Japan Holiday round-up

Author: Matt Preston Become a contributor

16 days seemed so long to go when we were sat in Hotel number 1 admiring the view and feeling drowsy from jet-lag. Now it seems so short and we both wish it wasn’t over but alas it is. So here’s a quick review of Japan

It’s a country of extremes in many ways. From technology and a futuristic outlook, to history steeped in traditions and quite a strict lifestyle culture. All of which are something worth seeing for yourself along with the views, the people and most definitely the food!

The people are very friendly. Most in the major cities will bend over backwards to help western travelers. Many are curious of our lifestyle and the country we live in. Everyone looks at you because you look so different. You only notice this because you spend a lot of time looking at all of them because they look so different. Something you get used to, especially if you’re tall like Matt.

The food is unbelievably amazing and varied. It puts our western cuisine to shame easily. There may not be English language menus in most restaurants but this just makes it even better. You’ll soon realise you like all kinds of weird foods and you’ll be sure to try something new almost every day.

The customer service is easily the best in the world. Constantly welcoming you, thanking you, helping you and never wanting a tip (it’s rude to tip here).

The cities are very forward thinking, especially Tokyo which is our favourite. They don’t just have very futuristic gadgets we’ll probably get in 5 years time, they also have common sense gadgets. My favourite being the sink above toilets. When you flush the loo the tank fills up through a tap on the sink, saving water as you wash you hands. That and the many buttons on most toilet seats that do everything from warm your bum to offer you 20 levels of bidet and “power deodoriser” which i was too chicken to ever push.

Having said that squat toilets are still quite common here. Maybe not in the big cities but definitely in more rural areas. If you think portaloos are dodgy at music festivals in the UK you haven’t tried a squat portaloo at a grand prix! It’s a whole new experience!

The trains are so fast you can’t help but watch the world whiz by. The country side is either lush, green and mountainous or covered in houses and skyscrapers as far as the eye can see. The views from the top of many skyscrapers is amazing, twinkling red lights on the top of them makes for an amazing sight at night.

So in conclusion it’s been one of the most amazing holidays we’ll probably ever go on. So much to see, do and experience. It’s inviting, friendly, safe, lots of fun and we both whole-heartedly agree that everyone should visit before they die. So thank you Japan, it’s been mind-blowingly fantastic! We’ll miss you but one day we’ll definitely come back!