1. The People
They don’t take calls inside the train, they let people pass through despite the train being very crowded, you can leave your belongings and still find it intact a few hours later, and they try to help out despite the language barrier.
2. Tokyo DisneySea
Other countries may have Disneyland, but it is only in Japan that you can find a Disney franchise centered on a nautical theme. Misel and I both love anything sea-related and who wouldn’t love going to the happiest place on earth?
3. Hanami
In springtime, cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom and crowds gather around temples and parks for picnics under the blooming trees.
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| At Shinjuku-gyoen spring 2008 |
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| At Tachikawa park spring 2011 |
4. Everything is a photo opportunity
Japan is the land of cuteness and beauty. From Hello Kitty and those animated signs and details, to those intricate packaging. Just how cute is their packaging? You would not want to open it and would rather place it on your display stand. Even their streets are so pretty.
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| Inside Hello Kitty's house at Sanrio Puroland |
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| At Kamakura |
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| Random stuff |
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| Random stuff |
5. Four seasons
Coming from a tropical country with only wet and dry seasons, I made the most of the changing seasons in Japan. I went to Nikko in fall, tried snowboarding in winter, hanami in the spring, and beaches in summer.
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| Winter - Snowboarding with Darth Vader |
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| Spring |
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| Summer |
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| Fall |
6. Temples and parks
One year is not enough to cover all the temples and parks Japan has to offer.
7. Crossing Shibuya
It is the world’s busiest intersection but its pretty amazing how orderly it is to cross. No one gets shoved, or run over.
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| At Shibuya intersection |
8. Fashion
From trendy Shibuya to cutting edge street fashion and cosplayers in Harajuku. Its like watching a fashion show on the streets.
9. Food
Japanese food is love. From sushi, gyoza, ramen, udon, yakiniku, green tea chocolates, and to my ultimate favorite – pocky almond crush.
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| Ramen |
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| Shrimp-flavored ice cream |
10. Vending Machines
Everywhere you look there are vending machines lined up to give you everything you need, from hot and cold canned drinks and even food meals.
I was fortunate to work in Japan in 2007 and again in 2011. Misel came to visit in 2008 after she graduated from medical school.
