Two years ago we arrived in Japan exhausted, excited and not exactly sure what to expect. I knew we’d find adventure here. But I wasn’t sure if it would ever feel like ‘home’ and I didn’t know we’d find friends who’ve become family.
Japan was never high on my ‘bucket list’ of places to visit. Now, I try to convince anyone who will listen why they must make ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’ a priority when it comes to their travel plans.
Alas, a very abridged list (in no particular order) of the things I love about Japan and our life here:
‘Mindfulness of others’
It is the best way I’ve heard to describe Japanese culture. I can’t take credit for it, but you should absolutely watch this minute-long video.
To boil it down: Japan is CLEAN because the people here choose to keep it that way. Japan is QUIET out of respect for others. Japan is SAFE because there is an instilled expectation of high morals.
My favorite lines from the video:
“In Japan people act with others in mind, instead of only thinking of themselves.”
and
“When you cultivate a society where people are mindful of others, life is better for everyone.”
Yakiniku
Before we moved here, I was familiar with sushi (of course) and ramen — but Japan is home to so much amazing food (gyoza, okonomiyaki, tempura, yakitori, shabu shabu, etc!)
Yakiniku, which literally means ‘grilled meat’ in Japanese, might be one of my favorites. At Yakiniku restaurants, a grill sits in the center of your table, sliced meat, seafood and veggies are brought to you, and you grill it all yourself! The yakiniku is served with rice and dipping sauces. Not only is it delicious, but I love the social aspect of the meal! It’s fun to grill a few pieces of meat, enjoy a drink, chat and then grill some more! I love yakiniku for both a date night and a dinner out with friends!
Nomihodai
What goes well with yakiniku? Nomihodai!
Nomihodai translates loosely to ‘all you can drink’ and it’s offered at many restaurants in Japan. A nomihodai plan typically runs $15-$20 for 2 hours of drinking. So, with wine and beer around $5-$7 a glass, it’s often worth it — and certainly not something you see offered much in the U.S.
Daiso (and other 100 Yen stores)
100 yen stores are essentially dollar stores — but so, SO much better! It’s difficult to describe why I think they are superior, but spend 10 minutes in one and you’ll understand. Daiso and Seria are my favorite ¥100 chains. You can find everything from household items to craft supplies to beauty products and stationary, etc. etc. etc. In addition to being able to find just about anything you could thing of, the quality is fantastic! And — I always have to check out the seasonal items
Some of my favorite finds?
Insect repellent stickers (genius!), clear shoe boxes, gift bags, beautiful stationary, moisturizing foot masks, slate serving dishes, disposable frosting piping bags, dishes and champagne coupes!
Japanese Baseball
Unrivaled team spirit, baseball cheerleaders, beer girls with backpack kegs and the umbrella dance! Even if you don’t know the difference between a balk and a bunt and have no clue what an E.R.A is, a few hours at a Japanese ballpark is an experience not to be missed!
My Car
The neighborhood kids call her ‘The Bumblebee’ while others call her ‘Butters’. In fact, she’s a 2003 Suzuki Twin. She’s tiny (perfect for Japan’s impossibly narrow roads) and the bright yellow color means you can see me coming from a mile away (perfect, given that my driving skills are incredibly sub-par). Yes, some might think the car is ridiculous — but I don’t care. It makes me smile and I WISH we could take it back to the states with us!
It’s Extraordinary Beauty
I had no idea Japan was so beautiful. I talk (and write) a lot. But as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words…
Grapefruit Sours/Chu-Hi
Grapefruit Sour: An alcoholic drink that tastes like a Fresca. Ingredients: sochu, grapefruit juice, club soda. Refreshing. Delicious. Surprisingly potent. Comes in several flavors, but grapefruit is my favorite. Served in restaurants and izakayas (bars).
Chu-hi: Essentially a ‘sour’ in a can. They come in dozens of flavors, including seasonal flavors. Enjoy a ‘Strong Zero’ at your own risk.
Shrine Sales
Shrine sales are essentially flea markets. They get their name because they are often held on the grounds of Shinto shrines. Thes shrine sales are held all over Japan. The sale I frequent most often is in Yamato (just a 5 minute drive) and held on the third Saturday of each month. About 200 vendors set up shop selling everything from antiques, kimonos, artwork, books and furniture! I promise, you’ll find things you never knew you needed!
Some of my favorite shrine sale finds include: obis (to be used as table runners), blue and white pottery, a wooden helm AND an authentic, vintage Chanel clutch!!!
Morning Colors
I hadn’t spent much time on military bases before moving to Japan. So for others who might be unfamiliar, at Navy bases the national anthem plays each morning at 8:00 as the American flag is raised for the day. The flag is lowered at sunset accompanied by ‘Retreat’ and ‘Taps’ is played at 10 p.m.
When the flag is being raised or lowered and the music plays, the base comes to a literal stand-still. Anyone within earshot stops what they’re doing to face the flag and stand respectfully still, service members stand at attention and salute if they’re in uniform, cars come to a stop with hazard lights blinking until a bugle sounds signaling ‘Carry on.’
Because the U.S. Navy shares Naval Air Facility Atsugi with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) both the U.S. and Japanese flags are raised each morning and the Star Spangled Banner is followed by the National Anthem of Japan, called ‘Kimigayo.’
The average person probably only hears the National Anthem on occasion before sporting events.
