Japan is one of those countries we all know something about. Is it because we know it’s location ,the name of its capital, that is predominately Japanese people speaking Japanese or maybe because we’ve all owned a Sony TV?

I’ve gleaned important facts in my reading about Japan. Firstly, it is classified as an archipelago because of its 4 main islands but also 4000 small. Located off the eastern side of the Asian landmass across the water from China, North Korea and South Korea. A busy neighbourhood! In land terms it is the size of California , but unlike California with a population of 40 million , Japan has 125 million, and yes, almost all Japanese and speaking Japanese with only 2.7% from other nations.

What is amazing is that, not only does this huge population live in a small country , but they also only live on a quarter of the available land mostly along the flat Eastern strip, leaving the remaining three quarters of mountain terrain to serene loveliness. Allaying my biggest fear ahead of the trip that Japan would be a 3 week city break, which could send me over the urban edge.

Fabulously, 38% of the population is over the age of 60. So you will happily find me in the tea houses in preference to boy band concerts or Karaoke bars.

Other things that are familiar. Japan has a democratic parliamentary system and constitutional monarchy. Oh, and they drive on the left hand side of the road. “Nothing to do with us Gov’”.

70% of the population identify as Buddhists, but double up with Shinto, so worshipping the spirit of their ancestors.

Japan in GDP per capital terms is 6.5 trillion USD make it the world’s 5th biggest economy. You wonder how this has come to pass? Toyota, Nippon, Sony, Mitsubushi, Nintendo, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Mazda, Yamaha, Hitachi, Sharp, Canon, Fuji. Never heard of any of them! As one of my friends said to be before leaving, ” when you visit Japan you understand why they have been so successful”. On time means arriving 10 minutes early. Transport runs on time to the nano second and the people have an enviable charm, organisational skills and levels of service. You can only admire a country that doesn’t accept tipping because high levels of service is simply part of the job description and what they are paid to do.

Anyone that knows me knows that I bang on about levels of litter wherever I go, or live. Ad nauseum. Japan is reported to have no bins, nor any street litter. A simple, inspiring mantra, ” take your litter home with you”. Wow, clever.

its important for the visiting guest to also know the countries do’s and dont’s. Do – slurp your food as noisily as possible (ekkk, not sure I can comply) but the dont’s are easier. Don’t point your chopsticks at anyone, don’t blow your nose or eat in the streets and my number one favourite : dont speak on trains… but then how will I know whether the pets are okay, the dustbins are put out and what’s for tea tonight!?