Final Reflections on Japan

Hello for the final time I promise. In the can of farts 5 hours in and it’s never good this bit. Fortunately, we have had a gentleman from Tokyo with us named Shinya who is going to see the tennis for 6 days. He’s obviously a tennis lover and got a leave pass in 2014 also to go to the US Open. He also needed a leave pass from his work as a HR Manager where he can take no longer than 7 days in a row. But wait, there’s more, he has worked at the company for 20 years and as a reward for that, he gets 12 days leave! Lynda and I stared at him in disbelief and mouths agape. He then reciprocated with his own confused gape and then as if to allay our fears, said,”but it’s 15 with the weekends”. Oh, my God. How lucky are we?

This is so typical of the Japanese. They are conditioned to working their backsides off and whatever comes their way as a so-called free hit, is a bonus. He is such a nice guy and spending time chatting with him has sped the trip up. We’ve met some sensational Japanese on our trip who can’t do enough to help you and their attitude just reinforces our sense of entitlement culture that is all too pervasive these days. I hate it to the core. We just seem to have lost our way a bit I reckon.

I thought I’d just write down a few little things that might help if you are visiting Japan that I learned on the way and then there are some photos to finish.

TRAINS/TRAMS/BUSES – The only way to go unless you’re stuck and get a cab. Get a “PASMO” card which is like a MYKI but faster to recharge and one quick touch and you’re through the gates. The subway is incredibly safe and clean. You use the PASMO on all local trains, trams and buses. If you are getting on a tram or bus, go through the rear door and pay on your way out with PASMO or correct change only. There is a change machine at the front where you pay. I’ve said enough about my love affair with the Shinkansen. Truly a marvel and you need to purchase a JR Pass before you go. Work out how many weeks you will actually use the bullet train and only pay for that. IE we spent the first week in Tokyo so didn’t need the bullet train, just the last 2 weeks which costs about $500 each unlimited. JR also have normal but really good quality trains that you can use the pass on also if you’re travelling to lesser size cities. I’d hate to think how many kms we did but it was huge and amazing value when you think about it. Incredible comfort and not once was it a second late! That goes for the local subway. Not once!

FOOD – Really cheap and extraordinarily healthy and tasty!

VENDING MACHINES – I’m still bamboozled as an ex-vending manager, how on earth the companies get a return on investment. They are everywhere and out in the weather, it doesn’t matter! It’s not like they’re ripping you off either. Everything is moderately priced and there are machines for hot and cold drinks, ice creams, smokes and beer. Fill yer boots!

THE PEOPLE – I’ve had my faith in humanity restored on this trip. Is this how the human race is actually supposed to behave? Our culture is so harsh and I’m one of them. After 12 months in my job, I’m almost ready to explode with fists flailing having to deal with the level of ignorance and selfishness that confronts you at times. You know I saw one cop car in 3 weeks? One. When I asked Sue yesterday where all the cops were, she replied, “They’ve got nothing to do”. There wasn’t one tiny bit of graffiti in a train or toilet anywhere! We asked the locals we spoke to about the culture and why it’s so hard working but gentle. All of them were very surprised by the question and just thought that’s how everyone was. I wish. Of course, much of our issues stem from alcohol and drugs and the Japanese don’t mind a drink but have zero tolerance on drugs whether you’re using or dealing, which made it it incredibly difficult to score. Whoops, thinking aloud again, damn it!

As far as language goes, I got by with “arigato” and “konnichiwa” however I did a lot of bowing! That is always safe and shows respect. If you enjoyed your meal, use “Ooshi Ooshi!” They appreciated that. Also, the level of English spoken by the locals lessens the further away from Tokyo you get. You might want to practice some charades or miming before you go. I saw Lynda do a great cow, chicken and fish before stopping her at a pig in one restaurant!

SECURITY – Well there’s no cops for starters! There are workers everywhere on the transport system and unlike NYC subway where you are always just a bit edgy and mindful of the odd nutbag, Japan is safe as houses. Perfect for young kids as there’s so much to do.

PAVEMENT & CROSS WALKS – Just be mindful that 90% of cyclists use the pavement so you just have to be a little careful. We got caught a couple of times walking across a crosswalk because most of them are governed by pedestrian lights. We are so used to thinking we have right of way at home, so just be careful. The first time we didn’t obey the light by accident we got stared at and I really felt like I’d let the team down!

TOILETS & RUBBISH – Plenty of dunnies thankfully and mostly all spotless. I know it sounds silly but there aren’t a lot of bins so you may carry stuff around with you for a while at times. Check next to big families of vending machines!

Thank you Japan and with a bit of luck we will back sooner rather than later. Origato.

Heated mirror in bathrooms..just in the right spot!

A typical gathering of Salarymen. Rarely a woman can be seen.

Lynda’s sea pumpkin key ring from Naoshima designed by Yayoi Kusama.

Squat toilet instruction.

The pen to enrol in the paper crane donations at Peace Park Hiroshima – never got stolen while we were there!

I can’t handle the traditional Japanese table…Knees no good.

Dr Seuss trees Hiroshima.

Lonely shoebox restaurant Hiroshima.

A man carrying 2 cats stops for a break. They have their own bowls.

2 giant ducks on a balcony.

Little duck on a pond at the entrance to apartment Hiroshima.

Little bouquet of flowers, public dunnies Kagoshima.

Lynda standing on aerial map where we stood in relation to the volcano Sakurajima.

Most cities in Japan have decorative drain hole covers.

Cute Kumamoto mascot in the hotel foyer.

Typical sign.

em>Typical safety warning on the Tokyo subway.

Earthquake safety warning. Our friend on the plane Shinya was on the 32nd floor of a building in Tokyo when the 2011 quake hit and the building swayed for 3 minutes with the photocopier moving 5m!

Ancient bridge Old Kyoto

Selfie stick warnings.

Photo taken from live sumo match on TV.

Zen Arcade – pigeon, duck and giant Koi coexisting.

Japanese mask-market Tokyo.

Buddha with a litter of Buddhas – Mt Takeo.

A seriously clean country due to the army of people like this who are gainfully employed and are prepared to work. Unemployment in Japan is 3% across 128 million people!! When the GFC hit in 2008, many salarymen lost their jobs but did any menial task they could until the economy improved. We got cheques from Rudd and bought plasmas.