I just returned from a 2 week trip to Japan -- my first. And I loved it so much.
Just some random thoughts...
Flew direct from ORD to Tokyo on Japan Air in Premium Economy. Extremely comfortable and excellent service. The 13 hour flight did not seem bad at all.
Culturally, I loved Japan. The politeness and good manners are off the charts. Additionally, there are so many things that the Japanese do really well -- everything is just "cool" there and well thought out and executed.
I loved the food. Everything just tasted so good. Particularly, I loved the portion sizes. A typical meal was about 1/2 the amount of food that you would get at an American restaurant and the drink sizes were also MUCH smaller. This perhaps would explain why I saw virtually no obese Japanese.
Train system complex but so wonderful to get around. I had a Japan Rail pass which can be cumbersome to use but does save $$$.
I loved the Japanese gardens and parks - my favorite part of sight-seeing.
A few just "fun" observations":
The Japanese are obsessed with umbrellas
Very few strollers - most babies, toddlers are carried with a sling, carrier.
Love the hand washing towels presented before all meals -- even at fast food restaurants
Coffee that is EXCELLENT
The convenience store (7-11s) are amazing! The food is mind-boggling
People are well dressed as a general rule -- much more formal
I stayed at a WONDERFUL Marriott-group in Tokyo for 6 nights using points. Really a wonderful property that treated us so well. I was sad to leave. My only complaint was the outrageous cost of breakfast.
I then traveled to Kyoto where I spent 3 nights at a "boutique hotel" (I felt it was more like a Bed & Breakfast) that was very highly rated. I absolutely hated it and could not wait to check out . One of the most bizarre hotel experiences I have ever had. It just shows you that not everyone likes the same things when you travel.
My last night was back in Tokyo where I saw a baseball game at the Tokyo Dome -- super fun! The game is played like the US game but the energy is over the top. Fans sit in "sections" based on which team you support. There are cheerleaders and mascots. All the beer vendors are cute Japanese girls. A really fun experience.
Spend my last night in a Marriott Courtyard in Tokyo which gave me an awesome upgrade and was a welcome experience after our Kyoto hotel.
Most of all -- I got to spend all of this time with my 16 year old daughter. She was a joy to travel with. And extremely capable .
Just some random thoughts...
Flew direct from ORD to Tokyo on Japan Air in Premium Economy. Extremely comfortable and excellent service. The 13 hour flight did not seem bad at all.
Culturally, I loved Japan. The politeness and good manners are off the charts. Additionally, there are so many things that the Japanese do really well -- everything is just "cool" there and well thought out and executed.
I loved the food. Everything just tasted so good. Particularly, I loved the portion sizes. A typical meal was about 1/2 the amount of food that you would get at an American restaurant and the drink sizes were also MUCH smaller. This perhaps would explain why I saw virtually no obese Japanese.
Train system complex but so wonderful to get around. I had a Japan Rail pass which can be cumbersome to use but does save $$$.
I loved the Japanese gardens and parks - my favorite part of sight-seeing.
A few just "fun" observations":
The Japanese are obsessed with umbrellas
Very few strollers - most babies, toddlers are carried with a sling, carrier.
Love the hand washing towels presented before all meals -- even at fast food restaurants
Coffee that is EXCELLENT
The convenience store (7-11s) are amazing! The food is mind-boggling
People are well dressed as a general rule -- much more formal
I stayed at a WONDERFUL Marriott-group in Tokyo for 6 nights using points. Really a wonderful property that treated us so well. I was sad to leave. My only complaint was the outrageous cost of breakfast.
I then traveled to Kyoto where I spent 3 nights at a "boutique hotel" (I felt it was more like a Bed & Breakfast) that was very highly rated. I absolutely hated it and could not wait to check out . One of the most bizarre hotel experiences I have ever had. It just shows you that not everyone likes the same things when you travel.
My last night was back in Tokyo where I saw a baseball game at the Tokyo Dome -- super fun! The game is played like the US game but the energy is over the top. Fans sit in "sections" based on which team you support. There are cheerleaders and mascots. All the beer vendors are cute Japanese girls. A really fun experience.
Spend my last night in a Marriott Courtyard in Tokyo which gave me an awesome upgrade and was a welcome experience after our Kyoto hotel.
Most of all -- I got to spend all of this time with my 16 year old daughter. She was a joy to travel with. And extremely capable .
