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Looks like it is about time I zone in on what I really miss about living in Japan now that I have been back in the states for sometime. I feel honored to have lived in a country vastly different than my own – beyond the important moments of learning how other people think about the world or soaking up a culture’s tradition, Japan has set my standard high for so many things.
Yes, I want my toilets heated, my bathrooms spotless and people to stand on the right side of the escalator. But most of all I really miss feeling safe, and knowing you are surrounded by strangers you can trust. For instance, I wouldn’t ask someone else to keep a eye on my purse when I walked away because no one would take it. So simple, yet what a relieving feeling, right? Really, I could go on and on and on. Instead, I have narrowed it down to 30 things I miss about living in Japan (that are reasons for you to visit)!
So, here it goes.
30 things I miss about living in Japan.
1/ Coffee
Single Origin, slow drip, light fluffy too cute to drink lattes – you name it, they create it with impeccable craft. The design of all their spaces are spot on as well.
2/ Escalators (and the beauty of order)
Those who want to stand, go to one side, and the people walking up (or down) can freely do so on the other. Organized and thoughtfulness to others. So easy, yet they are the only ones who perfect it.
3/ Convenience stores (7/11)
If someone told you to eat a hot dog from your neighborhood gas station, you would maybe hesitate (I mean it’s a gas station hot dog), but in Japan that is a valid lunch option. At Japanese convenience stores you can find delicious meals, make copies, or stuff your bag with snacks and chu hais. Their ready made choices are more than decent and they have even have delectable pancakes with butter and syrup inside. We are talking ready to eat convenience store yummy pancakes wrapped up in plastic – where else would you trust such a thing?! The Shell down the street? Doubt it.
4/ Cover for your face in changing rooms
You know when you go to buy a white shirt and someone’s orange makeup is around the neck? It’s the only one left in a size medium and now you can’t buy it? When you try on clothes in Japan, they make sure you have a sheer covering to protect the clothes from your makeup! Just genius (AND THOUGHTFULNESS TO OTHERS).
5/ Bathrooms
Clean bathrooms, heated toilets, fake flushing noises…ah Japanese bathrooms I miss you! How much water would we save if every toilet had a fake flushing noise? Dwell on that for a few minutes.
6/ Cleanliness
It surprised me every time I would see a man vacuuming the train platform or a women wiping off the hand rail of the escalator. Every employee has pride in their job, and make sure it is done right and the train stations are clean.
7/ Safety
Being the world’s third safest country in the world, I always felt safe. This is one of the biggest reasons I miss about living in Japan. It was amazing to feel as secure as I did there. Being back in America, I am back to obsessing over locked car doors, extra cautious of my surroundings and less trusting of people. Not the best feeling in the world.
8/ Cherry Blossom Season
Oh boy do I wish I could have lived there another Cherry Blossom season. It really does deserve all the hype (which I doubted). The whole country comes alive as they sit around for a nice Hanami, and take in the true beauty of the blossoms. If you know me, you know I don’t swoon over florals and pink is my least favorite color – but there I was ooo and awing over those PRETTY PINK BLOSSOMS.
9/ Fashion
You can dress as “out there” as you like in Japan because everyone expresses themselves however they like. From colorful pieces, to the perfectly dressed business woman, Tokyo really is one of the trendiest places in the world. I tried to replicate their wardrobe, but I couldn’t quite pull it off. Still trying, still not pulling it off.
10/ Open container policy
Why can’t a girl sip some wine on the sidewalk every once in awhile? Or come across a beer vending machine in the middle of the street? Why?
11/ Sushi
The quality of the fish, the price…no where in the world beats it. I have been pleasantly surprised returning home to realize there is some good sushi out there not in Japan! But the price tag is what I really miss. And the magical rice.
12/ All food
I can’t just name sushi – ramen, tempura, sashimi, yakitori, and the list goes on…all divine, and all I miss dearly.
