Yes We Can (go to Japan)

My faithful readers will remember that a couple of entries ago I wrote about the impending probability of cancelling my trip to Japan during the Easter holidays. But literally a day or two before the deadline to cancel my flight, the British government lifted their travel warnings to the Tokyo area and the US soon followed. So, I actually went to Japan after all and spent a lovely 10 days there.

Of course, I was a bit apprehensive about what I would encounter upon arrival. I wasn't sure what to expect after the March 11 earthquake, though it had been a month and a half since it happened. But honestly, if I hadn't known about it, I couldn't have discovered it from being on the streets of Tokyo. Everything seemed to be operating as normal -- all the subways were functioning, and we experienced no power outages either. Really, the only sign of the earthquake disaster was the money collection boxes in various restaurants and shops.

For some reason, I was also slightly worried about the general atmosphere in Japan, even before the earthquake happened. I guess some of it was the fear of the unknown, but somehow Japan seemed a bit more intimidating than Hong Kong or China. However, it certainly is not. The people in Japan were almost universally polite and friendly, and there were enough English signs and picture menus to get by fairly easily. Additionally, and very contrary to the reports in the Lonely Planet guide, there is an abundance of nice, clean public toilets, which was a refreshing change from traveling in the developing world for sure.

Of the three main cities we visited -- Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka -- Kyoto was definitely my favorite. Although it has become modern, it retains much of its traditional Japanese-ness, and there are areas which still feel right out of "Memoirs of a Geisha." I was lucky enough to spot a few geishas walking on the street, as well as some everyday people now and then wearing kimonos, too. Very exciting!

The other highlight of my trip was the chance to see some of the famous sakura, or cherry blossoms. We were there slightly past their prime blooming stage, but there were still some varieties in bloom. At the Hiramo shrine in Kyoto, I was delighted to see trees bearing flowers in several shapes and shades of pink. Hopefully someday I will visit their sisters in Washington, D.C., too.

If I had had more time in Japan, I would have visited Hiroshima, all the while feeling uncomfortable. I would also have traveled to the north and tasted the famous milk and ice cream of Hokkaido. And then of course there's the beautiful Mt. Fuji. After such a wonderful first experience in Japan, I must say that I would recommend it to anyone as a destination, and that I hope I can return someday myself.