10 things I like about Japan

You may have guessed already from my previous blog post, but I really enjoyed my visit to Japan! First international ports on my itinerary and ding, ding ding, we have a winner! Wondering why I enjoyed the Land of the Rising Sun so much? Here are my top 10 favorite things about Japan:

1. The country runs on time. My type-A personality is going to come out for the next few sentences. It’s so nice to show up for a train and have it arrive exactly on time! We are talking opening of doors as soon as the second hand rounds the 12! The country runs like clockwork and it’s so refreshing to not have delays. To go along with timeliness, I enjoyed the…
2. Ease of travel. The train system is very easy to navigate and I had no trouble getting around in Japan.
3. Friendliness. I found Japanese people to be some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. No matter where I went, there was always someone willing and able to answer my questions or point me in the right direction. In fact, I sometimes didn’t even have to ask for help! I simply pulled out my map and there was someone right there, asking if I needed directions!
4. Food. Any weight lost by walking all over Japan was gained right back by the amount of gorging I did on the food. Ramen, sashimi, green tea ice cream…the list goes on.
5. Cutesy society. For some reason, Japanese pop culture seems to be obsessed with cuteness. There are little cartoon characters everywhere. Even the Port of Yokohama symbol is a cute blue whale!

   

   Welcome to Yokohama, Japan!
6.  It’s so clean. The country is very clean! I have been in this country for five days and I have seen a total of three pieces of garbage on the streets. There also isn’t much graffiti and the trains are clean. It’s beautiful!
7. The cleanliness extends to the bathrooms. Unlike other country’s public restrooms that I’ve frequented, Japanese bathrooms are clean and complete with heated toilet seats and bidet options. I did not try out the bidet options (I thought that might be kind of gross, considering they are public restrooms) but the options abound for those more adventurous! Unfortunately, a huge long line at the women’s restroom seems to go along with all cultures.

   

   I was greeted with all of these options and buttons in the public restrooms in Japan.

8. Women only train cars. During rush hour, there are certain cars on the train and subway that allow only women. This is for safety reasons so women don’t have to worry about being groped in a packed subway car on the way to work. Genius!
9. Vending machines. You can purchase anything your heart desires in a vending machine in Japan. They are everywhere!

   

   Vending machines at the Port of Yokohama, Japan

10. So much to see and do. There are many sites packed into this little country the size of Montana. Don’t worry, Japan, I’ll be back for more someday! 

    

    No idea what this is about, but I'm intrigued!