After traveling to Japan six times, I realized that ‘travel is about the weather.’ When the weather is nice, it’s fun to go somewhere and do something. During my five trips to Japan, it was either too hot or too cold. You could only travel during summer or winter vacation. When I landed at the airport, it was either stiflingly hot or significantly colder than I expected.
My husband still talks about the memory of shivering in front of the lake at Ohori Park in Fukuoka. I thought it wouldn’t be cold because it was down there, so I didn’t prepare thick winter clothes. The memory of looking back at Ohori Park while being hit by a cold frost-like wind remains frozen in my mind. With strong winds and snow ‘What if the plane doesn’t take off?’ I also remember feeling anxious in the hotel room. I think about how comfortably I would have been able to enjoy such a place if I had gone there in this weather.
Even if it’s hot, I don’t enjoy traveling. All I can do is look for shade, sip my drink and sit in the cafe. Busy cooling off from the heat. For me, who had only unfavorable memories, this trip to Tokyo was as refreshing as if I had been to Japan for the first time. This is thanks to the temperature being neither cold nor hot and the weather being clear. The light drizzle made the light green leaves look green. It was easy to get around, so it was fun even if I didn’t have to do anything special. I lost track of time because it was so fascinating to see the scenery that was different from our country, the signs with different letters, and the locals in a different atmosphere.
Another thing is who you go with. Companions are important. My husband may not be a very good companion, but it is comfortable. The years we lived together cannot be ignored. Not only is it comfortable, but it is also reassuring. My husband leaves everything to me, including check-in and check-out, all procedures at the airport, food ordering, and taking care of minor tasks in case of emergency. Even though my husband says he doesn’t know me, his presence in itself is reassuring. The best thing is that I can do whatever I want. My husband is okay with whatever he does or eats. Traveling was enjoyable because I had a generous husband who prioritized what I wanted to do.
He decided to abandon his usual cynical concept and cosplay as a good husband, giving up all options to me. It’s a small thing, but it’s a great joy to be able to do what I want. This is because traveling abroad is not easy.
Why is Japan the first country that comes to mind when thinking about traveling?
The first advantage is that it is close. The flight time to Fukuoka is 1 and a half hours. It takes 25 minutes by taxi from the airport to downtown.
Second, the transportation system is good. Most developed countries have well-established subway systems, but is there anywhere as dense as Japan? Looking at Japan’s railway and subway maps makes my head spin. JR is basic, and private subway lines are also dense. There are many routes and you even have to go outside to change. Since the subway is better in terms of accessibility and cost than buses or taxis, there is no choice but to use the subway. There is no place you can’t go if you take the subway.
Third, it is clean. Wherever I go, I can trust that it is hygienic and clean. For a picky person who gets an upset stomach just by changing the water, traveling is dangerous and has many elements of adventure, but Japan is relatively clean wherever you go, so I feel at ease.
Fourth, it is safe. Since they look similar and are from the East, it is hard to tell if they are Korean or Japanese. If you look closely, there is a clear difference. When you see them moving from a distance, you don’t see any clear differences between Westerners and Asians. Since I don’t want to stand out, I feel at ease because I can walk around surrounded by them.
Fifth is food. Eating is so important that it is no exaggeration to say that traveling is about experiencing new foods. Rice is the staple food in Japan, so there is no need to worry. It is not a food that is so greasy that it makes you feel sick, so you will feel comfortable whenever you eat it. If you go to the grocery store in the basement of a department store, there’s nothing you can’t find. They sell lunch boxes of various prices as well as Korean food. There is everything from basic kimchi to japchae, bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi pancakes.
Food-related strengths can also be found in convenience stores. Convenience stores of various brands, accessible from anywhere, make travel comfortable and safe. A sandwich or snack bought at a convenience store is enough for one meal. My daughters even say they want to go to Japan because of convenience stores. Once you go in, you spend a lot of time looking through and looking around, so you have to force yourself to come out. Unlike me, who only buys what I need after a quick look, my children carefully look at the package and look at it over and over again, even though they don’t even know Japanese.
Sixth, most people are kind. There is no need to bring up their inner world. It’s better than people who are warm on the inside but unkind on the outside. I still have no memories of being difficult or unpleasant because of unfriendliness in Japan.
In addition, there is a lot of green space and a variety of local specialties, making it fun to look at. There is no perfect place anywhere in the world. If you were to pick the best countries to travel to, wouldn’t it be in the top 5?
Each country will have different strengths, weaknesses, individualities, and unique features. Some will prefer a city trip, while others will go for yoga to soothe their souls. Others will go trekking, bungee jumping, or scuba diving in search of nature. My wife and I, who do not expect any special experiences from our trip, go to forget everything and let go.
Plus, a bowl of delicious, hot udon and a plate of mouth-watering sushi, what more could you want? If it is safe to walk around and you can leisurely enjoy the lights even at night, it will be like a paradise for travelers. It would be a lie if I said, ‘It was 100% good.’ ‘100% intention to revisit’Would you believe me if I said that? I’m looking forward to my next trip to Japan. I dream of revisiting Tokyo with my husband during a good season.
