Why Kyoto? To North Americans, Asian culture and history is not as familiar as the European equivalent. This is completely understandable. North America was settled by Europeans. (Respective of native cultures and peoples, European norms, values, and beliefs are the overwhelming majority in today’s North America.) High schools often require western civilization studies or world …
Eat Like a King, for the Price of a Joker Japan is a foodie’s paradise. Even the Michelin organization recognizes this country’s dominance in fine cuisine. As expected, if you’re looking to dine at an internationally-endorsed restaurant, you’ll be looking at an internationally-sized bill. But access to fine dining does not always mean high price. …
Gifting Culture The Japanese are a formal bunch. Even when being casual, they’re dressed up, groomed, and polished. This is not the land of PJ-wearing Walmart shoppers. Part of that formality is the giving and receiving of gifts, or omiyage. It’s not the cost or size of the gift, it’s the act of thinking of …
The Necessity of Being On Time All cultures have their own, idiosyncratic societal norms. The unwritten rules enabling a civil and collaborative society. Above all else, the Japanese are polite and considerate to others. As a people, they collectively place the convenience of others above their own. No where is that more noticeable than Japan’s …
Partying Like A Local Homes in Japan are small by western standards. Nationwide, the average living space per person is 1/4 the size of U.S. and Canadian norms. While seeming tiny to North Americans, the wisely organized living space is plentiful. But smaller houses have limits. Hosting parties and get-togethers at home is a prime …
The Battle of Two Religions and their Messengers Japan’s faith structure primarily consists of the indigenous Shinto faith and imported Buddhism. Shinto can trace its history beyond 10,000 b.c.e., with millions of individual deities co-existing in the physical world. Buddhism, as a natural-law faith, came from China (via Korea) in 552 c.e. When Buddhism arrived …
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Driving In Japan In Japan, it’s easy for foreigners to rent and drive a car. Japan even recognizes the driver’s licenses from a handful of U.S. states, meaning those residents can drive on their existing licenses, without any additional steps. For the rest of us, the best bet is to get an “International Driver’s License” …
ATMs and Banking When compared to other countries, Japan is a case study in contrasts. Walking the streets of the Akihabara district of Tokyo, a person could think they’re actually in a future designed by Arthur C. Clarke (in the Space Odyssey way, not the Fahrenheit 451 way). However, the banking industry continues to be …
Thousands of Years of History Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, and the Indus Valley rank among the oldest human civilizations. Japan isn’t quite that old, but is absolutely unique in the world’s historic cultures. While Japan benefits from China’s proximity (borrowing their architecture, written language, and even food preparation techniques), it has a distinct culture of its …