Travelling can be stressful even for seasoned traveller, but travelling in Japan is a very different experience and a reflection on the people and their culture.

With brilliant vision the Japanese have made travelling here incredibly easy, despite the fact that the language, to us, is simply a group of pretty symbols. This is achieved by, yes, doubling up in English , but the master stroke is in the consistency of their approach. Once you have worked out a train station in one city, you have worked them out in all. They have done their homework well. What questions would the foreigner ask at each juncture and they cover this off with English information. And where it gets complicated there was always a person who pops up in a yellow jacket, a big smile on their face, and an arm that pulls you in closely to show you that they are there to help you. Too many times people walked to the corner of the road or train gate, to be sure that you got to your destination. Going that extra mile. Then the few times there was no officialdom around a local is more than happy to help you. What amazing people they are. Ten out of ten to them

In 15 days we only saw one woman shouting at someone else in a cheapo place in Gion. We assumed the matriarch not happy with her children working in the kitchen. None of them answered back.

It lead me to think about the social cohesion here borne, yes, in part from economic prosperity, but, as an onlooker, I see more equality and respect amongst the people. This reads as a country of content people, there is no anger, and no visible jealousy or envy.

You notice that all kids look smart and similarly dressed across the nation. When I was younger I would have poo pooed this lack of expression, but now I think that the Japanese have found that sweet spot. Be yourself, but consider the lives of others and recognise that there is a limit to what you can do before it has a negative effect on the life of others.

In one of the temples there was a water fountain. It said on a sign in Japanese and English ” Respect this water”. I loved that.

In wrapping up I always question would I recommend the country to others and would I return. Return, yes, I would, there is so much I didn’t do. For others, yes I would definitely recommend. I think there is something for everyone here. It is hard to side track the urban environment and the sheer numbers of people, but still come and see how society is best managed. My biggest surprise on this trip is how much I have learnt from the people here.