13/ Baseball
If you know me, you know I rave about Japanese baseball (as do most Americans in Japan). It is like no other sport experience I have had. The fans, the cheer for every player, the cheerleaders and the girls with kegs on their back – all points sign to American baseball is quite boring.
14/ Grapefruit Sours/strong zeros
Have a grapefruit strong zero and then tell me how you feel – but drink responsibly.
15/ Wet towels before you eat
I never I knew I needed a warm clothe to wipe my hands on before I ate, but now I realize I do in fact need one.
16/ Waiting for the train
Imagine for a second you are in New York City and everyone is in a single file line waiting to get on the train. As people get off, you wait patiently, then all hop on in order of where you were standing. JUST IMAGINE.
17/ Ryokans & Onsen
This is a big one I miss about living in Japan. Some of the best sleep I have gotten is after soaking in a hot spring, and sleeping on a mat in my Yukata.
18/ Your purse goes in a basket not on the floor
Unless a restaurant has hooks to hang your purse it usually ends up on the floor. in Japan, every establishment has a basket or container for you to place your bag or purse in. It’s the little things like this that I miss.
19/ Matcha lattes
I actually was never the biggest matcha fan, but I am pretty sure I just never had GOOD matcha. Japan whips up some of the best matcha lattes probably in the world. Not probably, they do.
20/ 100 yen shops
Lucky for me (and everyone) the Daiso is making it’s way through America. My dream is for every dollar store to be replaced by a 100 yen store. They are clean, organized and you can find so many affordable yet awesome souvenirs or practical items.
21/ Presentation
The way they present everything – from food to a wrapped gift, you won’t be disappointed. They have such care and integrity when serving their customers, and everything they give will be perfectly executed.
22/ Hiking
The hiking in Japan is superb. Whether it is climbing on top of Mt. Fuji or hiking somewhere that looks out to the great icon, nothing beats it. I wish I had taken advantage of more hikes!
23/ Vending machines
You will never go thirsty on the streets (or even on top of Fuji), because vending machines are everywhere. In the summer, the tea and coffee are iced, and warm in the cooler months. They really think of everything.
24/ Efficiency at airports
Narita International is one of the largest airports in the world and I have NEVER waited in line at security. There is some magic there, ladies and gentleman.
25/ Public Transportation
If you know me, you know I am very critical of a city’s public transportation and Tokyo trains are on time, succinct and incredibly efficient.
26/ Cocktail scene
Like the coffee establishments, the cocktail bars are creative, those attending the bar do so with amazing work ethic and the cocktail s are creative (and amazing). Between Hong Kong and Tokyo, I have high standards for a cocktail bar and a good speak easy.
27/ Patience towards foreigners
I included this in my list, because I realize as Americans (myself included) we can be incredibly impatient and rude towards others who are different (especially if they don’t speak English well). If you don’t speak Japanese, they will try as hard as they can to communicate with you (with a smile).
28/ Hospitality
This is a given, as the people in Japan are some of the most hospitable people in the world! They are generous, patient and have a servant attitude that we (or at least) I could use in my own life.
29/ No tipping
I love that in Japan you don’t need to worry about tipping. Employers pay their employees well, not relying on those to tip. Of course when in the States or a country where it is custom I do, but I love that in Japan they serve well because they take pride in their work, not to gain a higher tip.
30/ Historical adventures
No matter where you travel in Japan, there is deep tradition and history wherever you wander. From historical castles, to world renown museums, there is always something to learn and experience.
There are so many other little things that I miss about living in Japan, and I hope to take all that I have learned from the beautiful country to everywhere I live, and most importantly, to every place I travel.
2 Comments
Meg
September 12, 2018 at 6:33 amI’m heading to Japan in November for my honeymoon and I can’t wait! I love organization and order so I feel like I’m so really well with Japanese culture. My husband and I are also so excited for the food and coffee.
Katherine
September 14, 2018 at 1:58 pmAw so amazing! You will LOVE IT! I have a few posts on coffee if you need any suggestions. If you have any questions let me know and enjoy your honeymoon! 🙂