Japan: Mass Transit

As far as we know, there are three separate underground train systems in Tokyo (there could be more). The Metro line, The Toei line and The JR line.

We got lost. A lot.

Fortunately the train line signs were color-coded, numbered and most were in both Japanese and English.

A word of caution from one traveler to another... if you ever find yourself in Tokyo and having to navigate the subway system, you can choose the 'hard way' (the trial and error method) or take the 'easy way'. Choosing your station 'number' and not trying to remember its name is 'easy'. Remembering the number of where you exited the station is another key point consideration in taking the 'easy way'.

The difference between exiting the Asakusa Station ( G19) vs. Akasaka Station (C06) and leaving the station at exit A5 vs. exit B4 could make a serious impact on marital harmony.

We learned the hard way.

I doubt seriously there was ever an argument against mass transit in Japan. The population of Japan is 127.5 million people and it is approximately the size of California. Now, imagine squeezing in 1/2 of the entire population of the USA into California. I don't think they'd fit, especially if they insisted on bringing their SUV's and/or Ford F150  pick-up trucks along.

The Japanese train system is incredibly precise, efficient and civilized.

Once you get to the train platform, everyone stands in line on areas that are clearly defined on the floor that tell you where the doors of the train will open. Sure enough, that's exactly where the train doors open! Then as passengers get out of the train, all embarking passengers stand aside. Nice.

A few of my own personal observation while riding the trains...

• Cellphones were used to read books or newspapers while commuting. Very little texting going on and I only saw one guy actually talking on his cell phone. There are frequent announcements asking that cell phones are silenced while on the train.
• Generally, Japanese women and men dress very well. The current trends for young women are false eyelashes, short-shorts or mini-skirts with boots. Most men are in fashionable dark suits and ties with  hip hairstyles. 

• The trains and stations are very clean and well-lit.
• Soothing music is played as the subway doors open and close. 
• We didn't see any hired "pushers".In fact, there didn't seem to be a need for them.

There is something intrinsically wrong with this picture.

Japan: Dear Japan

Currently, my body thinks it's 6 pm in Tokyo. My mind tells me that it's 3 am in Dallas. So it seems to me that this is a good time as ever to start documenting our trip to Japan. .
_________________________________________________________________________

Marketplace at the entrance to The Senjo-ji Temple in Tokyo

Dear Japan,

In planning our first trip to Japan, we expected there to be a few 'snags' along the way , what with the language barrier, difference in culture, currency and customs. Preparing ourselves for potential problems is an expectation of international travel and we were OK with that. So, we took it upon ourselves to learn a few polite Japanese phrases, read a book on "Japanese Culture" and carry a copy of The Lonely Planet's "Japan"  before traveling 13.5 hours to get to you.

First of all, if I knew how to speak Japanese, I would have told you personally just how much I appreciated your hospitality and patience with us during our week in Tokyo and Kyoto. "Arigato gonzaimas" (Thank you very much) just doesn't seem to express our sincere thanks.

I have never been treated so kindly and so respectfully in any other foreign country. Despite the fact that many of the people that we were exposed to were in the service industry, it appeared that the desire to please and provide guidance was their sole motivation.We are still at a loss to explain the high  level of customer service that we recieved considering that tipping is not common or expected.

On our first night in Japan, we decided to find our hotel by using the train and subway system. The map that I picked up was in Japanese. If you look closely, you can see why this was a problem.

Thanks to the  Japan Rail-Man at Ochanomizu Station, we were given a smile, a nod, an English map and a directional point followed by "one-two-three" (we assumed these were the number of blocks to our hotel)

By the grace of God we made it.  It was late. It was pouring rain, We were soaking wet and exhausted. But, it was our 13th wedding anniversary. So, we sucked it up and went out to dinner. Not far from our hotel, we  found a noodle-bowl diner with pictures of food that you could choose from. It was the best bowl of noodles with an unknown meat source that we have ever had! Throughout our meal it was evident that the waiter and the cooks were watching us for our reaction to the food. Afterwards, we were presented with a complimentary plate of "Goyuza". Just because.

"Goyuza" Japanese Potstickers filled with vegetables

Then there were the silent majority of Japanese on subways and streets. Not once did I feel crowded, pushed or nudged. Personal space is remarkably respected given the population of Tokyo (12,800,000 ) That being said, I recall seeing "Pink" subway cars designated for women only. These "Pink" cars were implemented as a result of groping complaints experienced during rush hour. How thoughtful  Also, we did not expect quiet deference while visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market. You made it clear through your guidebooks that it is a working fish market and not supposed to be a tourist attraction but we chose to take our lives into our own hands while dodging one-man fish trucks speeding around market corners like bats out of hell. I guess they have a job to do and we respect that..

Staying out of the way at the Tsukiji Fish Market

Thank you for your degree of hygiene. Japan has got to be the cleanest country I have ever visited.

I'll begin with the traditional Japanese toilet. I guess I didn't get to that part in my "Japan" book because when I first walked into a Japanese ladies restroom, I was surprised by what I found...

Japanese Toilet - Flush with your foot

Instructions are always a good thing.

Odd. But most definitely sanitary'

Secondly, thank you for including instructions on proper handwashing techniques. Well done Japanese Department of Health and/or Infection Control.

The use of surgical face-masks run rampant in Japan. I suspect that you wear them to protect yourselves from germs as well as to prevent passing on germs to others but I am not certain as to when or why this practice started. Anybody out there know? It certainly makes a lot of sense and shows a high regard for social responsibility.

My book on Japanese Culture said that "Blowing one's nose in public is considered to be disgusting by the Japanese people" (as well it should be). I did not see any nose-blowing in Japan. For that, I am grateful.


Thank you Japan for a great trip.