I hear it every morning. And I think there’s something special about starting each day with a song that represents so much — a daily reminder of why we’re here.
Japanese Beauty Products
Sheet masks are having a moment in the U.S. right now, but they’ve been a daily part of Japanese skin care routines for years!
I love testing out the various sheet masks, beauty essences, serums, cleansing oils, etc!
Head Spas
You know when you go to the salon for a haircut, and your stylist washes your hair, and it feels like heaven for 5 minutes?
Imagine that shampoo and head massage lasting for 40 straight minutes. Or even an hour. And THEN — getting a blowout afterwards!
I’ve just described a Japanese head spa. It’s a beauty treatment for the scalp designed to detox, massage, stimulate circulation and deep condition. Not only does it promote healthy hair, but it is incredibly relaxing. Pure bliss.
Reminder to self: Book next head spa appointment — ASAP!
Convenience Stores (conbini)
I have to say, I visit Japanese conbinis far more often than I did convenience stores in the U.S. 7-11, Family Mart and Lawson are the big three chains and each have their pros and cons. However, all of them are a great place for delicious snacks and meals, from obentos (pre-made lunch boxes), onigiri (rice balls), ramen, salads and a wide array of ice cream treats!
Other reasons we frequent conbinis? Tickets. You can buy concert tickets, baseball tickets — you can even book a flight at a conbini!
Vending Machines
You’ll never go thirsty in Japan. Vending machines are literally everywhere. In fact, according to Business Insider, Japan has the highest density of vending machines in the world.
These vending machines sell just about anything you can think of (and definitely things you wouldn’t think of including umbrellas, eggs, fresh fruit, neckties and puppies!)
In Japan, cigarette vending machines still exist. I can’t remember the last time I saw one in the U.S. In fact, they’re banned in most countries.
And — be on the lookout for vending machines stocked with beer, wine, sake — even Zima (which is still a thing here, despite the fact that it’s not 1998!)
Canned Coffee
One of my frequent purchases from said vending machines: canned coffee. You can choose to get it hot or cold… and it’s surprisingly delicious!
Living on an Air Field
Less than a mile from our home is the NAF Atsugi runway, where dozens and dozens of planes and helicopters take off and land each day.
Some people might find living near an airport a nuisance, largely due to the noise.
I think its pretty amazing. After all, people pay to go to air shows. We get to experience one every single day. Our typical 5 mile running loop literally takes us around the flight line and the scenery is aircraft, aircraft and more aircraft.
As a news reporter, seeing a helicopter usually meant one of two things: news important enough to get a chopper up in the air or a med-evac taking someone to the hospital.
Now when I see a helicopter overhead, I smile, knowing the pilot at the controls is likely my husband or one of our good friends.
Fujisan
Mt. Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain (which we successfully summited!) and arguably its most iconic landmark. Her volcanic cone shape (which is beautifully snow-capped the majority of the year) makes the mountain easily recognizable. Fujisan is a beautiful, important symbol of this country and the subject of countless pieces of artwork, songs and souvenirs. And on clear days, we’re lucky enough to see her from multiple spots on NAF Atsugi where we live.
It’s funny, on those days… as I run errands or head out on an adventure, people will stop to say ‘did you catch Fujisan today?’ or ‘doesn’t Fuji look gorgeous this morning?’ On the days she isn’t hiding in the haze, people seem to have a bit more of a spring in their steps. There’s no question the mountain is majestic and impressive. I’ll miss seeing her when we leave here (though, rumor has it Hawaii is pretty gorgeous too!)
Japanese Pottery
I’ve got a thing for blue and white dishes. And I’ve acquired a few more than a few while living in Japan (Chris is probably cringing as he reads this. Sorry, honey!)
Japan is incredibly famous for its pottery and porcelain. And whether found at the Daiso, pottery shops in Kappabashi (Kitchen Street), pottery warehouses or shrine sales — I love it all!
Kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi or sushi-go-round)
We’ve been completely spoiled by sushi in Japan. Of course, going to a nice sushi shop and sitting at the counter for ‘omakase’ (trust the chef) is wonderful, but sushi-go-round is more our speed on a regular basis.
We frequent our local sushi-go-round once a week or so. It’s fun, cheap and delicious!
Hanami
Hanami literally means ‘flower viewing.’ During cherry blossom (or sakura) season, people take off of work and gather with friends to eat and drink under the beautiful pink and white blossoms of Japan’s famous flowers.
Hanami is more than just a picnic with a gorgeous setting though, it’s connected to the Shinto ideal of connecting with and appreciating nature. In addition, cherry blossoms bloom and then fall within about two weeks, a metaphor that life is beautiful, but fleeting.
It isn’t just cherry blossoms — all year long from plum blossoms to hydrangeas and lavender, the Japanese take time to ‘stop and smell the flowers.’ It’s a nice reminder that such beauty should be appreciated.
Our Japan Family
When you’re so far from home, loved ones, friends and the comforts of America (like ‘The Three T’s — Target, Trader Joe’s and TJ Maxx), you find your ‘people’ quickly.
During deployments, those bonds are cemented. After all, having your spouse gone six months out of the year is hard. Those hard days are when you realize your friends have become family. And family takes care of one another.
I am incredibly thankful for our Japan family. And while I know I’ll miss the head spas, the delicious sushi and the gorgeous views of Mt. Fuji when we move in six(ish) months — it is the people who have helped to make this place our home that I will miss the most.