I've mentioned that Japan is a beautiful country right? But what is it that makes Japan so special? What is it about this country that makes almost every foreigner here extend their stay? Do we all have a secret desire to be Japanese? Is it the mystery that surrounds Japanese culture? Is it those fleeting moments of acceptance from an exclusionary culture? Or is it the joy of sharing a place with people who truly take pleasure and pride in their own country? Travelling in Japan is such a great experience - the Japanese
have, in my eyes, perfected the tourist experience. Every area you travel to has a food that is the regional speciality. This 'omiyage' can be purchased and brought home to share with cooworkers and family. It scares me to think how much money is generated from the omiyage business in this country. My goodness Hello Kitty alone. Almost every travel destination in this co
untry, whether it's a temple in Takamatsu, a botanical garden in Okinawa or an amusement park in Tokyo, has a cardboard cutout to stick your face in for a picture. If it doesn't then you can stand in front of a backdrop featuring the temple, ferris wheel or pineapple cart and purchase it for a small fee, well worth it when it includes a nifty cardboard frame. Bleechers are erected outside of popular destinations specifically for tour group pictures. The pamphlets and guides are beyond helpful. Only have a half hour to visit a particular destination? Don't fret, the Japanese have accounted for this - take the red express route through the garden. Gosh, don't even get me started on the flags that Japanese tour guides carry. It might be a worthy investment for the Givogue Invasion.
I was going to talk about Matsumoto right? After a night of hanging with the locals in a small tofu restaurant Karen and I headed into the Japanese Alps, an easy bus ride from Matsumoto. (Shinpai shinai Karen,
I'm going to talk about the restaurant and the hotel owners in greater detail in another entry). Kamikochi is a definite must-see if you are in the Matsumoto area. Matsumoto-jo was beautiful but nothing compares to the wonders of mother nature. I used to think of the bustling crowds and bright lights of Tokyo when I thought of Japan but more and more I think of the green mountains, the mirror-like rice fields and the fresh clean air of the countryside. Japan is so beautiful in so many different ways, it quite frankly stuns me silent sometimes. To quote another Japan lover, "Japan is so comprehensively amazing it makes everywhere else completely redundant." Guess who said that (;
Karen and I both loved Kamikochi. Hiking around the area was truly exhilorating. I seriously felt high the whole afternoon; colors were sharper, noises louder and my thought slowed. It was a wonderful afternoon. Recently, I've been spending a lot of time outdoors and I can honestly say that nothing beats it. Next, another mountain adventure: Mitake. Stay tuned folks as I play catch up.
have, in my eyes, perfected the tourist experience. Every area you travel to has a food that is the regional speciality. This 'omiyage' can be purchased and brought home to share with cooworkers and family. It scares me to think how much money is generated from the omiyage business in this country. My goodness Hello Kitty alone. Almost every travel destination in this co
untry, whether it's a temple in Takamatsu, a botanical garden in Okinawa or an amusement park in Tokyo, has a cardboard cutout to stick your face in for a picture. If it doesn't then you can stand in front of a backdrop featuring the temple, ferris wheel or pineapple cart and purchase it for a small fee, well worth it when it includes a nifty cardboard frame. Bleechers are erected outside of popular destinations specifically for tour group pictures. The pamphlets and guides are beyond helpful. Only have a half hour to visit a particular destination? Don't fret, the Japanese have accounted for this - take the red express route through the garden. Gosh, don't even get me started on the flags that Japanese tour guides carry. It might be a worthy investment for the Givogue Invasion.
I was going to talk about Matsumoto right? After a night of hanging with the locals in a small tofu restaurant Karen and I headed into the Japanese Alps, an easy bus ride from Matsumoto. (Shinpai shinai Karen, 
I'm going to talk about the restaurant and the hotel owners in greater detail in another entry). Kamikochi is a definite must-see if you are in the Matsumoto area. Matsumoto-jo was beautiful but nothing compares to the wonders of mother nature. I used to think of the bustling crowds and bright lights of Tokyo when I thought of Japan but more and more I think of the green mountains, the mirror-like rice fields and the fresh clean air of the countryside. Japan is so beautiful in so many different ways, it quite frankly stuns me silent sometimes. To quote another Japan lover, "Japan is so comprehensively amazing it makes everywhere else completely redundant." Guess who said that (;
Karen and I both loved Kamikochi. Hiking around the area was truly exhilorating. I seriously felt high the whole afternoon; colors were sharper, noises louder and my thought slowed. It was a wonderful afternoon. Recently, I've been spending a lot of time outdoors and I can honestly say that nothing beats it. Next, another mountain adventure: Mitake. Stay tuned folks as I play catch up. 
3 comments:
Japan sounds like the perfect place for every 3 year old's desire! cardboard cut-outs, snack treats, holding hands and following the guide with the flag. All they need now is to duplicate Spanish culture and come up with a nation wide nap time!
We have a nationwide nap time
I call it "4am-5am"
Other people may have other names
That's the beauty of a democracy
Anyway, my real comment was that, Jo, you are genuinely the only person I know, apart from that genius you quoted in your post, who loves Japan as much as me, and I cannot express what an honour it is to have you on the team.
Thank You
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