In 2023, my son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Emi, moved to Japan — for work and family. I was thrilled that they were able to realize their goal of living there.
It’s proved somewhat challenging, however, to stay in touch. There’s a 16 hour time difference. So when it’s early here in California it’s late in Sanda, the city they live in. Thank goodness for world clock on my iPhone or I’d never be able to figure out the time difference!
So what’s a mom to do when when Zoom and Google Meet are really the only ways to actually see my son’s face and hear his voice? Hmmmm … go to Japan and see him in person!
The Christmas season saw me, my daughter and son-in-law and my kid’s Dad all in Japan. We were there to see Matt and Emi, of course, but in the process we experienced the unique culture that makes Japan a place where respect, harmony, and politeness are the foundation of their society.
We landed in Tokyo, jumped on the monorail that took us out of the airport, then onto the subway to get to our hotel. It was easy. It was clean. It was on time. It was the best kick off to our use of the country’s transit system, a system that we were on everyday of our stay.
But that’s not the only way we saw the sights. In between subway and bus jaunts and a couple of excursions on the Bullet Train, we walked. More than 200,000 steps over the course of 13 days. It’s amazing what you see when you just drop into the daily life of a city. We mingled shoulder-to-shoulder with residents. We didn’t speak Japanese, and most of the people we encountered didn’t speak English, but these three phrases: Arigato gozaimas, thank you; Ohio gozaimas, good morning; and sumimasen, sorry or excuse me, opened the doors to many lively exchanges. These, and a lot of bowing, which I found to be an incredibly heartwarming way to connect.
So where did our feet take us?
First step. Coffee. When I think of a morning beverage in Japan, my first thought is tea. But I’m a coffee drinker! There is, apparently, a thriving coffee culture in Japan but I found that none of the shops opened before 9am. And I’m up and ready to go at 6am. So I put on my walking shoes and headed out of the hotel in search of coffee, too.
I knew that the convenience stores in Japan were THE spots to shop for unique foods and drinks. I ventured into a 7-11 two blocks from the hotel and there, to the surprise of my caffeine hankering, was an automated coffee machine. The machine streamed latte into a cup for 250 yen and satisfied my morning craving. 7-11 became my go to place for more than just coffee.
In between that first step and the 199,999 that took me back to the airport and my last step into the plane home, I discovered a country, a culture, a populace that so filled me with delight I didn’t want to leave.
So, where did my sneakers take me — to the picturesque, historic, vibrant and quiet areas that make of the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Sanda. Okay, here we go!
Thousands of red, wooden Darumas are scattered across the Temple grounds.
So many temples. My favorite was Katsuoji —
nothing more enchanting than a Daruma doll
and it’s quirky story about good luck and perseverance.
So many ramen restaurants! My favorite meal of the entire trip. — except for the Okonomoiyaki, Hiroshimi style, that my daughter-in-law introduced us to.
So many Shinto shrines! The red gates of Fushimi Inari were inspiring; the walk so reflective.
So many Buddhist temples! On the day I saw the Golden Pavillion in Kyoto it shimmered in the sunlight, brilliant in its glittering splendor, sparkling across the lake that separates it from those of us admiring it.
So many quirky cultural oddities! Shibuya Crossing, toy machines, street art, window dressings (pictures), giant Buddhas, the Skytree, a 2000 foot tower that dominates the Tokyo skyline.
So many markets! Tsukiji and Nishiki top the list.
So many natural sites! Bamboo Forest. Mt. Fuji. Gardens that are found at palaces, temples, shrines and homes throughout the country.
So many people at Tokyo Disney! I’ve been going to Disney parks since I was a kid and I have to say, the Beauty and the Beast ride was the best I’ve ever ridden. Innovative, engaging, laugh-out-loud fun! Tokyo Disney was our final adventure — an immersion in CosPlay culture that was amazing to experience in person.
So many great moments to remember. My favorite? 200,000 steps with the people I love.
