Blog — Simone

A Travel Blog by Simone

JAPAN

A review

If you’re not one for big surprises, I would suggest you watch ‘Lost in Translation’ before jetting off to this unique destination. From 1633 - 1853 Japan shut their borders to the Western of the world and consequently have developed a country like no other.

A heavily mountainous country funnelling 125 million people in 27% of the land available, these valleys are bursting with people, colour and music.

Like many Asian cultures, Japan has a reputation for embracing public singing. Karaoke is a must-do and some locals find it strange when Westerners aren’t comfortable in front of the mic. In working class areas there are lines of tiny bars down narrow lanes that echo the drunken voices of blue-collar workers singing their hearts out. I promise, you don’t have to be good.

Train stations in Tokyo have different theme songs that represent the feeling of their suburb, pedestrian crossings ding in polite harmony, every machine you come across is likely to hum some kind of chirpy melody or greet you joyously. This bright music is a strong representation of the Japanese people. Incredibly, crushingly polite, no-fuss, calm and collected neighbours who value community and harmony. Time and time again I have heard miraculous stories of people losing wallets and passports at train stations or on buses, and finding them the next day untouched. Japan’s people have a collective mentality of ‘consideration for thine neighbour’. No one shouts, no one beeps, no one litters. If you’re bringing someone a little abrasive on your trip, best to suggest they’re on their best behaviour as boisterousness in public is frowned upon in Japan.

Outside of the major cities, many Japanese people do not speak English. I would highly recommend you learn phrases like “Where is ____?” (____ doko desuka?) and “How much is ____?” (ikura?). If you decide to explore rural areas of this beautiful country, it is my personal belief that if you stay with a host through Air BnB, 9 times out of 10 you will find yourself in hospitable hands (there is no data for this, I just think it’s true), plus the opportunity to experience Japanese everyday living. Customs include strict bathing systems and the unforgettable ‘DON’T WEAR SHOES ON THE TATAMI MATS’ (that’s the quickest way to appal a host). Slippers must be worn inside – a sensible custom I adopted upon my return to Australia. If you hate vacuuming, give it a shot.

Article on slipper etiquette:
Image: https://toddandmelissainjapan.wordpress.com/2016/01/06/slipper-etiquette/

As mentioned earlier, there is very little liveable land in Japan so everything is compact. If you’re over 170cm tall, you’ll find yourself hunching an awful lot. This also means that farming capabilities are limited with so little land being flat, so meat and vegetables are generally expensive. The Japanese diet mostly consists of rice, egg, fish and seaweed. My co-traveller and I are both slim and short, and we often found the beds small. A warning to the tall/big, definitely try to book the suite with a bigger bed OR find accommodation with two futons you can push together. [Sidenote: Futons have an inaccurate reputation for being uncomfortable, not true.] Unless you go out of your way, you’re thankfully unlikely to gain weight on this trip. Meals are healthy and well portioned with a serious lack of preservatives and sugar.