Our last stop was Takayama, a small town in the “Japanese Alps”. There is nothing wrong with the town but Karen and I both had colds and didn’t feel like doing much. This meant we basically didn’t do much but hang out, buy groceries, and eat. Even for my birthday, the highlight was getting Tex-Mex food and getting a haircut (both very good). I did have time to reflect on quirky things and things that I like about Japan which has been one of our favorite travel destinations.
Family mart and 7-11 are everywhere and have really really good take out snacks. It’s a two step process to use dish soap. Push the button and hold the spongeCute packaging for McDonald’s white chocolate turnover. Delicious BTW.Packaging and labeling in Japan is over the top. The elevators will have a full schematic drawing in case you need to make repairsWe ate at this place a lot. Order from the machine and get a ticket. No credit cards accepted or English menuTypical industrial alley in Tokyo clean and tidy7-11 has counters for eating and the food is great Automation and Orderliness are prevalent but coupled with automation is personalized service. We had a policeman walk us to the right entrance of our hotel when we went to the wrong one. It’s a weird combination but one that we love. You try it but if you have trouble we will swoop in and take care of it.Pagoda in KyotoAlley in traditional neighborhood KyotoShrine by out hotelTraditional Japanese buildings are beautiful. Even there little alleys are soothing. There are shrines everywhere. Small ones and building size onesNaked saxophone guy in HimejiWho is this guy. Anyone know?We saw him in multiple citiesQuirky modern Japan is nerdy, innocent, and very endearing to meGood fried meat chunks from 7-11Getting a haircut in TakayamaMore meat on a stickIn Japan, the people are respectful and polite, the history is rich, the architecture and countryside is beautiful, and The food is tasty and can be cheap. What’s not to love
