I had the most awesome opportunity to visit Japan for my 40th birthday. I wanted to visit a country and experience a lifestyle and culture completely different to mine and Tokyo did not disappoint. Since returning I’ve had lots of family & friends asking how my trip was and so I thought I’d capture a snapshot of my ‘Top 10 things I loved about Tokyo’:
- The people: No matter where we went, people were so friendly, so calm, and unpretentious. If we stopped to look at our map, guaranteed someone would stop and offer to help us, even if they struggled to speak English. They live a simple life and respect one another, time and spaces. I think out of everything, I will remember the people the most. They are just wonderful!
- The shopping: There is just so much to buy in Tokyo! From wonderful clothes to electronics. I found some of my favourite brands along the busy streets of Ginza and Shibuya.
- The noodles: I must have eaten noodles almost every day and started to perfect the art of eating with chopsticks. So divine!
- The efficiency: Things just work in Tokyo. Trains run on time. Everything is in its place. It’s magical! Especially for my engineering husband.
- The little things: It rained a lot while we were there and when they packed our shopping, an extra plastic bag was wrapped around our shopping bags so that our shopping didn’t get wet. It’s the norm for them but we felt so special.
- The wide variety of options: Everywhere we went, there were just so many varieties of things, so many options to choose from. For example, an entire floor dedicated to selling different head phones!
- The free wifi: For a socially-obsessed tourist such as myself, this was a winner. I could check in and share my experiences in real-time with family & friends as well as search maps for places to go.
- Attention to detail: Everything is meticulous and thought-out.
- Cleanliness: They are obsessed with cleanliness and are constantly wiping and disinfecting. Most things are automated including the doors to taxis, entrances to shopping malls, even flushing the toilet (which had heated seats)!
- Cherry blossoms: Breath taking beauty, everywhere!
Thank you for a wonderful holiday KK! When can we go back?
Keeping up with the Walkers... 
Sounds like you had a wonderful time. A great way to spend a milestone birthday
I’ve heard a lot about the timeliness of the trains. So much so you have to get a note for work from the train driver/conductor if there’s a delay 🙂
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Cherry blossom time in Japan ! That can only be totally magical
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Looks amazing! So chuffed that you got to experience it! AND slightly jealous too 😉
PS why are everyone’s shoes outside the store door in your one image?
PPS – was SO nice to meet you face to face yesterday!
xxx
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So good to finally meet! See you at the next race!
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I consider Japan my second home–though, honestly, I haven’t been there for a while. I appreciate your positive take and I am glad you had a good time there.
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