives in its future fantasy land, there is also an abundance of history, tradition and culture balancing the modernization.   There are the blatant differences from western culture, such as the abundance of shrines, squat toilets, onsen, etc. After a while these differences begin to seem more normal, but leave more time to become bewildered by the society and people themselves.    [read on]

Technology in Japan

Monday, July 16th, 2007

Sometimes walking through the streets of Japan feels like tomorrowland at Disneyworld.  Aside from the ultramodern appearances there is an abundance of convenience technologies (e.g. motion sensor bathroom fixtures, automatic doors, etc.).   [read on]

Transportation in Japan

Monday, July 16th, 2007

The public transportation system in Japan is probably the best in the world.  Everything is efficient, timely, clean enough and comfortable (except during rush hours).  Unfortunately, the whole system is extremely expensive.  It is no problem getting to and from any place to place, but you can expect to spend dearly.   [read on]

Accommodation in Japan

Monday, July 16th, 2007

 

While there are an abundance of business hotels and the occasional hostel, there are more unique and exciting places to sleep in Japan.    [read on]

Drink in Japan

Monday, July 16th, 2007

Aside from my beloved matcha (thick green tea, rich in vitamin C) there were a lot of amazing drinks in Japan.  There aren’t too many differences between the ones you’d find in America.  But a notable mention is Pocari Sweat, a pez-flavored Gatorade like drink.    [read on]

Food in Japan

Monday, July 16th, 2007

I’m sure that food will prove to be one of the most exciting experiences throughout my world travels.  I’m imagine that Japan’s culinary tastes are much tamer than some of the exotic dishes that I will consume in later countries, but it did present a great many differences than the diet I was previously accustomed to.    [read on]

Sayonara!

Monday, July 16th, 2007

As the date of my visa rapidly approached, I started the journey west towards the port city of Fukuoka.  I had the last ferry before my expiration date booked.  This left me a few days to hang out with Megumi, a friend I met in Tokyo.  She just moved back here a week ago and promised to show me around the city before I left Japan.    [read on]

Last Night in Kansai

Thursday, July 12th, 2007

Well that’s it.  Time to start making peace with Japan.  I have less than a week left on my visa.  My ferry to Korea leaves on Monday, and I still need to pay a visit to Megumi in Fukuoka before leaving.    [read on]

Kyoto Part II: Geisha and Matsuri

Tuesday, July 10th, 2007

 

Already feeling very satisfied with the decision to visit Kyoto, I jumped on a subway heading towards Gion and Hanami-koji, the heart of Japan’s Geisha activity.  Although my hopes weren’t high, the neighborhood where you might spot them is also famous its elegant streets and classical architecture.  It definitely lived up to its reputation.    [read on]