Thank you Japan
October 09 2008 – Julie Marabelle
I don't think our world trip could have got off to a better start than the two weeks we have just spent in Japan.
I (this is Simon!) had a trip to Japan just once a couple of years ago, and had always believed that Julie would love the place. But somehow, I think the experience seriously exceeded any expectations from either of us.
So we thought it appropriate to just say why. Here's our 10 favourite things about Japan (in no particular order):
1. The incredible warmth of EVERYBODY. Always courteous, friendly and happy - in shops, on trains, in hotels, restaurants and just walking the street.
2. The respect that everybody has for their environment. Japan is the cleanest (and most crowded) place we have every been to.
3. The love people have for children. Ophelia was a real hit (perhaps sometimes because she is a bit of a novelty) and everywhere we went, women and men would stop to play with her or just listen to her intense ramblings! It's not that people don't love kids everywhere, of course they do - it just seemed more obvious and again just very very warm.
4. The beautiful little (and sometimes hidden) shops. Japan - and Tokyo in particular - has some incredible shops with beautiful products presented in very well thought out spaces. It's a delight to go shopping.
5. The love of great design products. Julie I think nailed it when she said that Japan has the perfect mix of European, American and Asian (mostly Japanese) products. They search for the best and bring them all together in these little shops.
6. The way people dress. People are not just beautifully presented but have some really interesting mix of styles. It's lovely just to see. Julie in particular liked the high socks and beautiful shoes...although none of them fitted her..!
7. The food. Amazing amazing fresh food. Not just the fish - the fruit, the other meats - even the pasta! We ate in an Italian restaurant (Ophelia LOVES pasta) and had one of the best pasta meals we have ever eaten. All of the pasta was made freshly in front of us!
8. Heated toilet seats.
9. Presentation. This is in some of the other points but I think it deserves it's own point. Japanese people don't have that much space, there are 30 million people in Tokyo alone. The thing is, it never feels too crowded and I think that's because they know exactly how to present everything - from objects in shops, to storage in houses and food in bento boxes. It's exquisite.
10. The trains. I just love the trains.
Beyond these ten things, we'd just like to make a special mention to a few very specific Japanese people who showed us a little more intimately the best of Japan. Takako, Hiromi, Kazumi, Fumie and Rie from Paumes, Michi and his beautiful family you ALL made it it great.
Thanks! x
12 comments
je passe de post en post a vous lire dans votre petit grand tour du monde…j’adore!!! Je suis passee par la aussi…trois mois au japon, un an en australie, un an en indonesie, la nouvelle zelande un mois …bouhou c’est loin! kiss
je passe de post en post a vous lire dans votre petit grand tour du monde…j’adore!!! Je suis passee par la aussi…trois mois au japon, un an en australie, un an en indonesie, la nouvelle zelande un mois …bouhou c’est loin! kiss
je passe de post en post a vous lire dans votre petit grand tour du monde…j’adore!!! Je suis passee par la aussi…trois mois au japon, un an en australie, un an en indonesie, la nouvelle zelande un mois …bouhou c’est loin! kiss
je passe de post en post a vous lire dans votre petit grand tour du monde…j’adore!!! Je suis passee par la aussi…trois mois au japon, un an en australie, un an en indonesie, la nouvelle zelande un mois …bouhou c’est loin! kiss
je passe de post en post a vous lire dans votre petit grand tour du monde…j’adore!!! Je suis passee par la aussi…trois mois au japon, un an en australie, un an en indonesie, la nouvelle zelande un mois …bouhou c’est loin! kiss
je passe de post en post a vous lire dans votre petit grand tour du monde…j’adore!!! Je suis passee par la aussi…trois mois au japon, un an en australie, un an en indonesie, la nouvelle zelande un mois …bouhou c’est loin! kiss
thanks for this post! its very inspiring – i was just talking to one of my best friends this morning about how i want to go visit her in japan! and how i could do research and possibly start selling my own little creations there as well. you have a lovely blog and shop.
incroyable blog! merci pour le voyage!!! thank you for the journey! your blog is fantastic!
Hi, it’s Cloud Cuckoo Claire Love this mornings post, your list is fabulous, heated toilet seats, aaahhh, need them in SE15 it’s getting nippy now in London! I’ve never been to Japan but wishing to go and now so even more, thanks to you all feel as if had a little trip to keep me going. Great news too about the fondness they have for little ones. Keep up the wonderful posts and enjoy Malaysia xx
I am very happy to know that you enjoyed your stay in Japan. I was honored to find my name in your post, Thank you! It was also an interesting experience for me to see our country through your eyes. I hope you will have a lot of fun in Malaysia and other countries you are visiting.
oh, i love your list. and agree with all 10 things. all so true. and so beautiful. i love it when visitors see this country the same way i do. i love being able to call japan my second home. happy travels!
ahhh, just makes me feel so-so want to follow your steps. I’ve been commenting excessively on your Japan posts, sorry. I am just such a big fan of the place! Will save up all your posts as notes for the future trip, meanwhile limiting myself to trips to Japan Center on Piccadilly. Cheers!