How Has Japan Broadened My Horizons?

Japan has the benefit of being one of the most unique and distinctive societies in the world, which makes it a very popular tourist destination. As soon as you land in Japan, you’ll see that people here do things a little differently than they do in other countries. 

People are polite, organized and keep to themselves. You won’t run into much raucousness unless you’re in a popular party area like Shinjuku or Shibuya on a Saturday night. It may appear that everything here always functions smoothly. Of course, like any place, Japan has its problems. But to a newbie to the country, you’ll be amazed at how organized and planned everything appears. Seeing this high level of organization may even inspire you to implement some of Japan’s cultural practices in your home country.

Additionally, when touring Japan for the first time, you’ll see that even in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, there are still quiet streets that house Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. These shrines and temples are not just tiny structures on street corners, but full buildings with walking paths and sometimes even statues. You can also find much tinier shrines here and there, but often, they’ll be big enough for you to explore on foot. 

Such as with its shrines and temples, Japan is good at preserving traditional culture while also continuously modernizing. While holding onto tradition is not something unique to Japan, Japan is a good example of how to do it right. Maybe it will even inspire you to find new ways to incorporate tradition into your own home country.

Lastly, Japan proves that a good meal doesn’t have to be expensive. When you come here, you’ll see countless ramen noodle shops that cost 1,000 yen per bowl, and pork katsu restaurants that may cost even less. Almost all of these little restaurants are family owned and have been a staple of their community for decades. Japan is a hotspot for delicious, home-cooked food. This type of dining truly teaches you that the best food isn’t always found at a fancy restaurant. 

Having lived in Japan for over three years now, I’ve slowly grown accustomed to how Japan does things a little differently. And for someone arriving in the country for the first time, you’ll surely be surprised by how much Japan helps broaden your horizons too. Thanks for reading this, and I’ll see you next time!