People, Tokyo

What a culture! We found the Japanese to be VERY respectful. It should be expected of the traveler. All conversations were held in private with no loud talking. Cells phones did not ring, they buzzed. The recipient would then find a out of the way place to talk. Orderly lines are formed for any waits so look for the stripes on the floor. Even coughing was quiet and discrete. In short, for a city of 15 million people during the day, Tokyo is very organized and respectful of others; some things we Westerners could learn. A traveler there would have to observe the 'rules' to better enjoy the city.

As I got back to Kyoto, I realized that the thing that made this trip so special, were the people who shared it with me. Though I didn't take any pictures of them, they were there guiding me along at this corner, to this subway, to that 'spot'!! This was such a wonderful experience. However if you do not speak Japanese I wouldn't recommend it!! Tokyo is BIG!! Bring a guide book and a map!!! :)

First time I visited Tokyo was in 1998. Office of major manufactor of electrical parts for motorcycles located here. I had appointment with this vendor. Anyway, we arrived early to Tokyo for our appointment. (my friend Takahashi-san and I).
Only problem was we could not find building where office is located! In Japan, to find locations, you need to know either area or nearby buildings.
There are no address numbers on windows or building, just names. I learn that this is best way sometimes to find your way around in Japan.
(especially Tokyo). My friend and I past this building many times, in fact we circled it twice when we arrived, then went in wrong direction. Finally we called office and mention street we were on. They instructed us to follow street and name and turn left and look for Otomachi building.
Once we found building, we then went in and found many addresses. The address of company we were to visit was listed. Just a tip for everyone, when asking for directions, usually person giving directions will mention building or signs to look for.

Transportation Trivia:

The Tokyo Subways: In Tokyo, crowds can get so densed during rush hours that special employees wearing white gloves have been hired to help squeeze in as many people as possible on to the trains and to help shut the doors after them.

- If you're jetlagged and traveling in from the airport after an all-night flight.... please note that even during off-hours (when crowds have thinned out considerably), NEVER take your eyes off your baggage! Experienced thieves wait for these kinds of moments and if you're not alert enough, they'd just grab your luggage and dash out of the subway door... your suitcase in hand, in seconds!

Photo Below: Inside a subway train (the Yamanote line).

This is a graceful society. The people are proud being a Japanese. They value their job as a profession and give respect to others who uphold their own. They will take ownership of their work regardless of credit or criticism.One encounter at a shop: We were pleasantly suprised by their attitute towards their jobs when a sale was closed, there were a round of applause from all the staff.Many a times, customers who step into the shops were greeted, 'Konichiwa....' and with a smile that you known it was sincere. The astronomical prices were most probably the only reason for not buying. Nevertheless, customers would still greeted with '....sayonara' with the same smile as they leave the shops.

In the Harajuku district, teenagers engage in "cosplay". This is basically dressing up in outrageous fashion based upon anime. This is definitely a "must see"!

When you seeing a japanese showing this 'sign' to you....it means 'NO'. Is not a ultraman you saw on the TV program...:)

If you haven't been able to sleep well at home, take my advice and sleep on the train. My transportation tip on this subject might need referring to.