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 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 …
Read more “The Battle of Two Religions and their Messengers”
Public Restrooms and Wet Hands Most public restrooms in Japan are modern, fastidiously clean, and sport washlets on every toilet. But you’ll rarely find a paper towel in a public facility. Outside of higher end hotels, disposable, single-use paper towels are rarely seen in public restrooms. While many public restrooms have high-tech air dryers, this …
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 …
One Country, Two Power Grids Modern industrial Japan is oddly unique. Two, incompatible power grids deliver energy to the nation, effectively dividing the country into east and west. When the country opened its borders to the industrial world in the 1860s, two competing infrastructures descended on the country, with Europe focusing on Tokyo in the …